tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52075619883650641992024-03-04T23:26:48.138-05:00Tennessee Mountain Biking AllianceThis site is devoted to protecting and promoting mountain bike access in Tennessee.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-67276439587384932772008-10-13T17:11:00.007-04:002009-01-05T10:52:04.674-05:00Tennessee Mountain Bike Alliance Moves SiteIn order to better meet the needs of our site users and provide additional information via a multipage site, the Tennessee Mountain Bike Alliance has officially moved the site to: <a href="http://www.mtbtn.org/%20">http://www.mtbtn.org/<br /></a><br />Any site taking advantage of TMBA's RSS feed should direct the new feed to: <a href="http://www.mtbtn.org/?feed=rss2">http://www.mtbtn.org/?feed=rss2</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-49234694285754838352008-06-17T11:33:00.004-04:002008-06-17T11:47:24.778-04:00Hamilton Creek Mountain Bike Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sorbamidtn.org/photos08/Sorba_poster_final.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://sorbamidtn.org/photos08/Sorba_poster_final.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The <a href="http://sorbamidtn.org/">Middle Tennessee Chapter of SORBA</a> will be hosting a free mountain bike festival at <a href="http://www.nashville.gov/parks/trails/trails-bike.htm">Hamilton Creek Metro Park</a> in Nashville. The June 21, 2008 festival, will feature clinics, group rides, a poker run, general games and kids specific events. <br /><br />The Hamilton Creek Trail Network, was recently expanded and is maintained by the Middle Tennessee Chapter of SORBA. <br /><br />For more information please visit the <a href="http://sorbamidtn.org/">SORBA-Mid TN website</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sorbamidtn.org/photos08/Sorba_poster_final.pdf">Download event flier.</a> (pdf file)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sorbamidtn.org/events/ftf_2008_event_schedule%5B1%5D.pdf">Download an Event Schedule</a>. (pdf file)<br /><br />Google Map directions: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Hamilton+Creek+Park,+2901+Bell+Rd,+Nashville,+Davidson,+Tennessee,+United+States&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=70.490002,108.984375&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,36.108030,-86.629910&ll=36.109432,-86.629901&spn=0.009014,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A">Hamilton Creek Metro Park</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-81242443436694129622008-06-01T23:54:00.003-04:002008-06-02T01:16:18.078-04:00SORBA-Chattanooga To Host National Trail Day Events<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/images/NewsPictures/6-7-08-National_Trails_Day/NTD_icon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://sorbachattanooga.org/images/NewsPictures/6-7-08-National_Trails_Day/NTD_icon.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The Chattanooga Chapter of SORBA (<a href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/index.php">SORBA-Chattanooga</a>) will be celebrating <a href="http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx">National Trails Day</a> by opening an new beginner level trail on Raccoon Mountain. In addition they will be hosting rides and a cookout for mountain bikers. <br /><br />The events will take place on National Trails Day, June 7, 2008 in the Laurel Point area on Raccoon Mountain. The events will start at 9 a.m. EST with mountain bike rides for various riding levels followed by a cookout at noon.<br /><br />The events are free and open to the public. No membership required, but membership applications and information will be on for anyone who wishes to join. <br /><br />The 20 mile Raccoon Trail Network, was constructed and is maintained by SORBA-Chattanooga. It is <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=TVA+Road+Chattanooga+TN+0">located just outside of Chattanooga</a>, Tennessee. When complete the trail system will boast approximately 40 miles of singletrack mountain bike trail. The trail are also open to foot traffic. <br /><br />A poster advertising the event can <a href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/images/NewsPictures/6-7-08-National_Trails_Day/NTD%20flyer.jpg">downloaded</a> from the SORBA-Chattanooga site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-2859241426781061042008-05-02T10:13:00.002-04:002008-05-02T10:16:47.571-04:00Police Bust Alleged Bike Theft Ring in Cleveland, TennesseeIf you or someone you know had their bike stolen, in or around the Cleveland, TN, you might want to contact the Cleveland Tennessee Police Department. It appears they had lady luck shine on them and were able to bust an alleged bicycle theft ring that focused on expensive bikes. <br /><br />If you had a bike stolen you should review your paperwork for serial numbers or contact shop were you purchased the same so that you can provide this information to the Cleveland Tennessee Police Department. Hopefully, you will get your bike back.<br /><a href="http://www.clevelandbanner.com/index.cfm?event=news.view&id=A5094D17-19B9-E2E2-67EA7D6AAC6B4C5B"><br />Cleveland Daily Banner Article</a><br /><br /><a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_127058.asp">Chattanoogan.com Article</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-65851504617185260122008-04-19T11:16:00.010-04:002008-04-19T11:44:42.343-04:00Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew to Visit Knoxville<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.imba.com/resources/logos/images/tccsm.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px;" src="http://www.imba.com/resources/logos/images/tccsm.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.imba.com/tcc/index.html">Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew</a> will be stopping in Knoxville, Tennessee, on the weekend of May 24th and 25th.<br /><br />The Trail Care Crew will be working with the <a href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/">Appalachian Mountain Bike Club</a> (AMBC) to provide hands-on instructions to help develop skilled trail workers and trail work leaders.<br /><br />Specifically, the Trail Care Crew and AMBC will be building new trail at Hastie Park. The session is FREE, and interested trail volunteers, land managers, trail advocates, and hiking/mountain biking enthusiasts are welcome to attend.<br /><br />Sponsored by <a href="http://www.subaru.com/">Subaru of America</a> and directed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), the Trail Care Crew works with IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, land managers, and other trail user groups to build new trails, maintain and restore existing trails, and solve trail management challenges. The program is now in its ninth season.<br /><br />Event schedule TBD. If you plan to attend this event AMBC is requesting you <a href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/index.php?option=com_attend_events&task=view&id=1&Itemid=48">register on line</a>.<br /><br />For more information contact <a href="mailto:rjtall@gmail.com">Josh Tally</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-14162103880800261662008-04-14T00:59:00.006-04:002008-04-19T12:07:38.478-04:00IMBA Lists Chattanooga as a Flagship Riding Area<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/images/NewsPictures/4-13-08%20IMBA-Flagship-Riding-Areas/IMBA-Flagship-Riding-Areas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://sorbachattanooga.org/images/NewsPictures/4-13-08%20IMBA-Flagship-Riding-Areas/IMBA-Flagship-Riding-Areas.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The International Mountain Bicycling Association recently listed Chattanooga as one of fourteen Flagship Riding Areas in the United States, in a mailing seeking donations for its 2008 Trail Building Fund. <a href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/">SORBA-Chattanooga</a> attributes this designation to the thousands of hours members have volunteered to construct the new 17.5 mile <a href="http://216.169.144.144/trails/trails.php?state=8&trail=367">Raccoon Mountain Trail Network</a> and expand the trails at <a href="http://216.169.144.144/trails/trails.php?state=8&trail=54">Booker T. Washington State Park</a>.<br /><br />"This designation recognizes the thousands of hours of trail work our members have volunteered to expanding mountain biking opportunities in the greater Chattanooga-area", said SORBA-Chattanooga Advocacy Director, Jeffrey Schaarschmidt. "This is an especially impressive feat considering Chattanooga had only 7 miles of legally accessible singletrack mountain bike trails just three years ago."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-26698000515767566152008-04-04T19:43:00.005-04:002008-04-04T20:06:58.829-04:00IMBA Mountain Bike Patrol Training in Cookeville, TN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DLM-1hv7KSYk9EPtbIY6uKRH7RjDHp7CZ6pvvsoYsSe8Lv4W3nbR8ezz2qjM-KtNziHwWLSNrd48rWUYd0r6JzgKrDFPFEcJIT1UxYYNp8z84OFe6E2X1QLifH-OcUlVIIFLCN6DORo/s1600-h/MBPlogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DLM-1hv7KSYk9EPtbIY6uKRH7RjDHp7CZ6pvvsoYsSe8Lv4W3nbR8ezz2qjM-KtNziHwWLSNrd48rWUYd0r6JzgKrDFPFEcJIT1UxYYNp8z84OFe6E2X1QLifH-OcUlVIIFLCN6DORo/s200/MBPlogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185545841354760658" border="0" /></a><br />Darryl Glascock, president of the <a href="http://sorbamidtn.org/">Mid Tn Chapter of SORBA</a> announced an <a href="http://www.imba.com/nmbp/index.html">IMBA Mountain Bike Patrol</a> Training course will be held on April 13, in Cookeville, TN.<br /><br />Patrollers inform, assist and educate mountain bikers and other trail users. The fundamental goal of bike patrols is to ensure trail access for mountain bikers.<br /><br />All interested mountain bikers, irregardless of affiliation, are encouraged to attend. For more information please contact Darryl Glascock by email or by calling (615) 210-7529.<br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-23265372032653371252008-03-07T00:57:00.003-05:002008-03-07T01:13:42.033-05:00Action Alert: Help Get New Singletrack at Warner Metro Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_x8386JCj9cM/R9Dc0XxgPgI/AAAAAAAAACM/3BrdgP83kOE/s1600-h/Warner-Park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_x8386JCj9cM/R9Dc0XxgPgI/AAAAAAAAACM/3BrdgP83kOE/s200/Warner-Park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174878764141657602" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://mtb-tn.blogspot.com/">Tennessee Mountain Biking Alliance</a> (TN MTB Alliance) urges all mountain bikers to support new singletrack in the Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.nashville.gov/parks/index.htm">Nashville Metro Parks</a> is currently accepting comments in connection with updating its Master Plan for Warner Park, which currently does not provide for any new mountain biking opportunities.<br /><br />Nashville Metro Parks presently has 113 properties on over 10,570 acres, however only one Metro Park, Hamilton Creek, provides mountain bikers with an opportunity ride on natural surface singletack trails. According to their website “[i]t is the mission of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to provide every citizen of Nashville and Davidson County with an equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities within a network of parks and greenways that preserves and protects the region's natural resources”. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take Action!</span> Tell Metro Parks you support the construction of new mountain bike trails at Warner Park and request the current Master Plan be modified to provide mountain biking opportunities. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Additional Information</span><br /><br />The environmental impacts of bicycling are similar to hiking and considerably less than other uses.<br /><br />The Middle Tennessee chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (<a href="http://sorbamidtn.org/">SORBA-Mid Tn</a>) stands ready to work with Metro Parks in constructing a new mountain bike accessible trail at Warner Park. <br /><br />SORBA Mid Tn has been a long history of providing volunteer trial labor at local parks with provide mountain bike accessible trail. SORBA-Mid Tn has worked with the park manager at Hamilton Creek Park and has completed hundreds of hours of trail maintenance at the park. Additionally, SORBA-Mid Tn successfully worked with park managers at Long Hunter State Park and was responsible for constructing a new mountain bike accessible trail and working with park staff to expand its current mountain bike accessible trail.<br /><br />Email your comments to <a href="mailto:jackie.jones@nashville.gov">Jackie Jones</a> or mail them to the Parks Department in care of Master Plan Update, Post Office Box 196340, 37219-6340.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-46931254811363871372008-02-24T13:16:00.005-05:002008-02-24T16:38:05.976-05:00AMBC Reaches Agreement to Build Trails at Hastie Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Kk9ibjgFFQ_WW_T2Pomr7K6FEV9Qc22zUGoZZXS70O0STenJFBBsEB59F5jf6ESyH871FpZrCuplNuaU84bTGyMpwYm5vneSJ_neL8Vtq2EHEySbO0Cn8EI9xO2LPGlQt5Ka5aKHvM/s1600-h/Hastie-Park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Kk9ibjgFFQ_WW_T2Pomr7K6FEV9Qc22zUGoZZXS70O0STenJFBBsEB59F5jf6ESyH871FpZrCuplNuaU84bTGyMpwYm5vneSJ_neL8Vtq2EHEySbO0Cn8EI9xO2LPGlQt5Ka5aKHvM/s200/Hastie-Park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170612595702388642" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/">Appalachian Mountain Bike Club</a> (AMBC) has received permission to construct a mountain bike trail at Hastie Park in Knoxville, TN, according to AMBC President, Randy Conner. <br /><br />Hastie is an 80-acre City of Knoxville park located in South Knoxville. AMBC worked with the City Parks and Recreation department to make the deal. Says, Conner, "Fortunately, City Parks and Rec recognizes the MTB community as good land stewards, and they are eager to work with us on this project." <br /><br />AMBC has also worked with the Lake Forest Home Owners Association on this project. Both the City and the Home Owners Association are eager to turn the park into a positive piece of the community.<br /><br />A portion of the trail has already been flagged, and March 2nd has been proposed as the first official trail work day. Trail volunteers should check <a href="http://mattstegall.com/knoxvillecyclingforums/viewforum.php?f=13&sid=aa1599b9c44db500746482c0b710ba34">AMBC section of the Knoxville Cycling Forums</a> for details.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-23503872576184560302008-01-20T20:56:00.000-05:002008-01-20T21:02:03.897-05:00Nominations Sought for Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://state.tn.us/environment/images/tdeclogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://state.tn.us/environment/images/tdeclogo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2008 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.<br /><br />“Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment and in recognizing that how we live our lives today affects future generations,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “Our environment impacts everything we do from recreational activities to ensuring healthier communities, so it’s important that we acknowledge the people and organizations that work so hard to protect it.”<br /> <p>Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided it is located in Tennessee and its projects were accomplished during the 2007 calendar year. Nominees must have a minimum of three years of environmental compliance with the Department of Environment and Conservation to be eligible for consideration. Self-nominations are encouraged.</p> <p>A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental, and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2008. Award recipients will be announced in May 2008.</p><p>For more information about each category, judging criteria and nomination forms, visit the <a href="http://www.state.tn.us/environment/awards/">Website</a> or contact Meg Lockhart at: (615) 253-1916.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-45418313233301998722008-01-14T13:02:00.000-05:002008-01-14T17:21:33.824-05:00IMBA Hires Tennesseans as New Trail Care Crew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.imba.com/tcc/images/subaru_driving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.imba.com/tcc/images/subaru_driving.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.imba.com/">International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)</a> announced the hiring of of a new couple for the <a href="http://www.imba.com/tcc/index.html">Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program</a>. Kelly and Collins Bishop hail from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they made huge contributions to the local riding scene.<br /><br />The Bishops worked with both <a href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/">S</a><a href="http://sorbachattanooga.org/">ORBA-Chattanooga</a> and <a href="http://www.sceniccityvelo.com/">Scenic City Velo</a>, Chattanooga's largest racing club. They served as Program Directors for SORBA-Chattanooga's 2007 Summer Ride Program, and worked as volunteer leaders on the trail crews. Off the trial, Collins contributed to the SORBA <span style="font-style: italic;">Fat Tire Times</span>, wrote grant and project proposals and reached out to the public on behalf of SORBA-Chattanooga.<br /><br />Kelly is the founder and director of the Scenic City Velo's Kyrstal Chiks Women's Cycling Program. The Kyrstal Chiks are a developmental cycling program designed to introduce women to the sport of mountain biking, encourage development of cycling skills and promote healthy and active lifestyles. She has promoted and organized dozens of <a href="http://mtb-tn.blogspot.com/2007/10/ladies-mountain-biking-clinic.html">Krystal Chiks cycling clinics</a> and led numerous group rides.<br /><br />Collins serves on the Scenic City Velo Board of Directors and assists with teh club's mountain bike programs, which promoted the inaugural <a href="http://www.sorbachattanooga.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=585">Booker T mountain bike race</a> in Chattanooga.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-45613788743601890412008-01-03T21:24:00.000-05:002008-01-07T13:09:12.260-05:00Tim's Ford State Park to host Mountain Bike Workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.allencrowell.com/images/timsford/timsfordlakeaerial.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.allencrowell.com/images/timsford/timsfordlakeaerial.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.trailblazerar.com/">TrailBlazers Adventure Racing Club</a> announced it will be hosting a mountain bike training workshop on Saturday, January 19, 2008, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, CST, at <a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/">Tim's Ford State Park</a>, near Winchester, Tennessee.<br /><br />Scheduled events include a short presentation on environmental education and rehab efforts in the park, beginner rides led by experienced mountain bikers, intermediate and advanced rides on the park's new 14 mile mountain bike trail, bike games, and prize drawings.<br /><br />This event is free and open to mountain bikers and adventure racers of all skill levels.<br /><br />This is event is co-sponsored by the <a href="http://www.tullahoma-tn.com/departments/parksrec.html">Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department</a> and <a href="http://woodysbicycles.com/">Woody's Bicycles</a>.<br /><br />For more information, contact: <a href="mailto:kjacobi@tullahoma-tn.com">Karin Richard-Jacobi</a>, Tullahoma Parks & Recreation. Directions to Tim's Ford State Park via <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=570+Tims+Ford+Drive+Winchester+TN+37398&ie=UTF8&ll=35.221362,-86.259842&spn=0.027311,0.040169&t=p&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=1">Google Map</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-22100359727383251992007-12-11T18:34:00.000-05:002007-12-11T18:48:54.482-05:00Tennessee Recreation Trails Manual, 4th edition ReleasedThe TDEC Commissioner’s <a href="http://www.state.tn.us/environment/boards/trailandgreenway.shtml">Council on Greenways and Trails</a> in conjunction with the Recreation Educational Service Division has published the 4th edition of the Tennessee Recreation Trails Manual. The manual is titled “Pathways to Trail Building” and deals with trail layout, design and construction methods for non-motorized trails. The copy available for download is in a 8.5” x 11” format with color photographs and can be printed double sided. Pathways to Trail Building was edited by Bob Richards, Greenways and Trails Program Coordinator.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.state.tn.us/environment/recreation/pdf/pathways.pdf">Download the complete Manual.</a> ("Tennessee Recreation Trails Manual, 4th edition", 4.9MB pdf file)<br /><br />If you would like to receive a 5.5” x 8.5 “ 2 color version, please contact <a href="mailto:Robert.Richards@state.tn.us">Bob Richards</a> at 615-532-0753.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-4866261238439827592007-11-20T09:40:00.000-05:002007-12-16T22:31:39.220-05:00Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew to vist Big South Fork<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.imba.com/resources/logos/images/tccsm.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px;" src="http://www.imba.com/resources/logos/images/tccsm.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will be stopping in Oneida, Tennessee, on the weekend of December 8th & 9th.<br /><br />The Trail Care Crew will be working with the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Association (BSFMBA) to provide hands-on instructions to help develop skilled trail workers and trail work leaders. <br /><br />Specifically, the Trail Care Crew & BSFMBA plan to reroute a fall line section of trail to make the trail more sustainable for all users. The session is FREE, and interested trail volunteers, land managers, trail advocates, and hiking/mountain biking enthusiasts are welcome to attend. <br />Sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), the Trail Care Crew works with IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, land managers, and other trail user groups to build new trails, maintain and restore existing trails, and solve trail management challenges. The program is now in its eighth season.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://go.imba.com/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=102501&JServSessionIdr012=u1wuowm0i5.app14a">HERE</a> to review the scheduled events and to register on-line. <br /><br />For more information contact BSFMBA President <a href="mailto:jcross@telepage.net">Joe Cross</a>.<br /><br />Follow-up (December 15): The AMBC has posted a <a href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=40">report</a> of the event to its website. SORBA-Chattanooga posted a <a href="http://www.sorbachattanooga.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=644">report</a> to it website as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-5368921358844409132007-11-08T23:31:00.000-05:002007-11-20T10:01:21.118-05:00Appalachian Mountain Bike Club Unveils Web Site<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/templates/siteground21/images/ambc1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px;" src="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/templates/siteground21/images/ambc1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Tennessee's newest mountain bike advocacy organization, the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), now has a presence on the world wide web. <br /><br />Information about AMBC, including a calendar of event and membership information, can be found at: <a href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org">http://www.ambc-sorba.org</a>. In addition to their web site, they maintain an <a href="http://mattstegall.com/knoxvillecyclingforums/viewforum.php?f=13">AMBC thread</a> on the <a href="http://www.knoxvillecycling.com/">Knoxville Cycling Forums</a>, where they post notices of meetings, trail maintenance, group rides and other upcoming events.<br /><br />The AMBC serves the interests of mountain bikers in the Knoxville-area and is an official of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). <br /><br />SORBA is a nonprofit mountain biking organization with chapters throughout the the Southeast. SORBA maintains active chapters in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and works with land managers to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-58003108743379141952007-10-18T20:40:00.000-04:002007-10-21T20:28:37.933-04:00Encourage Hamilton County Parks to Include Mountain Biking in its Master Plan<span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.hamiltontn.gov/parkrec/">Hamilton County Parks and Recreation</a></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > is soliciting public opinion on the future of county parks. </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Public input will be used to create a long term usage plan for the County’s five regional and 25 neighborhood facilities, including Chester Frost and Enterprise South.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >At the present time, no Hamilton County park contains mountain bike trails. While most of the county parks are too small to support mountain bike trails, both Chester Frost and Enterprise South contain large tracts of undeveloped land which would be prefect for mountain biking. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Mountain bikers are strongly encouraged to voice their support for natural surface mountain bike trails within the county parks, by way of completing a Parks Master Plan Survey and requesting that mountain biking trails be constructed at both Chester Front's Pinky's Point and Enterprise South parks.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Completed forms should be faxed or mailed to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation by October 31. For more information, call (423) 842-0177.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.hamiltontn.gov/parkrec/Parks%20and%20recreation%20survey.pdf">Download a Parks Master Plan Survey</a></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > (4 pages, 26 kb, pdf file)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-75490323666609630102007-10-09T23:55:00.000-04:002007-10-22T22:01:25.551-04:00Shared-use Big South Fork Trail Declared a Success<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bigsouthforkinfo.com/graphics/bigsouthforkpark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.bigsouthforkinfo.com/graphics/bigsouthforkpark.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A year ago the National Park Service (NPS) at Big South Fork established an experiment to determine the feasibly of granting greater mountain bike access to trails that had been traditionally designated hiking-only. Under the terms of the experiment, the park permitted mountain biking on the Grand Gap Loop Trail during the week, while the trail remained hiker-only on weekends. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">During the pilot program the park sought comments from the public regarding the program.<br /><br />Big South Fork spokeman Steve Seven stated the pilot program was successful, noting the park had received no negative comments from hikers. The only complaints from mountain bikers was the trail was closed to mountain bike access on weekends.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Due to the success of the program the park intends to open more traditionally hiking-only trails to mountain biking on a time share basis.<br /><br />The park is exploring opening an extension off from the Grand Gap Loop Trail that leads into Station Camp. If opened this could create a 16 mile loop. (13 miles of singletrack and 3 miles of forest road.)</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">The parks general management plan also calls for other trails to be opened on a time share basis, including portions of the John Muir and Rock Creek Trails.<br /><br />If mountain bikers remain respectful and the park receives no complaints it is likely that the time share program will continue to be expanded to other trails throughout the park, possibly allowing mountain bike access to some of the traditionally hiking-only trails on weekends. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-91314188269953242292007-10-09T20:45:00.000-04:002007-10-22T22:01:53.999-04:00Ladies Mountain Biking Clinic to be held in Chattanooga<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sorbachattanooga.org/pictures/icons/small%20icons/krystal-chicks-dirt-day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 85px; height: 85px;" src="http://www.sorbachattanooga.org/pictures/icons/small%20icons/krystal-chicks-dirt-day.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Team Krystal Chiks announced it will be hosting a mountain bike workshops for</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> women on Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 9 am to 2:30 pm. The beginner and intermediate mountain bike workshops will focus on improving riding skills, trail side maintenance, proper nutrition and racing tips. The events will include group rides. Lunch will be provided by SORBA-Chattanooga.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">All interested parties should "register" for the event by sending email to krystal.chiks@gmail.com, by October 15th. A USA Cycling License is required for insurance purposes. One day licenses , costing $5.00 may be acquired on-site the day of the event. Helmets are required and participants should bring plenty of trail food and water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the event of rain the clinic will be rescheduled for Sunday, October 21. Participants can check the status of the event by checking the SORBA-Chattanooga website before heading out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=TVA+Road+Chattanooga+TN+37419&ie=UTF8&ll=35.049673,-85.392094&spn=0.036468,0.058365&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr&om=0">Google directions to Raccoon Mountain.</a><br /><br />Follow-up (Oct. 21, 07): The event was a huge success, for details check out the <a href="http://www.sorbachattanooga.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=619">event report</a> posted to the SORBA-Chattanooga message boards.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-48269487070009498802007-10-08T19:13:00.000-04:002007-10-09T21:23:56.079-04:00RTP Grant Workshops Announced<span style="font-family:arial;">The Recreation Educational Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced it plans to hold grant application workshops at various locations throughout Tennessee. RTP grants can be used to fund the construction and/or maintenance of mountain bike accessible trails.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">West Tennessee</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 17: Krider Performing Arts Center, 650 Volunteer Dr., Paris, TN</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 18: College Hill Center, 127 N. Grand Ave., Brownsville, TN<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >For more information:</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > Gerald Parish 731-512-1370</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">East Tennessee</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 22: Renaissance Center, 1200 East Center St., Kingsport, TN</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 23: Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Dr., Farragut, TN<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >For more information: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >April Johnson 865-594-2144</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southeast Tennessee</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 24: Athens Regional Park Center, 2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >For more information: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >April Johnson 865-594-2144</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Middle Tennessee</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 30: Patterson Park Center, 521 Mercury Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Oct. 31: Civic Center, Room 101, 210 Albert Gallatin Ave., Gallatin, TN<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >For more information: </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Bonnie Gamble 615-532-0750</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Each grant workshop will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, in their respective time zones.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-39337144479620774582007-10-08T18:08:00.000-04:002007-10-21T20:29:18.529-04:00Southeast Mountain Bikers Encourage TVA to Include MTB Trails in Management Plans<span style="font-family:arial;">The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is in the process of developing a 10-year Land Management Plan to guide use and resource management decisions concerning TVA-managed public lands located along nine mountain reservoirs: Aplachia, Blue Ridge, Chatuge, Fontana, Hiwassee, Nottely, Ocoee 1 (Parksville), Ocoee 2, and Ocoee 3.<br /><br />As part of establishing the Manage Plan TVA held a number of public meetings and allowed the public to voice its opinions via an on-line survey to identify the most suitable and appropriate use for each parcel of TVA-managed public land. Recently, TVA released a report, Summary of Public Participation, which complied all of the information.<br /><br />Mountain bikes came out in force to have voice heard. The report noted that mountain biking ranked as one of the most frequent forms of recreation participated in on the mountain reservoirs. <span style="font-style: italic;">See page 26.</span> Further, eighty percent of the respondents indicated a preference for more land being allocated to mountain biking. <span style="font-style: italic;">See page 27. </span>The Summary identified the desire for more mountain bike trails on all of the TVA-managed public lands listed in the survey. Although no comments were solicited, there were also several very positive references to the successful Raccoon Mountain MTB Trail project on TVA-managed land.<br /><br />The consistent theme of the public comments cited in the Summary included: (1) more mountain biking at all TVA facilities, (2) mountain bike clubs will generally help maintain mountain bike accessible trails, (3) mountain biking as a recreational activity positively impacts local economies, and (4) mountain biking is a low impact sport.<br /><br />The Summary of Public Participation show the importance of taking time to respond to surveys and attending public meetings if mountain bikers wish to maintain and increase mountain bike access.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tva.com/environment/reports/mtnres/pdf/summary_public_participation.pdf">Download the complete report.</a> (Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan - Summary of Public Participation, 41 pages, 242 kb, pdf file.)</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-40866554269582904252007-10-08T01:20:00.001-04:002007-10-10T18:32:06.965-04:00Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail and MTB Access?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sorbachattanooga.com/trails/Tennessee/Trail_of_Tears.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.sorbachattanooga.com/trails/Tennessee/Trail_of_Tears.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="postbody"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >The federal government has approved the construction of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, but the legislation does not ensure mountain bike access for the trail as it passes through Tennessee, but there are at least a few sections that have already been opened in Georgia that allow mountain bike traffic.<br /><br />It is about time mountain bikers start getting involved in this project to ensure mountain bike access to this wonderful historic trail. We need to start organizing in order to show our support for this trail system in Tennessee and to offer our volunteer support to help construct and maintain what will be one of the nation's best trail systems.<br /><br />At the present time they are conducting a Trail Study and accepting comments regarding efforts to expand the trail system from the two routes designated by Congress in 1987. If the proposal is accepted this would open up two more major routes and several smaller routes in Tennessee.<br /><br />If mountain bike traffic is allowed, this system would be an incredible asset due to the fact that it not only passes through, but links, three major Tennessee cities. Mountain bike organizations across the state should pull together to help construct this tribute trail as there are already established mountain biker organization in the three major cities the trail passes through.<br /><br />If mountain bikers sit on the side lines and fail to support the project, logic suggests that it will be more difficult to secure access than if mountain bikers start letting our voices be heard now, and also agree to help construct the trail.<br /><br />Everyone is encouraged to download the Trail Study News and review the proposed expansion. <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/showFile.cfm?projectId=17939&docType=public&MIMEType=application%252Fpdf&filename=TRTE%5Fnewsletter%5Ffinal%5Fweb%5F070907%2Epdf&clientFilename=TRTE%5Fnewsletter%5Ffinal%5Fweb%5F070907%2Epdf">Download the Complete Study.</a> (pdf file) Review the Trail Study News regarding the proposed expansion.<br /><br />After you review it please comment on the plan by filing out <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=448&projectID=17939&documentId=19544">the comment form</a> noting your support for the expansion and voice your desire to make the trail open to mountain bike acces<a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=448&projectID=17939&documentId=19544"></a><br /></span><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-25417380599654189002007-10-03T21:49:00.001-04:002007-10-08T19:09:16.074-04:00TN Study: Mountain biking has minimal trail impact<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="postbody">A recent study preformed, </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >by Dr. Jeffrey L. Marion of Virginia Tech University,</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="postbody"> on the trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in TN/KY determined that Mountain biking has minimal trail impact. The report examines several of the trails and notes each trail's primary users. Many trails receive close to 100% of traffic from a single user group. After reviewing the 85-page report, I can break it down as follows, based on user type, after eliminating issues that were a result of poor construction design:<br /><br />ATV traffic - The report is very critical of ATV use/trails. Noted ATV trails had the most problems and caused the greatest impact on the park. Common issues include fall line trails, "visitor-created informal trails", erosion, poor tread drainage/muddiness, excessive tread width, etc...<br /><br />Horse Traffic - Horse trails had issues with tread width, muddiness, water drainage, and erosion, especially in areas near streams and crossing areas where there were no bridges.<br /><br />Hiking Traffic - Minimal impact, though hiking trails had a lot of issue with "visitor-created informal trails".<br /><br />Biking traffic - </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="postbody">Minimal</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="postbody"> impact. The report on the West Bandy Creek Bike Trail (use 90% bike, 10% hiking traffic) was one of the most positive in the report, for both trail condition and recommendations. In part the report states:<br /><br />"The trail [West Brandy Creek Bike Trail] is narrow, and peripheral impacts are minimal. The trail is clear of blow-downs and other barriers. Although an isolated stretch is located on an abandoned road, the old width has naturalized and a current narrow path persists. This trail receives maintenance from a local bike club. This low use bike trail varied little in tread width (15-33 inches). Mean incision (1 in) and cross section area (6 in squared) measures <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">were slightly lower than the average hiker trail,</span> and considerably lower than the average of all trails combined."<br /><br />It continues: "Summary/Recommendations: Findings indicate that this trail is in excellent condition, and park managers should use the bike user group maintenance actions as a positive example for other user groups to encourage trail stewardship."<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://imba.com/resources/science/marion_nps_report.pdf">Download the complete study.</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >"Assessing and Understanding Trail Degradation: Results from Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area", </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2.3MB pdf file)</span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207561988365064199.post-38510444669061023562007-10-01T21:24:00.000-04:002007-11-20T10:01:46.677-05:00Appalachian Mountain Bike Club Reorganizes, Becomes SORBA Chapter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/templates/siteground21/images/ambc1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px;" src="http://www.ambc-sorba.org/sorba/templates/siteground21/images/ambc1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Knoxville's mountain bike advocacy organization, the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), was given a breath of new life when approximately 15 new members reorganized the group. As part of the group's reorganization it made application to affiliate with the <a href="http://sorba.org/">Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association</a> (SORBA) as an official chapter. The group was awarded chapter status at SORBA's fall meeting last August.<br /><br />The group was reformed primarily to take on the task of constructing new XC trails at Windrock, to compliment the parks existing down hill scene. AMBC trail volunteers have already held their first trail maintenance day at Concord Park on September 23rd, and scheduled another at Lone Mountain in October, while they continue to negotiate with Windrock's land managers.<br /><br />The AMBC doesn't have a website at the present time, but maintains an <a href="http://mattstegall.com/knoxvillecyclingforums/viewforum.php?f=13">AMBC thread</a> on the <a href="http://mattstegall.com/knoxvillecyclingforums">Knoxville Cycling Forums</a>, where they post notices of meetings, trail maintenance, group rides and other upcoming events.<br /><br />The SORBA is a nonprofit mountain biking organization with chapters throughout the the Southeast. SORBA maintains active chapters in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and works with land managers to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0