Do you want to have fun and make a difference at the same time?
If so, the Moab Mountain Bike Association has just the event for you.
The local chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association is planning a free spring party and group ride on Sunday, March 1 for current members and anyone who is interested in becoming a member.
The day’s events will begin with a group ride around the new Navajo Rock trail area. Free group shuttles will depart from Moab Cyclery, 391 S. Main St., at 11 a.m. From there, the shuttles will take passengers to the Navajo Rock area, where they can then ride the Rocky Top and Ramblin trails. Everyone will be shuttled back to Moab Cyclery for a 3 p.m. post-ride barbeque, which will be hosted by the Moab Mountain Bike Association (MMBA).
Tracy Reed, who serves as the group’s board chair, is hoping that local mountain bikers will join the local chapter in order to facilitate trail work and development, along with trail maintenance. This weekend’s event is a great way to make introductions and get started, she said.
“I encourage local mountain bikers to join the group ride and barbeque,” Reed said. “It will be a fun event and will be a great way to possibly meet new people. This event will also give our chapter the opportunity to share the importance of our local chapter and to hopefully grow our membership.”
The MMBA is hoping to host several group chapter rides each year. However, Reed said it’s challenging to organize the rides during Moab’s busy season because everyone in town is preoccupied with work, or else they’re trying to get out into the great outdoors on their own.
To date, the group has brought several trail work groups together in cooperation with the Manti-La Sal Moab Ranger District, and with the help of Rim Tours’ Matt Hebberd.
“By working directly with the Forest Service on trail projects, we are able to foster a positive relationship between mountain bikers and land managers,” Reed said.
“Giving back to the trails and protecting recreational access to our federal and state lands couldn’t be more important at this present time,” she added.
In the future, the group will continue to sponsor trail work days, chapter barbeques and rides. It will also coordinate events with the International Mountain Biking Association on a regional level.
“MMBA wants to get more of our community involved,” she said.
For more information about the MMBA, go to www.moabmba.com.
Riders invited to support trail work, join free rides
I encourage local mountain bikers to join the group ride and barbeque! It will be a fun event and will be a great way to possibly meet new people.
What: Moab Mountain Bike Association group ride and spring party
When: Sunday, March 1 at 11 a.m.
Where: Group shuttles will depart from Moab Cyclery, 391 S. Main St.
Cost: Free