Spring Fest a Success – Hosted by NOC
Nantahala Outdoor Center Hosts Spring Festival
On March 19th around 100 Mountain Bikers, including Land Managers, SORBA Chapter leadership, IMBA Affiliate Clubs and IMBA-SORBA’s Executive Board, all converged on Nantahala Gorge, near Bryson City, NC. The goal was to not only gather for the spring IMBA-SORBA board meeting, but to invite all southeastern clubs and membership. Further, was to teach, share and listen to ideas. The weekend was graciously hosted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center near our trail destination of Tsali Recreation Area.
Attendees were able to draw on the success stories and expertise of professionals such as Bill Victor of Long Cane Trails, LLC and Chris & Leslie Kehmeier, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. Bill Victor offered details in how the Forks Area Trails System (F.A.T.S) was started, with additional input from National Forest Service – Florida Trails Manager Jim Schmid. Schmid was the Ranger at the time Victor enhanced his passion for digging trail. F.A.T.S. is the host for the 2010 IMBA World Summit, near Augusta, GA with the support of our CSRA chapter.
During this leadership meeting, 40 volunteers took part in the IMBA Trail Care Crew class room ses sion to learn more about sustainable trails. After lunch the crews all headed to Tsali for trail work and rides. The rides for the day were focused on the Mouse loop and the Thompson Loop trail, which offers a great mile plus descent at the finish back to the trail head. What a pay off!
Saturday wrapped up back at NOC’s River’s End Restaurant for dinner and awards for volunteers. Special THANKS to NOC and to Oskar Blues/Dale’s Pale Ale for the social and after party. The Colorado based company offers their craft beer in cans utilizing a canning process that has grabbed the attention of many brewers. Pack’t in…Crush & Pack’t Out!
Due to the success of this festival type gathering for trail work, rides and volunteer award banquet, it is moving forward as an annual event. The Spring Festival will move throughout the southeast and highlight other regional mountain bike epics.
