Summer is winding down… Summer officially ended on 9/20/23 and you can see a notable difference in the volume of people in our area after the Labor Day weekend. There are still several weeks of riding as we head into fall and the cooler temps and vibrant leaf colors that are not far away. It was a very busy summer beyond just rides with SABA, read more below about what has been happening and things heading our way in the weeks ahead. Be sure to check out our website https://www.sabacycling.com and the SABA Group page on Facebook for up-to-date info on rides, meetings, and events. Come join the ride! Rod Fortney, President SABA’s Busy Summer Advocacy in action… This summer provided opportunity for SABA members to voice opinions on issues impacting cyclists at the local and federal levels. Cherokee County Animal Control or lack thereof is something that many of us have faced in the area. Cherokee County Commissioner Jan Griggs proposed a defined animal control ordinance for the Cherokee County that would include creating two animal control officers. Several SABA members attended county commission meetings to express the need and support for such an ordinance. Unfortunately, the proposed ordinance did not receive support from three of the five commissioners to move forward. However, all is not lost as Cherokee County has an existing animal control ordinance that states that the county will enforce the NC General Statute regarding Animal Control. Here is the link to the NC General Statute https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatuteSections/Chapter67. All the items in the proposed county ordinance exist in the State level law. If you have an animal encounter in Cherokee County, it is suggested that you call the Sheriff’s non-emergency number 828-837-2589 to report the issue. USFS User Fees at Jackrabbit Trail System was another opportunity for SAB members to provide input regarding a proposed daily user fee at the Jackrabbit trails. The USFS has proposed that only mountain bikers be charged a daily usage fee of $5 or $30 annually with funds going to support USFS efforts at Jackrabbit. As SABA, CCCRA and the community raised the money to build the trails and SABA continues to maintain the Jackrabbit trails the proposal to only apply the fee to mountain bikers did not seem practical or fair. Several SABA members met with Congressman Chuck Adams to request his support that any day use fees be applied to ALL trail users not just mountain bikers. Congressman Adams wrote a letter to the USFS as did the Clay County Commission. All SABA members were asked to provide input during the USFS Public Input period that ended 8/22/2023. The USFS is still compiling the input which will be forwarded up the chain for review and decision. Based on the process it will be at least one year before a decision is made on the usage fee. We’ll update you on this topic as information is received. Other happenings… NC Year of The Trail (YoTT) & Youth Helmet Giveaway Event. SABA hosted an event at the Jackrabbit Trail System on 8/12/2023 to celebrate NC’s Year of The Trail which is to encourage people to get outside and do something. Many thanks to SABA members that volunteered that day to explain trail etiquette, rules of the road, fit some of our future riders/members with bike helmets and cook burgers and hot dogs for the those that attended. Additional support was provided by Leave No Trace, Mountain High Hikers, Hayesville Middle & High School Cross-country teams and the great crew from Clay County EMS and Sheriff’s Dept. The parking lot was packed, lots of people of all ages having lots of fun!!! Trail Crews Kept BUSY!!!..With the crazy weather that the area has experienced so far this year the Trail Crews have been busier than I have ever remembered them being. The Jackrabbit trails have taken a beating with too many trees to count blown down. The SABA Sawyers are out there clearing the trails so that everyone can ride, hike or whatever. The crews have been busy at the Piney Knob trails well due to storms. If you enjoy the trails, come lend a hand by helping to pull the branches and trees that the crew cut up. They have all earned a big thank you!!! Weekly Group Road Bike Rides are happening… Rides will be determined by weather, if it’s raining an hour before the posted start then there is not a ride. All riders are required to wear a helmet. Lights front and rear are recommended. All riders are required to read & sign the SABA Liability Waiver annually (https://sabacycling.com/bicycling/membership-waiver)
*All rides have a “No drop” policy with regrouping at points along the route. Thirsty Thursdays @ Piney Knob Trail System Upcoming Events… Big Ring Challenge by Chainbuster Racing 10/14/2023 at Jackrabbit Trail System. A mountain bike endurance race showcasing the Jackrabbit trails. Per Chainbuster Racing the Jackrabbit trails were named the favorite in their race series. This is a HUGE fundraising opportunity for SABA as we provide support in marking the racecourse, trail marshals, parking assistance, etc. that SABA has been doing for the past 13 years. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!! Watch your email to volunteer by picking a slot at signup.com or contact Joanna 828-361-2088 SABA Club Meeting Wednesday 10/04/2023 6:00PM Jackrabbit Trail System Picnic Shelter “Consider patronizing our Corporate Sponsors!”
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