in charge of the racetrack and the recreation area that surrounds it, which is expected to formally include it in its facilities master plan later in 2026. “It’s not a matter of if, but when the bike park comes to fruition,” Berridge says. “Monterey County will have a major new hub for youth outdoor recreation in the form of biking.” Scott Johnson, an assistant coach with the Salinas High School Cowboys Mountain Bike Team, points to the tight-knit community of the mountain biking community, especially on display during the Fort Ord race. “It’s very supportive,” he says. “Everybody cheers for everybody else.” For kids who don’t have a bike, no problem—they’ll be given one for the race. The team also practices multiple days a week at Fort Ord National Monument, with a coach riding in the front and back of the group. Team members learn about the importance of nutrition and how to treat injuries, among other life skills. Johnson’s son Bodie, now a sophomore at Salinas High School, has been competing since the seventh grade. “In the seventh grade, he just did it,” Johnson says. “In eighth grade, he’s starting to get a little better at it. In ninth grade, he’s excelling and becoming pretty good. “He’s a kid who likes to sleep in, but if it’s practice day, he gets up, no complaining.” Johnson says it’s inspiring to see team members discover their passion for mountain biking. “You find that it opens the door for kids who may not have a group, but they’ll find a group within the team,” he says. It’s something that Berridge echoes, recalling a conversation he had with three high school-aged teens during Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. “They spoke so positively and energetically about being out there with friends in nature and away from screens,” he says. “They were clearly speaking from the heart.” Members of the Salinas High School Cowboys Mountain Bike Team were among the hundreds of riders competing in Fun at the Fort. 28 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® FAMILY 2026-2027 A CANNERY ROW TRADITION PIZZA SEAFOOD PASTA 660 Cannery Row 2nd Level of Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row louielinguinis.com 831-648-8500 FREE Clam Chowder Present this COUPON and receive ONE CUP of our Award-Winning Clam Chowder with the purchase of an entree. Limit two per table. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Code: CRVG Trip Advisor Lunch & Dinner Daily KIDS MENUS & GREAT FOR GROUPS Expires 4/2/27 louie_1-3v_FG26_gk.indd 1 3/9/26 11:59 AM
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