2008 Woodie Awards
Bumpy ride for GSC
SORBA
Heather Lacis 924189480@gsc.edu
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
SORBA, the Southern Off- Road Bicycle Association, is the largest non-profit mountain bike organization in the Southeast. Their mission is to promote land access, trail preservation and new trail development. SORBA currently boasts more than 2000 members.
This month the Tumbling Creek Mountain Bike Rumble will be held at GSC and will be introducing a whole new format. In the past Tumbling Creek was a cross country race with a relaxed atmosphere. "This year we are planning a 6 hour endurance race so that we can reach a different section of our racing population," said Tom Sauret, associate professor of English at Gainesville State College and executive director of SORBA. This race is a solo or team event. Sauret is excited about the new format this year and especially enjoys the kids' races.
Currently in its 11th year, this event is a fundraiser for SORBA and proceeds fund their many advocacy, outreach and trail building projects. There is a silent auction planned in which corporate sponsors provide items such as bike racks and accessories. The Halloween night ride, that the Gainesville chapter of SORBA organizes, is a fun evening event. The woods are decorated with a spooky theme and many racers ride in costume. There are many other activities planned such as a social with music, a costume contest, skill clinics and group rides. At the end of the first day there will be an awards ceremony held to reward race winners.
Funds raised at this event will also support the Trips for Kids program, which SORBA has been supporting since 2001. Trips for Kids is a nationwide organization that provides mountain bike outings and environmental education to underprivileged kids. They receive bikes, helmets and practice activities that simulate trail situations. TFK believes that because biking is not a competitive sport and kids do not feel the pressure to "make the team" they can truly enjoy the setting and learn valuable life skills. "Experienced racers enjoy the venue and newcomers are exposed to racing in a great way," said Sauret. So bring your bike and helmet to enjoy the beauty of the trails SORBA works so hard to help preserve.
This month the Tumbling Creek Mountain Bike Rumble will be held at GSC and will be introducing a whole new format. In the past Tumbling Creek was a cross country race with a relaxed atmosphere. "This year we are planning a 6 hour endurance race so that we can reach a different section of our racing population," said Tom Sauret, associate professor of English at Gainesville State College and executive director of SORBA. This race is a solo or team event. Sauret is excited about the new format this year and especially enjoys the kids' races.
Currently in its 11th year, this event is a fundraiser for SORBA and proceeds fund their many advocacy, outreach and trail building projects. There is a silent auction planned in which corporate sponsors provide items such as bike racks and accessories. The Halloween night ride, that the Gainesville chapter of SORBA organizes, is a fun evening event. The woods are decorated with a spooky theme and many racers ride in costume. There are many other activities planned such as a social with music, a costume contest, skill clinics and group rides. At the end of the first day there will be an awards ceremony held to reward race winners.
Funds raised at this event will also support the Trips for Kids program, which SORBA has been supporting since 2001. Trips for Kids is a nationwide organization that provides mountain bike outings and environmental education to underprivileged kids. They receive bikes, helmets and practice activities that simulate trail situations. TFK believes that because biking is not a competitive sport and kids do not feel the pressure to "make the team" they can truly enjoy the setting and learn valuable life skills. "Experienced racers enjoy the venue and newcomers are exposed to racing in a great way," said Sauret. So bring your bike and helmet to enjoy the beauty of the trails SORBA works so hard to help preserve.
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