Kids mountain bike event puts the “fun” in fundraiser

Mountain biking is a versatile activity that can be done as a family, individually, or competitively against others.

There are tremendous physical, emotional, and mental health benefits that can be realized by biking through trails surrounded by nature. And they don’t have to be ultra difficult trails either, as even beginners get the benefits when biking on “easier” trails.

“There are some really cool spots in Muskoka for biking,” says Sheena Repath, CEO of Muskoka Highlands Academy. Repath and her family, including three-year-old Oscar, love to mountain bike together.

It was this love of the activity, and chatting with some other avid mountain bikers in the area, that lead to a collaboration on an upcoming event.

Partnering with Hidden Valley Highlands and the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association, Muskoka Highlands Academy is hosting a Kids Mountain Bike Mayhem event on June 19.

Taking place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1655 Hidden Valley Road in Huntsville, the free family friendly event is open to all ages and skill levels of mountain bikers.

“For us at MHA, we’re so passionate about play and the outdoors and trying to find different ways to provide that experience for our kids and their families,” says Repath. “We totally get that we are a private school today, but our vision is to make outdoor education and playful education accessible to everyone in our community. We found out from very early on that hosting events is such a cool way for us to do that.”

While as the school has grown over the past few years, they haven’t had as much opportunity to host events. But, Repath notes they’re ramping that up again and it starts with the Kids Mountain Bike Mayhem event.

Listen to the audio of Chris’ chat with Sheena about the event (or download and listen later):

The event will feature a few fun obstacles and races for the kids, while also providing some valuable tips and instruction.

“It’s all about learning the skills,” says Repath. “Once you have the skills, you feel savvy and confident.”

All people need to bring is a bike and a helmet … and a non-perishable food item. As a way to support and give back, Muskoka Highlands Academy is collecting food donations for the Table Food Bank.

To get a better sense of who will be attending, the organizers are asking those interested to RSVP here.

Also, don’t forget to check out Muskoka Highlands Academy, the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association, and Hidden Valley Highlands.

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