Lose the Training Wheels is a week-long bike camp that teaches kids with special-needs how to ride a conventional two wheel bike without training wheels. The bike camp has been held in the U.P. for the last 2 years and was a huge success each year with about 95% of the bikers riding a two wheel bike independently by the end of the camp. This summer's camp is set for Monday, July 19th to Friday, July 23rd at the Lakeview Ice Arena in Marquette, Michigan.

About Lose the Training Wheels Program

Children with disabilities such as Autism, MRDD, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy are taught how to ride and transition to a conventional bike within a 5-day period. The program utilizes adapted bikes and techniques developed by Dr. Richard Klein, a retired professor of mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois.  

Camp Purpose/Structure

• The purpose is to teach individuals, ages 8 and up with disabilities, how to ride a conventional bicycle without training wheels. 
• 40 campers are instructed for 75 minutes each day

Camp Details

Dates: July 19 - 23, 2010
Where: Lakeview Arena, Marquette
Cost: $100 per camper. Scholarships are available.

Each camper receives five consecutive days of 75 minute intensive sessions with 1 or more spotters, a helmet, t-shirt, water bottle, snacks, certificate of accomplishment and a trophy.

Registration/Pre-Registration
To pre-register online, please fill out the form to the right or email us at sepac@maresa.k12.mi.us with your name, address, and phone number.

Please note that pre-registration does not guarantee a slot in the camp.The registration form must be filled out and mailed to MARESA - SEPAC Bike Camp before a student is enrolled in the camp.

Volunteer As A Spotter

By volunteering with the LTTW bike camp you are offering your time to help change a child’s life as they accomplish something they never believed they could achieve. You are giving them the chance to be normal and to experience the joy of bike riding. We prefer that volunteers sign up for at least one session for the entire week rather than several sessions for one day. This allows the biker stability in their environment and allows the spotter to experience the biker’s success from beginning to end. It also gives us a chance to train our spotters throughout the week, as the task gets more complicated as the bikers progress. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at sepac@maresa.k12.mi.us. Thanks and we hope to see you this summer!
SEPAC

You can help

You can help SEPAC meet it's mission to support and assist children in special education to reach their full potential. Your financial support is needed to make this camp possible. For more information about contributing to our program, call 906-226-5160.

"My most memorable moment of this bike camp is seeing the look of confidence in my son's eyes during the first session on the roller bike. He actually felt what it was like to ride a bike without training wheels and realized he could do it. With some practice on balancing and positive reinforcement, he found the self-confidence needed to succeed." - John & Cheryl (Parent)

"My son was on a two wheel bike 15 minutes into day two, and I cried. I was so happy for him that he could enjoy bike riding with other children. I don't think bike riding would have been possible without this class." - Kylie (Parent)

"The program gives children self confidence, and teaches them to balance. You can't believe until you and your child experience it. - This program is worth every effort to give it a chance." - Diane (Parent)

"This has been a wonderful experience for my son and myself. To watch him become successful in such a short time with something we struggled with for years had me crying with pride the day he got to two wheels." - Elise (Parent)

"My son got to ride on the tandem. He was in the front and pedaling and smiling away. It was great." - Ann (Parent)