This is the third in a series of outings for kids ages 7 – 12 this July! This outing will originate at the Packy Offield Trail Center, 1687 M 119 in Petoskey. Kids may bring their own bike helmets, but will use a bike from our fleet of kids bikes. Before they ride they will be fitted for a bike and helmet, learn a number of bike safety rules, and learn about their route by studying a map of the route to their destination.

For this outing, the group will pedal from the Top of Michigan Trails Council headquarters along the North Western State Trail.  After 3.5 miles, they’ll reach their destination: the Oden State Fish Hatchery. Staff there will give the group a tour, followed by a break with a healthy snack and water before the trip back to the Trail Center. Overall, this trip will be about 7 miles round trip.

This program is carefully and thoughtfully planned by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings.  If you have questions, please feel free to email Cindy. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

Parents can register their kids here

This is the first of a series of outings for kids ages 7 – 12 this July! For this summer’s series of kids’ outings, we will meet at the Bay View Boys’ and Girls’ Club Site (Swift Field). These outings are open to Bay View kids and kids from the community (first come, first served).

Kids bring their own bikes and helmets, and before they ride they learn a number of bike safety rules, have their bikes inspected, learn to adjust their helmets, and learn about their route by studying a map of the route to their destination. This first outing will offer kids a chance to do a pedaling parade through Bay View, a distance of about 3 miles. Even Bay View kids will learn something new about this neighborhood!

This program is carefully and thoughtfully planned by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings.  If you have questions, please feel free to email Cindy. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

Parents can register their kids here

A flyer describing our summer outings: 18 KidsBiking flyer

PLEASE NOTE: This session is full! There are openings for the July 25 outing to Oden Fish Hatchery.

This is the second in a series of outings for kids ages 7 – 12 this July! For this summer’s series of kids’ outings, we will meet at the Bay View Boys’ and Girls’ Club Site (Swift Field). These outings are open to Bay View kids and kids from the community (first come, first served).

Kids bring their own bikes and helmets, and before they ride they learn a number of bike safety rules, have their bikes inspected, learn to adjust their helmets, and learn about their route by studying a map of the route to their destination.

For this outing the group will depart from Swift Field and wind down to cross US 31 at the traffic light at Stafford’s Bay View Inn. From there they’ll ride the Little Traverse Wheelway out to East Park for a nature scavenger hunt game. A light healthy snack and water will be provided before pedaling back to Bay View. The length of this outing will be approximately six miles round trip.

This program is carefully and thoughtfully planned by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings.  If you have questions, please feel free to email Cindy. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

A flyer describing our summer outings: 18 KidsBiking flyer

Bike from the flowing artesian well in Conway, all the way to Alanson for a self-propelled ferry ride to explore the Sanctuary Island Park. Bring your bike and helmet, and meet up with the group in Conway, where you’ll learn a number of bike safety rules, have Your bikes inspected, learn to adjust your helmets, and learn about the route by studying a map of the route to your destination. A special treat on the way back – a stop for ice cream! This will be a 10-mile round trip.

This program is carefully and thoughtfully planned by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

Event flyer here

Parents can register their kids here

Kids Biking Club – Biking to the Bear

Kids ages 7 – 12 are invited to this FREE morning activity. Bring your own bikes and helmets to the Packy Offield Trail Center. Before the ride you’ll  learn a number of bike safety rules, have your bikes inspected, learn to adjust their helmets, and learn about your route by studying a map of the route to your destination. This week’s outing is to the Bear River Recreation Area–about a 5-mile round trip. After you get to your destination you’ll be challenged by a nature scavenger hunt.

This outing is led by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

Parents can register their kids here

This is the first of a series of outings for kids ages 7 – 12 this July! Kids bring their own bikes and helmets, and before the ride they learn a number of bike safety rules, have their bikes inspected, learn to adjust their helmets, and learn about their route by studying a map of the route to their destinations. This first outing is to McLean & Eakin Bookstore, about a five-mile round trip. At the bookstore we’ll look over a collection of books about bikes and biking.

This program is carefully and thoughtfully planned by our Kids Biking Coordinator, Cindy Okerlund. Adult volunteers accompany kids on these outings. Don’t wait to register–these sessions fill up fast!

Parents can register their kids here

—by Michael Sheean (TOMTC board member and President of North Country Bicycle Club)

Boyne City has new trails developing in all directions and a community welcoming the trail users with open arms. It begins with Boyne Mountain, well known for their down hill skiing, cross-country trails and mountain bike trails.Then came the mountain bike, snow shoeing and hiking trails developed on the Avalanche Preserve right in Boyne City. Then came the North Country Bicycle Club (NCBC) which sponsors weekly road and mountain bike rides. These active folks were inspired to get involved in the development of off-road multi-purpose non-motorized trails.

Folks in the Boyne area have been observing the work of the Top of Michigan Trails Council (TOMTC), a trails advocacy nonprofit that works to connect the communities of Northern Michigan with a great trail system. TOMTC has assisted in building over 300 miles of trails over the past 20 years and is currently advocating for the development of over 100 additional miles. Inspired by TOMTC, Boyne residents decided to get into the business of trail development. The Boyne City-Charlevoix Trail, being built by Charlevoix County, will connect Boyne City with the Little Traverse Wheelway and the entire TOMTC network. We will be able to ride, jog or rollerblade to Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Alanson and then on to Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Gaylord, or Alpena, and anywhere in between. The first phase of this trail, which follows the Boyne City-Charlevoix Road, was completed last summer, and additional phases are planned during the next several years.

A local group has developed a plan for a Boyne Valley Trailway to connect Boyne City, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Falls with the full support of Boyne City and Boyne Valley Township. The property and funding has been secured and construction will begin in 2018. This will be a very scenic trail through the woods of the Boyne River Valley.

The local restaurants, pubs, sweet shops and bike shops are manning up for the influx of visitors. In fact, two new taprooms and a brewery have opened this year in anticipation of this new business, and a hotel is about to open as well. Make your reservations early to avoid the rush.

In addition, the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) has been very busy creating a premier mountain biking venue at the Avalanche Preserve. When finished, there will be over ten miles of mountain bike trails suited for all levels. TOMMBA members have also been working on the Boyne City School Forest Trail just north of town. This trail has been a hit with the whole family from kids to grandparents.  Mountain biking trails are available at Boyne Mountain, Young State Park, Whiting County Park, the Hill Preserve and several other Little Traverse  Conservancy preserves. You can’t get bored around here on your mountain bike.

These mountain biking trails aren’t only available in the summer months. When winter comes, the same trails are a big attraction for fat tire bikers, snowshoe enthusiasts and cross-country skiers.

Boyne City’s water access offers great opportunities for enjoying our water trails. Whether paddling down the Boyne River or along the shore of Lake Charlevoix, you will find many spots to get on and off the water; there are many great restaurants, pubs and places of interest to visit along the way.   

So now you see why Boyne City is becoming a premier TRAIL TOWN in Northern Michigan. Come on over and join in the fun!

                                                                                                       Michael Sheean

                                                                                                President of the NCBC