T.H.U.M.B MTB Club

I have started this post many different times but have yet to finish it...this needs to stop. It has been a long time coming so I might as well start the story from the beginning...

Many years ago, Brian and a handful of friends of EPBC decided that we needed more sweet singletrack in our area. There are quite a few places to ride here in the Eastern Panhandle but not a whole lot of good trails besides rogue trails. We decided that we needed to start an IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) chapter to get things going. We had started laying down some trails in Poor House Farm Park outside Martinsburg and wanted to everything official. I took on the task of looking into the IMBA Charter. In doing so I discovered that a club needs to be in place with standing membership first. So we started to meet at the shop to grease the wheels and get something going. Needless to say that since I am writing this years later things didn't go too well. I am not ready to give it all up yet. I am ready for the second push!

THUMB stands for, "The Hillbillies Unite to Mountain Bike." That was a quick name I thought up, we can gladly change it but I know that some others like it too...My main goal here is to get a group of outdoor enthusiasts to come together to help create more outdoor recreating space not only for cyclists but also trail runners, hikers, and equestrians. Another obvious reason is to build a group of people to ride with! One of the problems that we are having is a unorganized effort. It is awesome that we are getting anything done in the woods but I believe we need a clear organized plan. I believe this club will help us be more productive and create great spaces to recreate.

I know a long term goal that many of us share is a trail system in Sleepy Creek. So much good riding up there already but its not what it can be...If we show our community that responsible trail building can bring so much good to our area I believe many doors can be opened for us in the Eastern Panhandle. I have been in contact with the regional director of IMBA and with a little effort on our parts we may be able to get them to help us with a presentation to our local government as well as help with our Poor House Project.

Trail work by THUMB

I will try my best to get some stuff going after the holidays, its such a busy time for everyone I know but I am passionate about this and want to get things going. I hope you will join me in trying to make the Eastern Panhandle more bike friendly, we do live in West Virginia, its a shame we don't have more places to enjoy riding our bike!  Stay tuned for news about a meeting...click the link below to our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thumbmtb/

Please drop me a note below with any feedback or ideas, thanks and have a Merry Christmas!

Trail work by THUMB