The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on Thursday encouraged people to try mountain biking during introductory skill-building programs at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Ironton.
"Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is the premier mountain biking destination in Minnesota," Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails, said in release. "It has miles of scenic, single-track trails for mountain bikers of all abilities, including beginners, and we want to spark interest in more families to get out and enjoy them."
The first I Can Mountain Bike! program of 2016 will be June 25. The class will be offered again on July 23 and Aug. 20. Register for one of three sessions each day: 9-11:30 a.m., noon-2:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m.
During the first half of the program, participants will practice shifting, braking and body position in a wide open setting. During the second half, they'll take a guided ride and explore the trails.
Use of bikes and helmets will be included with the registration fee ($15/child, $25/adult). A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit ($5 value) is also included.
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Children must be at least 10 years old to participate and should be able to comfortably ride a bike on pavement prior to attending this program. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.
โข CLICK: www.mndnr.gov/reservations (24 hours a day).
โข CALL: 866-857-2757 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, excluding holidays.
This is part of a series of skill-building programs offered by the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. Other programs in the series introduce beginners to camping, fishing, rock climbing, paddling and archery.
The I Can! programs are made possible with support from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the three-eighths percent sales tax revenue that may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.
