Valley group promotes youth fitness, exploration

PALMER —Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers will host summer program for kids ages 6-18 offering hikes and rides around the Valley.

Programs run all summer from the first event June 2 through the first week of August. Hikers and bikers may register for $5 online at vmbah.org or at Matanuska Lake on the fist day of the program. Kids need to bring their own hiking and biking gear, but some bicycle rentals are available through VMBAH.

“One of the main goals outside exercising with other kids is having a good time out there. We all stay together, and it’s a good challenge for them to do some tougher trails later in the year with lots of roots and lifts and stuff,” said Dave Musgrave, co-chair of the VMBAH board of directors. “Everybody gets off the bike once in awhile, there’s no shame in walking your bike and getting past the rough stretch.”

The biking program builds on teaching mountain biking skills throughout the course of the summer.

“This year, we’ll have two biking coaches, so we’ll be able to have two groups like we have been trying to, which allows the more experienced returning kids to start out on the more difficult, challenging bikes, and it’s easier for the younger kids who are just starting,” Musgrave said.

The Mat-Su Hikers and Bikers kids program started in 2010. VMBAH promotes fitness and fun through tours around the Valley’s 113 miles on 27 trails maintained by VMBAH volunteers. VMBAH trains volunteers and maintains trails throughout the Valley, including the construction of two trails in the last few years.

“The main emphasis is to get out and enjoy nature and the mountains around here — the wonderful scenic mountains that are easy access for kids,” Musgrave said. “Parents always come along but anybody can tag along on the weekend hikes in the mountains, they don’t even have to belong in the club.”

The VMBAH is always looking for more volunteers for trail maintenance.

For more information, contact VMBAH 746-6010.

Contact Tim Rockey at tim.rockey@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.