From the top of Pappy’s Point, you can just see downtown Knoxville’s skyline peeking above the lush green waves of rolling hills to the northwest. It’s an odd sight for a place that feels so removed, but it’s a quick reminder that—even here, surrounded by towering pines and the incessant chirping of songbirds in the heart of the city’s Baker Creek Preserve—you’re just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle.
News
Bell Built Devil’s Racetrack Mini Doc
“I think we got more votes for the Knoxville trail, than we did in prior years for three projects combined”
Check out this Mini Doc showcasing the Bell Built process from concept to completion. For the third year in a row, Bell and IMBA awarded the Bell Built Trail Grant of $100,000. 9 communities competed feverishly and when the smoke cleared Knoxville, TN won the grant. Find out how the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), Legacy Parks, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Bell Helmets helped bring this project to life.
Extra special thanks to our friends at The Frame Theory for the amazing video work.
Knoxville featured in DirtRag
Access Knoxville: A Recipe for Success
“There’s a lot cooking these days in the world of mountain biking. And contrary to what you might think, it’s not necessarily about the construction of progressive trails or constantly improving bicycle technology. At the core, it’s about the communities that have embraced this type of recreation and its connection to the outdoors, making it part of the sustenance that fuels everyday lives.”
May Meeting Rescheduled!
Due to a scheduling conflict, AMBC’s May 2016 meeting will be down the street at our old location, Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria. See you Monday the 23rd at 7pm!
AMBC Mountain Biking Participation Survey
Help us learn about mountain biking participation in Knoxville!
The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club is dedicated to improving trails and trail access in our area. In order to better serve mountain bikers, we need your input. Please answer the following 11 questions about your mountain biking activities and interests in the Knoxville area. The survey should take less than 5 minutes of your time. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself at the end of the survey.
Baker Creek MEGA WORKDAY – April 30
AMBC’s work day on April 30th will be very different from our typical work party. We have partnered with Comcast and Legacy Parks Foundation to put some of the finishing touches on the first phase of work at Baker Creek. For each volunteer at the work party Comcast is going to donate to Baker Creek Preserve, so be sure to come out and bring friends and family!
We’ll be working from 8am – 2pm. Participants need to bring the standard work day items – gloves, sturdy shoes, and water. We’ll take care of the rest. Lunch will be provided by AMBC and Legacy Parks Foundation.
Day-of registration begins at 7:30am at the AMBC tent, but preregistration is highly recommended — Register online here.
DownhillSoutheast Race at Windrock this weekend
Just a reminder to all you gravity junkies out there, our friend and partner Neko Mullaly is putting on the second race of his DownhillSoutheast Race series at Windrock this weekend. Here are the details and course preview.
Schedule
Friday- Mountain open all day, self shuttle
Saturday- Registration 9am-6pm. Open practice 10am-6pm
Sunday- Registration 8am-9am. Open practice 8am-10am. Race starts at 11am. (Women 11:00, Amateur 11:20am, Pro 12:45) Podium 2pm, Shuttles run after the race
Race Fees
Pro $40
Am $30
Women $20
Windrock Fee
1 day: $17
2day: $32
ACTION ALERT: Sign the Petition to Oppose SB1716-HB1650
In January 2016 TN Senator Gardenhire and Representative Carter introduced a bill (HB1650–SB1716) to the state Transportation Subcommittee to prevent the use of gas tax revenue for non-vehicular travel.
Even though bicycles are considered a vehicle under Tennessee State Law, the intent of this dangerous bill is to prevent TDOT from building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
This bill hurts all Tennesseans, since the majority of those who walk and bike in our state also contribute to the gas tax fund. All road users benefit from decreased congestion and improved safety, some of the many benefits of providing walking, biking, and transit options.
Bike Walk Tennessee opposes this bill because of its extremely negative effects on the mobility and safety of all Tennesseans, and urges you to join us in opposition.
This Bill Will:
- Violate Americans with Disabilities Act (as explained by TDOT here)
- Jeopardize Tennessee’s access to nearly a billion dollars of transportation funding from the Federal Highway Administration (as explained by TDOT here)
- Bring back 1950s transportation engineering
- Prevent safety improvements along busy state streets
- Decrease state and federal funds available to local governments
- Hurt businesses and make it harder to attract a competitive workforce
- Eliminate the Multimodal Access Fund
- Void TDOT’s Multimodal Access Policy
- Further endanger people on our streets
- Result in the loss of valuable tourism and commercial dollars
You can help oppose this bill. Sign our petition below and reach out to your representatives to let them know you oppose HB1650 — SB1716.
January Concord Work Day RESCHEDULED
Due to safety concerns stemming from recent wintry weather, we’re moving the upcoming work day at Concord to February 13. See you then!
Join us to Celebrate New Trails at Loyston Point
Please join us and the Tennessee Valley Authority this Sunday, January 31 for the grand opening of the NEW Mill Creek Loop, a 7 mile addition at Loyston Point!
There will be guided rides for all skill levels, women’s rides, bike demos, Knoxville Track and Field Club guided trail runs and food provided by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club! Meet in the Boat Ramp Parking lot (map).
12:00 Demo tents open
1:00 TVA trail dedication and group photo (say cheese!)
1:30 Trail rides and runs depart
Beginner ride: 5-7 miles
Intermediate ride: 7-12 miles
Advanced ride: 12+ miles
It’s going to be the most fun! We’ll announce a backup date in case of inclement weather. Watch AMBC’s Facebook page for updates.
