6 favorite things about Norte
Norte has something for everyone. And in 16-year-old Alexa Bageris' case, there are six favorites that she's connected with as she's grown up with Norte. We recently rolled through those with her.
Adventure Bike Club: "I remember all the fun stops and looking at all the swans and fish on Boardman Lake." Alexa started riding with Norte in 4th grade.
Wednesday Night Slow Rolls: "I like seeing everyone out and being part of that community. It's just really cool."
Walk & Bike to School Day: "Because we live really close to my elementary school, we'd start at the Open Space. It was cool to see that you could use bikes as transportation." (The next Walk & Roll to School Day is May 3).
Coaching: "I worked a retail job in 8th grade and felt it was just for the money. Coaching with Norte is much more rewarding. I feel like I'm helping kids do something they can do their entire lives." Alexa encourages you to join her in coaching this summer!
Bike Valet & Community: "You see the whole town. I like people-watching and have met people from all over." She enjoys being a bike valet attendant at Sara Hardy Farmer's Market and National Cherry Festival.
More Girls on Bikes: "I like that Norte is bigger than just riding bikes! We're finding ways to help women try out biking and reduce that intimidation factor."
Summing up her ongoing experience with Norte, Alexa says that Norte has helped her appreciate biking around Traverse City, notably the Boardman Lake Loop and the Leelanau Trail up to Suttons Bay. And it's shown her a side of herself she didn't fully appreciate before. "Norte's also showed me that I'm actually pretty outgoing. It's helped me develop my communication and people skills," she said.
Alexa is making plans for rolling with Norte this year. Are you ready to roll?
And, what are your six favorite things about Norte? Shoot us a reply with your six favorite things at hello@norteyouthcycling.org.
