Above: Mark Spinler, Nathaniel and his dad, Joe Copeland, stand next to Nathaniel’s new bicycle. Nathaniel won it in the “Get Active Week” drawing. He took part in the Bicycle Rodeo that was in part sponsored by Spinler’s bicycle shop, Superior Outdoor North.
More than 250 people took steps toward a healthier lifestyle by participating in the first annual “Get Active” week.
The idea originated from monthly “Safe Routes to School” meetings, said Mark Spinler. One of the big initiatives from these meetings is to have any future street work done include all modes of transportation—bikes, walking/running, roller blading, etc.,” Spinler said.
“We would like to make it safer for children to walk to and from school,” said Spinler.
Fifteen businesses took part in the event, with four of those—North House Folk School, the Co-operation Station Explorers, Cook County Assessor’s office and the Human Development Center—achieving 100 percent participation. Six businesses, Cook County Public Health & Human Services, Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc., Joynes Ben Franklin, Great Expectations School, Grand Marais Public Library and Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, had more than half of their staff complete the activities.
Left: Mark Spinler presented Leah Thomas with this sporty new bicycle given away in a drawing at the conclusion of “Get Active Week.” About 250 people from the community took part in the events that featured exercise like walking, running and bicycling as a way to get fitter and reduce stress.
“I would like to thank the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department and the State Highway Patrol, along with all of the other volunteers, for their help on the Bike Rodeo,” Spinler said.
Sponsors include the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, the clinic outreach staff, and Superior North Outdoor Center.
Organizers received a $5,000 grant in merchandise from Specialized Bicycle Components, a bicycle shop from Morgan Hills, California.
“We received bicycle helmets to give to kids who attended the Bicycle Rodeo,” said Spinler, adding, “They also donated a youth bike and adult bike that were given away in a drawing.” Leah Thomas won the adult bike and Nathaniel Copeland won the children’s bike.
“We hope to make this an annual event,” noted Spinler.
Theweek was capped off by a 30-mile bicycle ride (to Naniboujou Lodge and back). Twenty-three riders participated, and Spinler hopes that number doubles next year.
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