Northern Michigan is a gorgeous place, and Camp Arcadia is blessed to call it home. That being said, it is exciting when Camp activities are able to be held in such a beautiful atmosphere. This year, Camp is proud to have implemented a brand new mountain biking program through the forests of Arcadia Dunes – land preserved through the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (http://www.gtrlc.org/).
“We started our mountain biking program so that we could take advantage of one of the best mountain biking trails in Michigan, which is just a few miles from Camp,” said Camp Director Chip May.
The trail is located just a short drive away, with members of the Program Staff taking guests there twice weekly. Upon arrival, guests embark on a 10-mile ride through the natural woods of the area.
“This ten mile loop has been a big hit with our guests. It’s definitely challenging, but a blast once you get going,” said Chip. “There are no really long uphill climbs, but lots of shorter ups and downs.”
That being said, this course is both fun and challenging for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.
“I took my 11-year old son, and it was one of the highlights of our week,” said camper Todd Janke. “The course is a great addition to the program. We had a lot of fun.”
*Although the current trail is available for everyone, a new trail especially for beginners will be ready to use soon. This smaller 5-mile loop will be a great way to ease into mountain biking and prepare for the longer, more difficult trip. In fact, campers are able to assist with the creation of this trail during the Thursday afternoon Service Project, led by Nature Girl Sarah Rose.
Until that’s ready, guests are still able to utilize the existing course for exercise and excitement.
*”It’s exhilarating,” said camper Joe Moorman. “It’s just a great workout and a good time. This trip has it all.”
Bikes are available for rental through Camp for anyone interested in an exciting new way to spend an afternoon. Chip May himself finds the trail to be challenging but still interesting.
“To me,” he said, “it is like riding a gentle roller coaster through the woods.”
