Our organization was formed by a group of local mountain bikers that had been riding the trails at Croft Natural Area for several years. Although the trails we're ridden daily they had never been officially recognized by the park service as a trail system. The existing trails were a combination of old dirt bike and hiking trails that had been adopted by the local biking community. The desire to maintain this privilege plus the need to repair and extend the existing trails system was the reason for forming the club. We needed an active voice to approach the managers at Croft Park as well as the State Trail Managers in Columbia. By demonstrating our commitment to providing a good multi-use trail system and demonstrating to the officials the large number of bike users at Croft we have successfully achieved our goal by having the trails at Southside recognized as an official mountain bike and hiking trail.
UMBA - South Carolina State Mass Park Pass Purchase
It is that time of year to buy your South Carolina State Park Passes. Every year UMBA buys in bulk State Park Passes at a reduced rate of $37.50 (normally $50). All you have to do is email the UMBA/State Park Liaison by May 25th including information on how many passes you would like, your email address and your zip code. You will need to be able to pick the pass up in person and pay by cash or check (payable to Croft State Natural Area).
Benefits: Obviously the reduced price, but also you get to send the clear message to the S.C. State Park System that mountain bikers are using the trails. Last year we purchased over 130 passes. This year we enjoy the benefits of a new bridge spanning over 60ft across Fairforest Creek, new trails and the planned construction of a bike wash station.
Please Welcome R.J. Rockers
as our newest trail crew members. No, its not quite what you think. Although, in some cases in may not be a bad idea! If you have noticed some major dirt movement on some of the fall line trails like Southside loop and the power lines, you can thank our friends at RJ Rockers for the use of their Bobcat and skilled user Eddie. They came to our aid in preparations for the Stump Jump Race May 18th by smoothing out some major ruts, filling in a 6 foot deep 20 foot long crevice, filling in a pond in the middle of the trail and adding some water bars to help divert damaging watershed. Not only do they brew a few refreshing beverages, but they now give you a reason to be refreshed. To our friends...cheers!