MARQUETTE -- One of my fondest memories growing up was learning to ride a bike.  My mom had me so padded up that I couldn't bend my legs to pedal.  My dad was proud as could be when the training wheels finally came off. 

American President John F. Kennedy said, "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."   For a decade now, Down Wind Sports in Marquette has been teaching the 8 to 14 year olds that simple pleasure by way of its Junior Mountain Biking Program.

"We started it with about 15 kids back then, and it's grown up into a really rewarding and fun event for us," says Jeff Stasser of Down Wind Sports.

The six-week program now has more than 70 participants.  It's completely free and teaches kids basic biking skills:  how to take care of their bike, how to be a good biker, and how to act in certain situations.  The kids enjoy it so much that many of them come back year after year.

"There's definitely return kids, and they come back and love it and look forward to it.  They always comment on how much they look forward to coming out every week," Stasser says.

But why is it that they enjoy it so much?

"Well, all my friends are here, and they're just as good as me, so I get to ride with them," says 10-year-old Dylan.

"I come back just because I enjoy the thrill of mountain biking, and I like the challenge," agrees 13-year old Tyler.

The people from Down Wind Sports all volunteer their time so the kids have a memorable time.  The program aims to create lifelong bike enthusiasts, and it's successful.  There are people working at Down Wind right now that took this class 10 years ago.