This section of trail has been re-routed.(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
The Pisgah Race Director works on drainage.(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
Volunteers dug drainage ditches to funnel water off the trails.(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
Two volunteers complete trail work.(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
After drainage work is completed(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
On this section of trail, volunteers worked on drainage(Image credit: Pisgah Mountain Bike Race)
The Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race has teamed up with the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) to support the association's mission to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in the southeastern United States. Race organizers have donated US$3,000 to SORBA. In turn, SORBA members will be integral to staffing the inaugural edition of the race as volunteers and course marshals.
The partnership with SORBA is a win for both organizations. "The [race] is a great chance to highlight some of the best riding opportunities we have in the Southeast," Branham said. "For SORBA it's an opportunity to spread their message and fund future projects, while supporting the race with great volunteers to help put on an excellent event."
Race director Todd Branham and SORBA volunteers have planned nine trail work days in the Pisgah National Forest, of which two have already taken place. Prior to the start on October 15, Branham's goal is to have volunteers complete one hour of trail work for every racer that will tackle his event.
Racers are encouraged to participate in the trail work, and many, including MonaVie-Cannondale's Jeremiah Bishop, have already signed up.
Following the race, Branham plans to lead volunteers through another round of trail maintenance, to focus on any necessary repairs or tune-ups.
Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
