TRAIL DEVELOPMENT

To the Georgia Cycling Association mountain biking isn't just a sport — it's a healthy, exhilarating way of life perfect to help develop young minds and bodies. But for many of our Georgia Cycling teams, the trail to success isn't always smooth.

Unlike traditional youth sports with dedicated fields, our teams rely on public trails that remain open to the community during our practices. Picture a little league team playing baseball on a field while simultaneously the public can play catch in the outfield. That’s a reality that Georgia Cycling teams must navigate each season.

This presents a unique challenge, especially since many of our student-athletes are new to the sport and need ample space to learn and grow safely alongside members of the community. Overcrowded trails not only pose safety hazards but also diminish the quality of the experience for everyone involved. Nearly 20% of our teams report being “very concerned” about outgrowing their practice locations within three years, highlighting the urgent need for expanding trail capacity.

But for some teams, the challenge isn't overcrowding — it's the scarcity of suitable trails within their community. Imagine a potential team of eager riders looking forward to their first year in our TeamMTB program only to be thwarted by the absence of a nearby practice space. Without access to quality mountain bike trails potential teams may never form, depriving students of the valuable youth development opportunities youth mountain biking can offer.

That's why trail development is a top priority for the Georgia Cycling Association. We are committed to improving existing trails and building new ones, ensuring that young riders across the state have the space they need to thrive. But trail development is no easy feat. It requires time, resources, and a steadfast commitment to turning vision into reality. That's why the Georgia Cycling Association has made it a priority to invest significant time and resources into trail development across the state.

But the truth is, Georgia Cycling can't do it alone. Trail projects require collaboration, cooperation, and community support to succeed. Collaboration with like-minded organizations is crucial to advocating for, funding, and completing trail projects that benefit our communities and empower our youth. That's why the association has forged partnerships that share our passion for expanding access to quality mountain bike trails.