It’s finally warming up here in northern Michigan and that can only mean one thing! It’s time to hit the trails, pathways, and roads. As you gear up for a busy spring summer, and fall of cycling activity here’s a quick checklist for you.Bike? Check.
Helmet and shoes? Check.
Glasses? Check.
Every piece of cycling clothing you’ve ever owned? Check.
Ready?! – Well, Not quite.
Mountain bike riding can be a gear intensive sport and most of us feel like that should be end of our capital and personal outlay with our sport. Numerous people have told me that’s exactly how they felt until they got involved with their local trails and cycling organizations. Now they’ve found that giving back keeps their trails healthy and encourages others to swing their leg over a bicycle to new adventures.
Bikes change lives but occasionally they need a little boost along the way. I get that mountain bike riders are not “joiners” but we all need to support the following groups to ensure that mountain bike riding is a recreational experience that generations to come can enjoy. Do it now! You’ll feel better immediately!
League of Michigan Bicyclists
The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) works on behalf of all cyclists to make bicycling safe and convenient for everyone in Michigan. For LMB to meet its mission, we need active supporters like you. Membership aligns you with other bicyclists across the state, adding your voice to an effective grassroots advocacy group. LMB believes that a connected, engaged, and thriving cyclist community will lead to a stronger, more sustainable, and healthier Michigan. Whether you are a racer, recreational rider, mountain biker, touring cyclist, casual commuter, or social rider, join LMB and help move us towards a more bicycle-friendly Michigan. Learn more at LMB.org/join.
Michigan Mountain Bike Association
MMBA provides resource and advocacy support to the 11 mountain biking chapters within Michigan. Melissa Werkman is the Executive Director and works closely with trail managers, land conservancies, municipal, private, state and federal landowners, legislators and other key stakeholders on trail issues as well as facilitating mountain bike projects throughout the state. This fall the MMBA is hosting the first ever Michigan Mountain Biking Festival at Boyne Mountain August 25-27th. www.mmba.org
Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (or your local chapter of the MMBA)
NMMBA is the regional chapter of MMBA here in Northwest Lower Michigan. Don Clewley and the team are dedicated to building, maintaining, and protecting trails in the area that provide recreational opportunities for locals and travelers alike. Their efforts have expanded to the winter months in supporting the Winter Sports Singletrack and the Cadillac Pathways, with grooming efforts supported by donors like YOU! For 2017, NMMBA is excited to bring you the Traverse City Trails Festival on July 22, a new race and tour that celebrates miles of singletrack just out our backdoor. Stay tuned for more details, and follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch.
Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association
Sean Warren reports that the MiSCA board is excited to announce they’re moving forward with the bid process to become a NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) Affiliate League. If the NICA board approves their bid, MiSCA would become an Affiliate League in the fall of 2018. www.miscabike.org
Here’s to a new season of adventures with good friends!
