Category Archives: Club News

It’s about time for a Membership Drive!

We’re hosting our first Membership Drive throughout the entire month of May — which means new member benefits, special perks for new and upgrading members, and a chance to win some awesome prizes!

Why should you become a member?

Here at AMBC, we work to develop, build, and maintain nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails while offering programming to improve access to outdoor recreation around Knoxville. We have four dedicated Trail Crew members that work on our local trails daily, along with two office staff who focus on programming, fundraising, events, partnerships, and new projects to keep us rolling. And we can’t forget to mention our committed volunteers!

AMBC photos from volunteer work days, kids riding bikes, and bikers on the trails

AMBC memberships support all the work we do, keeping the trails in top shape, breaking ground for new ones, and running programs to get more people outside on bikes. It doesn’t stop there — every membership also advocates for trails across the Southeast through our parent organization, SORBA. Our members can take pride in their local and regional trails, knowing they play an active role in keeping them open and thriving.

Take a look at our 2025 accomplishments to learn more about what we did last year by the numbers.

What is special about the Membership Drive?

Everyone who joins AMBC or upgrades their AMBC membership from May 1st-31st will receive special deals from local partners and — depending on which membership they choose or upgrade to — will be entered to win local prizes of $300-700 value! Learn more about membership and membership tiers at AMBCKnox.org/Join.

All members will also get access to new member benefits in the SORBA app, coming soon!

Special deals for New & Upgrading members:

AMBC prize packages include:

  • Private 2-hour Sauna Session for up to 10 people at Sauna House Knoxville
    • $300 value
    • Automatically entered: New & Upgrading Steel and Aluminum memberships and higher
  • Professional MTB Bike Fit & Service Package from Cycology Bicycles
    • $503 value
    • Automatically entered: New & Upgrading Carbon memberships and higher
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board & 3-Month Climbing Center Membership from River Sports Outfitters
    • $720 value
    • Automatically entered: New & Upgrading Titanium memberships and higher)
  • Head to Toe Bike Apparel Package from Bear Paw Bikes
    • $550 value
    • Automatically entered: All Current, New, & Upgrading Platinum memberships and higher

How do you become a member?

 

SORBA app screenshotThe best way to join is by downloading the SORBA app, making an account, and selecting our chapter. Once you select your membership tier and finalize your payment, you’re officially a member! You can also become a member at AMBCKnox.org/Join through the online portal (but you’ll need the app to access your benefits!).

If you are able, please consider annual recurring subscriptions, which help keep us on track with membership fees we can rely on each year.

Thank you to our local Membership Drive Partners:

Knoxville is an IMBA Trail Town!

We’re proud to announce Knoxville as one of the first IMBA Trail Towns in the country! “Trail Town” is a new national designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) honoring communities with an exceptional commitment to building, maintaining, and celebrating trail systems.

The Knoxville community earned this title by demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Knoxville wouldn’t be where we are without years of dedicated work from individuals and organizations in our community — and AMBC couldn’t do what we do without all of our members, volunteers, and supporters.

“Earning the IMBA Trail Town designation is a reflection of decades of work by our community. With more than 250 miles of mountain bike trails within 30 miles of Knoxville, we’re proud to be a place where trails are part of everyday life and a driver of connection, health, and economic impact,” said Matthew Kellogg, Executive Director of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC).

Trail systems are increasingly recognized as important drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trails often see benefits, including increased tourism, support for local businesses, improved public health, and stronger community connections to the outdoors. Tennessee’s outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024, it reached $15.6 billion in economic impact while employing 114,070 people (Outdoor Recreation Roundtable). “Outdoor recreation is an important amenity for residents and visitors to Knoxville. We are proud of our investments in parks and open spaces and are lucky to have great partnerships that have fostered a healthy, engaged trail community,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon, City of Knoxville.

As part of the Trail Town designation, Knoxville joins 28 communities leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation. We want to thank our community for helping Knoxville become a Trail Town and supporting the work we do each day!

Urban Wilderness Gateway Park Expansion OPEN!

AMBC and community gathered in front of new pavilion at the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park.

It’s OPEN! We gathered with the community on February 5 to celebrate the opening of the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park expansion under the Sevierville Pike Bridge at 1250 Tilson St.

This space is a game changer for the urban wilderness — extending the park to the end of James White Parkway, adding more accessible parking, bathrooms, play areas, and providing cover and shade.

Thank you to all the hands that went into this project, and thank you to the community for showing up and showing love to this new space! For more photos, check out our Facebook post.

Shout out to The City of Knoxville, The City’s Parks & Recreation, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, and Legacy Parks Foundation.

Trail Blazers – Ready, Set, Register!

Trail Blazers Spring 2026 registration is officially open! You can register your child (3rd-5th grade) now through February 24, or until spots are filled. We’re offering the program at Baker Creek and Concord, and we expect to have full programs at both locations — so be sure to sign up ASAP!

Want to get $15 off Trail Blazers registration? Get an AMBC Family Membership at AMBCKnox.org/Join, and be sure to download the SORBA app to access all member benefits including our Trail Blazers discount.

*We still need volunteers, especially for our Concord location! Sign up to volunteer here. 

Trail Blazers is GROWING!

Kids and mentors on bikes during Trail Blazers program.

AMBC’s Trail Blazers is an 8-week program for 3rd–5th graders that blends on and off-bike games, trail exploration, and mentorship. It’s not about racing — it’s about building confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Each session emphasizes play and connection while building real-world bike skills.

Trail Blazers is back for its second season, and it’s GROWING! We’re offering two locations this spring — Baker Creek and Concord. The programs will run 5-7 pm every Tuesday from March 24 through May 12.

Registration opens Monday, January 12. We have limited space (20 kids per location), so sign up ASAP to secure a spot!

Get $15 off registration with AMBC’s Family Membership. Become a member at AMBCKnox.org/Join — and be sure to download the SORBA app to gain access to all our membership deals including the Trail Blazers discount!

We still need volunteers for our Concord location! Volunteers should be able to commit to most or all sessions and will receive background checks and training on the program structure, safety, and games. No coaching experience required — just a love for bikes, trails, and working with kids. Sign up to volunteer today!

*Photo by Leslie Kehmeier. 

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