Kids Bike League Camp at Forest Grove
Forest Grove is thrilled to host the annual Kids Bike League Camp each July in Washington County. The Kids Bike League is a program of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, created and led by Mary Charles Howard.
The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is well underway toward creating road and gravel trails for bicycles from Athens to Savannah. During the years it will take to develop these trails, the Kids Bike League has already begun to provide activities for kids, from 3-years-old through high-school age, in the counties the Hi-Lo will traverse: Greene, Hancock, Washington, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham Counties.
In 2021, a dirt trail was created for bicyclers, hikers, and runners, looping through about 300 acres at Forest Grove. It is three miles or five kilometers long and winds through different environments, into natural woods, past planted pines and open fields.
July, 2022 saw the first Kids Bike League Camp hosted at Forest Grove, which consisted of a morning group and an evening group. The kids were fed, then divided into two groups. One group was fitted for bikes and helmets and began training while the other ventured into the woods with two Naturalist guides. Halfway through the morning the two groups were reversed.
The bicyclers were instructed by professional trainers from all over Georgia, who were assisted by young members of the BRAG Dream Team! BRAG stands for Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, and its young, fit, disciplined members are a great inspiration and example to the kids.
As the week progressed, the kids ventured out onto the trail, and those that were proficient enough were escorted by trainers through the entire trail. The kids who couldn’t ride learned to ride and those who could, learned to ride better and safer! Everyone was doused with water at the finish line and danced to celebrate a fun and successful week!
Through the year, on second Saturdays, folks can come to Forest Grove from 9 AM- 2 PM and ride the trail. Bikes will be available and young riders will be accompanied by trainers. Forest Grove is proud to support the Kids Bike League in their effort to instill a love of healthy exercise and nature in the young people of Washington County.