DIRT SEASON IS COMING!
Thanks for stopping by to check out the 2026 Because Trails Ladies MTB Camp scheduled for June 12-14. We hope you can join us on the amazing trails of Marquette, Michigan for skill building and on the trail learning with professional mountain bike instructors from across the region. Any woman 18 and over, including those new to the bike who want to improve their riding in a supportive, fun environment are welcome to attend. This is not a fitness camp, it is a skills camp focused on helping you become a better rider and comfortable on varied terrain. Class 1 e-bikes welcome. Marquette's NTN Trails will provide diverse ride options and the Because Trails MTB Camp coaches will cater riding and skills progression to attendees.
To cater to attendees, we organize the weekend across tracks and not only skill levels. Step one is to grab a seat for the weekend as registration spots are limited. Step two will be to watch for an email in the months ahead to sign up for specific sessions. Don't worry as we will do our best to assign coaches to accommodate everyone's desires.
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE:
FRIDAY EVENING SKILLS AT FORESTVILLE (Change for 2026!): This year we are going to jump on the bikes on Friday night to get riders ready for the weekend. Riders will be grouped based on their skills and learning desires for the weekend. From "New to Trails, New to the Bike" to "Skills I Got, Help Me Apply Them to the Trails", you are welcome here. We will end Friday with an inspirational Q&A with our Because Trails coaches.
Track Descriptions:
New to Trails, New to the Bike. This track will be catered to those very new to riding and those that have never taken a clinic before. You will start your weekend with skills and drills to get you confident on your bike. From there we will progress you to the trail based on your readiness for easy to more challending terrain.
Skills I Got, Help Me Apply Them to the Trail. You've done a clinic, maybe two, maybe five and you have bike body separation down. This track will be centered on taking your skills to the trail and conquering fears on those technicial climbs and rocky descents.
Let's Play At the Park. That mountain bike park is not just for the kids. You've watched others roll through the jumps or maybe you've always wanted to catch air. We will introduce you to park elements from rollers to drops to small jumps so you can show up your mate or your kid. Prior clinic experience required.
SATURDAY ON THE TRAIL
We will regroup on Saturday at the NTN Forestville Trailhead for a full day on the bikes. Continuing from Friday night, coaches will further progress your skills with both work in the field and on the trail. After lunch, coaches will take riders to various trails across the Marquette region to further work on skills.
SATURDAY EVENING TALKS & Wrap Up
After enjoying dinner (on your own) at any of the many great restaurants across Marquette or relaxing at your Airbnb, regroup for a casual evening of technical and inspirational talks. When women get together there are experiences and knowledge to share on and off the bike. Want to learn when to use a dropper post? We can help with that. Not sure how what to bring in your pack for a day on the trail? We can help with that too. Not sure how to overcome fear of a rock garden or wood bridge? We've been there. Amongst our ranks are some pretty darn badass ladies and they love to answer your questions about all the things bike and life. We will wrap up as a group on Saturday evening knowing riders will disperse to different locations on Sunday.
SUNDAY FUNDAY (Optional)
After honing your skills on Saturday, Sunday will be a time to join new friends for a choice of rides out of different Marquette County Trail Systems. Our skilled coaches and assistants will be your guides to great trails and sessioning of features. You will end the weekend with improved riding skills and new mountain bike friends.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
If you are new to mountain biking, have been riding for years but never had mountain bike instruction, are looking to further your skills from other clinics, or just want to meet new riding friends, this event is for you!
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED?
Any mountain bike designed for off trail use will do. Even better if it has dual suspension but not necessary. Fat tire bike, yes. We also welcome Class 1 e-bikes (max 20 mph, pedal-assist only). Not sure if you bike is right? Please ask.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
We will be dialing in the schedule in the months ahead but plan on starting the evening at 5:00pm on Friday at Forestville Trailhead with check-in followed by group riding skill work from 6pm- 8:30pm. Saturday will be focused around your choice of tracks organized by skill level and run from 9am - 4pm (lunch provided). We will regroup for trail talks in the evening at 7pm (location TBA). Sunday will be rider's choice rolling at 10am with participants choosing their group rides. The final schedule will be emailed a few week's prior to the event. We do recommend coming early to enjoy some time on the trails before camp kicks off or staying late to enjoy Marquette.
REGISTRATION FEE
Cost for the camp including on the bike instruction and educational clinics; Saturday evening beverages/snacks, lunch on Saturday and a commemorative t-shirt is $325 (plus online processing fee).
Every Because Trails event donates to the local trail organization maintaining the trails we ride for the weekend. Please support and contribute to the trail organizations where you play. #becausetrails
REFUNDS
50% refund until May 15, 2026
No refunds after May 15, 2026.
Camp registrants are welcome to fill their spot if they are unable to attend with a $10 transfer fee up until June 1, 2026.
Please contact Because Trails for refund or attendee change.
LIMITED SPOTS
Participation is capped so we can provide a quality experience for all attendees. Be sure to register as soon as possible as spots will fill fast. Once spots are full we will open a waiting list.
LODGING
See Travel Marquette for all things from lodging to family activities. There are plenty of diverse lodging options available across Marquette but don’t wait to reserve. Rippling River Resort is on the South Trails and is a good home base for the weekend. Rustic camping is also available at the Forestville Trailhead where we kick off the weekend.
MORE TO KNOW
We will survey you ahead of the clinic for a number of things including dietary requirements.
Additional questions? Please send an email to lori@becausetrails.com