Pause for a moment and envision a small group of children and parents gathering in the early morning at a local park before school. Cars are parked, seat belts are unbuckled, greetings and smiles are exchanged. Helmets are donned, bikes are unloaded from trunks and racks. The air is crisp with excitement.
Back in 2014, this group gathered to ride together to school, embracing something new. They were part of an intentional effort, sparked by Ty Schmidt and others, to incorporate physical activity into daily routines. They opted out of the school car line, choosing to form what’s often called a bike train. This simple yet transformative action was warmly embraced by our community.
Soon after, Norte Youth Cycling began offering biking initiatives and experiences for riders of all ages and abilities. Over the past decade, if you’ve lived in the region, you’ve likely witnessed the passion, growth, evolution, and impact of Norte. From leisurely Slow Roll rides along Front Street to Bike Valet at the National Cherry Festival, from rides for Moms and Daughters to after-school Mountain Bike Clubs and summer camps, Norte’s growth has been both celebrated and captivating.
In 2019, Norte welcomed 274 children to summer camp. These young riders learned to navigate Traverse City’s roads, trails, and pathways safely. They explored numerous city and county parks, visited local spots like Oryana and the Woodmere Library, gained confidence, independence, and made lifelong friends. It was both simple and magical.
And now, in what seems like a blink of an eye, 10 years later, we’re wrapping up our in-school balance bike program, gearing up to launch after-school Adventure Bike Club and Mountain Bike Club teams, and preparing to welcome more than 1,000 summer campers in June.
Such growth is only possible when a need is recognized, and the community comes together to support the solution. In a world increasingly sedentary and isolated, Norte has provided connections to nature and each other, as well as the adventure, joy, and independence inherent in traveling by bicycle. Our evolution over the past decade reflects our commitment to adapt and expand our offerings to better serve the community. None of this would be possible without our dedicated coaches, volunteers, and donors. Together, you ensure our mission and impact endure, one ride and one rider at a time. Thank you. Our gratitude knows no bounds.
We invite you all to join us on May 17 at the City Opera House for a community celebration. The evening will feature an original short movie by local videographer Mark Goethel, our pedal-powered knitting machine — The Norte Knitter, plenty of free prizes, a few raffle items, and, of course, orange and blue treats! Throw on your Norte shirt or anything orange or blue, ride to the City Opera House, where our volunteers will park your bike before you head in to celebrate. This family-friendly evening of gratitude is free for all to attend, but tickets are required to join the fun. Let’s celebrate the impact Norte has had on our community — fostering friendships, promoting health, and changing lives, one pedal at a time.
So mark your calendars, dust off your bikes, and join us as we ride into the next decade with Norte Youth Cycling.