IMBA has announced a new “assertive stance” to fight what they view as wrongful trail closures without due process in places where they have an active IMBA chapter, during their press conference Thursday. However, IMBA has reaffirmed that they do not support mountain biking in Wilderness areas, and in no way do they seek to modify the 1964 Wilderness Act.
Forever Wild Succeeds in Preserving Alabama’s Outdoor Treasures
Exploring Alabama’s Newest Mountain Bike Trails at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Governor awards grants to improve recreation opportunities in Alabama
Money for new trails!
http://www.media.alabama.gov/AgencyTemplates/adeca/adeca_pr4.aspx?id=10180
Gadsden gets $100,000 to extend Black Creek Trail system
The city of Gadsden has been awarded $100,000 to add more than six miles of trails to the Black Creek Trail system at Noccalula Falls Park.
Shane Ellison, administrative assistant to the mayor, said at Tuesday’s city council meeting that the city had received notice of the funding but no official confirmation from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
The announcement was made earlier Tuesday in a Facebook post from Rep. Mack Butler.
“We’ve received notice that we’ll be receiving a $100,000 grant from ADECA through their Recreational Trails Program for construction of an additional six to seven miles of multi-use trail,” Ellison said.
The expansion will give Gadsden more than 12 miles of multiuse trails around Noccalula Falls Park.
Ellison said the new trails will be great for mountain biking, and the total length will make the site a contender for mountain bike competitions, which he said would bring people to the campground.
The grant will also require a $25,000 match from the city, but Ellison said that won’t be a problem.
“The $25,000 match can come from Christmas at the Falls money,” he said. “It’s been doing really well so far this year. The weather has been good.”
Ellison commended the engineering department for their work on the application and the state for supplying the funds.
He also thanked volunteers, including local mountain bikers, the Gadsden Runners Club and individuals like Ed Whatley for their “sweat equity” in the construction and upkeep of the trails.
New Trail on Forever Wild Land in Dothan
Hiking and biking trail set to open Oct 3, additional mileage possible in the future. Read more here
2016 Alabama High School MTB League Race Schedule
The Alabama NICA League had a fantastic inaugural season, and are gearing up for 2016!
2016 Race Schedule:
March 5-6: Tannehill State Historic Park, McCalla, AL
March 19-20: Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa, AL
April 2-3: U.S. Space and Rocker Center, Huntsville, AL
April 16-17: Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL
April 31-May 1: Make-Up Weekend
May 14-15: Chewacla State Park, Auburn, AL
This is a great program for the kids in our sport, and volunteers are always needed. To learn more and get involved, visit:
New Trails Open at Oak Mountain State Park
Two new sections of trail are now open at Oak Mountain State Park. The fine folks of BUMP continue their hard work at the park, opening the Jekyll & Hyde Connector (connects lower section of Jekyll & Hyde with Quarry Road), and Thunder (runs from Red Road near the intersection of Boulder Ridge and West Ridge to top of Lightning flow trail).
New biking trails to come to Lake Guntersville State Park
State Senator Clay Scofield announced that a grant will be used to create a trail system at Lake Guntersville State Park.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has awarded a $100,000.00 Recreation Trails Program grant which will be used to create a 30-50 mile model trail system at the park.
The State Park will partner with the International Mountain Bicycling Association to create a trail system that will be used by mountain bikers and hikers.
Scofield, Chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee says, “This grant is great news! The trails project will be a great boost to our state park and will have a positive impact on our efforts to promote our park and recruit park visitors.”
State Parks Director Greg Lein said “It’s great to see collaboration work for the betterment of Alabama.”
Scofield has been involved with the recovery of Guntersville State Park since the 2011 tornado.
We believe that in the near future, the ongoing support from our legislators, agencies such ADECA, and supporting recreational organizations like IMBA will make Guntersville State Park one of the greatest mountain biking destinations in the nation,” Scofield said.