which we will give to five local kids.”

through 12; the only prerequisite is that your child be able to ride a bike. “Starting this year, you don’t even have to own a bike to participate, because POP is offering 15 bike grants and scholarships throughout the year,” shares Jason. “Through a community fundraising effort last summer, we raised over $9,000 to purchase high-end Trek mountain bikes, which we will give to five local kids along with scholarships to one of our programs during each session: spring, summer and fall.” Registration for the spring program will open early April, and for those interested in receiving a scholarship and bike grant, there will be an application process.

POP keeps those in the cycling community connected throughout the year in several ways. Club meetings kick off on the second Wednesday in April (and continue through October) at 5:30pm at Matchwood Brewing. Anyone who is interested in learning about the cycling and trail development scene in Sandpoint should attend. “Or, if you’re new to the area and want to meet some cool folks over beers, there’s no better place to be than a monthly POP meeting,” smiles Jason. They offer weekly group rides and trail work parties. They are also very active on Instagram and Facebook, and send out weekly newsletters to their members during the biking season.

Jason encourages those with a passion for bikes and trails to join Pend Oreille Pedalers. Membership starts at $25 and includes POP activities, meetings, opportunity to enroll their kids in the after-school and summer programs, “and earn ‘trail karma’ by helping support the local trails,” he affirms.

Find out more about POP online at PendOreillePedalers. org, Facebook.com/Pend.Pedalers and Instagram.com/ PendOreillePedalers.