MI-TRALE Secretary Linda Schulz is pictured getting ready to lead a group of students on the trail at Camp Nesbit. (Courtesy photo)

SIDNAW — The Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment has conducted their 10th annual free, hands-on, field off-road-vehicle/all-terrain-vehicle (ORV/ATV) training of 6th grade students at Camp Nesbit, managed by the Ottawa National Forest, located near Sidnaw.

These students must have first passed their state required classroom training, so they have earned their “Certified To Ride” Safety Certificate. Once the students pass this field class, they are eligible to ride their vehicles on public trails. All 36 of the students passed with flying colors.

This year’s class was conducted May 14. This beautiful spot in the ONF is perfect for training beginning ORV/ATV riders. All 36 students from the Ewen-Trout Creek, Ontonagon and Watersmeet schools were instructed on how to properly put on and secure helmets, gloves and goggles so they would be safely prepared for riding. Next comes getting properly seated on their machine, becoming familiar with the controls, how to signal for turns, stopping, reading trail signs and at what distance to keep between yourself and the rider in front of you. Then it’s on to following an adult rider leading them on a trail where they put all of that into actual practice. They also learn how to “ride right” and adjust to the variables in terrain that they encounter.

Six Youth ORV/ATVs were donated for use by MI-TRALE Vice-President Jon Fourez. He and President Don Helsel, Secretary Linda Schulz, Treasurer Dave Bishop along with Dave Blake o and Ken Langley, all volunteered their time as trainers for these young people. The students were all very enthusiastic about getting this training and had a wonderful time while they were learning.

Vice President Fourez said, “It was an all-around excellent day! The weather was great and the students were very nice, respectful and one of the best groups we’ve had in recent years. They knew their classroom work very well. We were quite lucky that a couple of the five camp counselors with the students had actually previously been through MI-TRALEs Camp Nesbit training as sixth graders themselves.”

Secretary Schulz noted, “I lead the kids through the obstacle course and to see their confidence build from the first time through to their last time is amazing. It was a fun time and the kids were great!”

In conclusion, President Helsel stated, “Over the last 10 years, MI-TRALE has trained over 500 6th grade students on the safe and proper riding of an ATV. This is an important program to help ensure the future of this recreational sport. MI-TRALE is proud to be able to provide this community service.”