Norte Youth Cycling

Mission: We Champion Bikes and Community

Vision: Happy, Healthy, Strong Communities

At Norte Youth Cycling, we're on a mission to build happy, healthy, strong communities. We are committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities to be physically active, and socially connected through cycling. We believe creating safe and accessible active transportation options is essential for building healthy, sustainable communities.

Our youth bike programs are at the heart of what we do. By providing hands-on education and opportunities, we empower children to develop lifelong habits that promote health, independence, and confidence. Our community initiatives such as Slow Rolls, Tune-Ups, Bikes for All, mechanic classes, and more ensure our impact and reach are accessible to all riders!

Founded by Ty and Johanna Schmidt in 2014, Norte’s mission to use bicycles to foster independence, confidence, and community connections remains strong. We are dedicated to creating happy, healthy, strong communities, one rider and one ride at a time.

Since 2021, we have provided over $42,000 in scholarships to ensure all children have access to our programs. Our Bike Library, with nearly 1,000 bikes ensures every child can experience the joys of cycling.

In recognition of our 10-year anniversary, Mark Goethel spent the last year capturing the joy, adventure, confidence, independence, and community connections our mission nurtures. The full-length movie is 18 minutes long. The final result is captivating and empowering. We invite you to watch Mark Goethel's entire, original movie, Norte: A Decade in Motion. Enjoy!

Norte’s first decade signals not only the resilience of our staff, volunteer board, coaches, volunteers, and countless supporters but also the priorities of our community. Your support has helped shift and shape the conversation and actions surrounding physical activity and social connections in northern Michigan since 2014!

As you encounter Team Norte riders on the trails or cruising through town, we encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge that your support has helped cultivate an environment where children in our region can thrive—on and off a bike. 

Thank you for joining us on this important and joyful journey.

With gratitude,

Jill and the Norte Team