From First Ride to the Next Generation
In the Northwoods, the next generation of mountain bikers is already finding its way onto the trails.
In 2026, the Life Time Foundation provided CAMBA with a $10,000 grant to cover registration fees for the CAMBA Kids Adventure Mountain Bike Camp, giving local kids the opportunity to learn foundational mountain biking skills, build confidence and experience the trails in a welcoming environment. CAMBA’s camp introduces young riders to the skills and joy of mountain biking, creating an accessible entry point into a sport that can become a lifelong way of moving, exploring and connecting with others.
For many local riders, that journey can continue through the Hayward NICA team, creating a pathway from learning the basics on the trail to becoming part of a team and growing as a young athlete. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when communities make movement and outdoor experiences more accessible to kids.
That same connection was at the heart of this year’s Generations in Motion campaign at the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival. Four coach, parent and student-athlete pairs took on the Short & Fat race together, sharing their stories and raising funds to support the local cycling community. So far, the teams have raised $3,355 toward their $4,000 goal, with funds raised through the campaign being split between CAMBA and the local Hayward NICA team.
Together, these efforts create more than opportunities to ride. They create a pathway for young people to discover cycling, build confidence, find community and see themselves as part of the future of the sport.
That’s Generations in Motion: supporting today’s riders, inspiring tomorrow’s and celebrating cycling’s power to connect generations.
The Life Time Foundation’s broader Youth Movement work similarly focuses on creating pathways for kids to build confidence, develop skills and discover a lifelong love of movement through programs including youth biking, CAMBA camps, Generations in Motion and NICA partnerships.
