Columbus, Georgia

COLUMBUS CYCLING CLUB - "Promoting Bicycling For Everyone"



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OCTOBER 10, 2005

FLAT ROCK TRAIL NEWS - CAUSE TO CELEBRATE!

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Thanks to the cooperation of the City Council, the Columbus Parks and

Recreation Department, the Traffic Engineering Department, an army of dedicated

volunteers, and the time and talents of a few committed trail planners, we are

almost ready to celebrate the first official mountain bike trail in Columbus in

just two weeks!



As many of you may know, Flat Rock Park had some informal MTB and walking

trails that had developed over the years, but there was no signage, the trails

were not integrated or well planned, and it was just difficult for anyone to

truly explore the full beauty of the park on those trails.



Last year, Columbus Cycling Club decided to approach the city with a formal

project plan to design and build an enhanced trail system at Flat Rock. The

plan was to use many of the old trails, add a few new sections to make the

trail flow more easily from one section to the next, and to offer sections that

were 'beginner friendly' encouraging riders of all ages and skill levels to

safely explore and enjoy the trails. As a part of the effort, we also wanted to

make the full trail system easily accessible to hikers, runners, and visitors

to our city, so we also planned a system of trail markers and signage that

would guide users along several routes, ranging from simple singletrack to more

technical sections.



This venture began almost a year ago when we first met with representatives of

the city to share our vision. Since that time, it has become an amazing example

to us of how we can build a successful partnership between the club, city

agencies and organizations, and community businesses to turn the vision of a

Bicycle Friendly Community into a reality. Over the last few weeks, we have

seen an inspirational 'coming together' of representatives of the Department of

Parks and Recreation, city traffic engineers, volunteers from Fort Benning, and

the community at large to bring together all the elements needed to make this

trail a valuable, attractive, and fun feature of the park.



Our success owes itself to many sources. We are successful because of the

businesses who have stepped up to provide the resources we needed to make this

trail a reality. Mead Westvaco donated two large wooden kiosks with cedar

shingled roofs that will stand at key entry points to the trail, offering

visitors trail information, as well as descriptions of the routes and samples

of trail signs. Our thanks also go to Tom Bailey of Cotton's Custom Metals, who

donated high quality custom signage for easily readable markers to guide riders

along the routes. Dayton Preston of Innovative Homes lent expertise, equipment

and his own physical effort to push through the installation of the signage and

kiosk structures. Thanks also to Mikes' Bikes and Ride On Bikes, who helped us

get the word out on the street for volunteers and material requests, and who

are co-sponsoring the showing of "Off Road to Athens", an exciting mountain

bike film that we know will generate interest in the new trail. We are

successful because of the many volunteers who have given up numerous weekends

and evenings to help us with the often strenuous labor of trail work. We are

successful because of many in the City Council and the Department of Parks and

Recreation who believe in our vision and have guided us along the way. And

finally, we are successful due to the huge efforts of those in the local

bicycling community.



We think once you see the trails, you will be astonished at the amount of work

effort and the results, and you will be proud of what we are doing! The parking

lot at Flat Rock is already beginning fill up on weekends with eager riders and

walkers - and the trails are not even marked yet!



Last weekend, an officer at Ft Benning approached the volunteers working on the

trail with a comment and personal thanks. He said that though he had been here

four years, in that time, he had no legitimate place to ride mountain bikes,

one of his favored past times. He was very impressed with what he saw, was now

excited to have a good reason to stay in the area as long as possible, and

planned to spread the word to his buddies about the new opportunity to mountain

bike locally. Word has even spread outside of our local community, as we have

already received a few letters of congratulations and support from those who

have visited the city, found out about the trails at local bike shops, and took

the opportunity to try them out.



Word is spreading fast, and we are confident that everyone will be very pleased

with the many positive things that will result from this well orchestrated

collaboration.



Next week will mark the final stretch of work before the unveiling of the new

trail. If you have a few hours to offer next weekend, be sure to contact Barry

Carswell (706 -888 - 8271) to offer a helping hand.



The big moment is almost here. In only two more weeks, we will unveil the newly

designed Flat Rock Mountain Bike Trail, just in time for great autumn riding.

Join us at the kick-off event to celebrate!



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Flat Rock Trail Celebration Events!



Wed, Oct 19, 2005 at 7pm-9pm

Showing of the film "Off Road to Athens"

Coca Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, Georgia

Surround Sound Theatre

Admission: Free for ages 18 and under; Adults $5.00 *



To kick off the weekend of festivities and build momentum, we will be hosting a

special showing of "Off Road to Athens", an exciting film depicting the high

stakes, high energy world of international mountain bike racing. Follow world

class athletes as they travel the globe chasing points to compete for only

three spots on the U.S. Olympic Mountain Bike Team at the 2004 Olympics in

Athens, Greece. Breath-taking scenery from the mountains of Ecuador to the

singletrack trails of Spain, Belgium, Scotland and more! Information about

mountain biking activities, the Flat Rock Trail, and mountain bike racing will

also be available in the lobby before and after the movie.



Movie Reviews:

"A behind the scenes look at the world of mountain biking at its highest

level." - The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.



"It's a must-see for anyone interested in an inside view of the lives and

personalities of the country's top cross-country racers, and is a landmark film

for the sport of mountain biking." - Neal Rogers, Velonews



Saturday, October 22, 9 AM

Trail Kick Off

Flat Rock Park

We will unveil the newly enhanced trails at Flat Rock on Saturday morning. Join

us at 9 AM for the kick-off celebration, bring your bike along and take a

guided tour of the trail, or just bring your hiking boots or running shoes and

enjoy the scenery and exercise!



Saturday, October 22, 2 PM - 8 PM

Fall Harvest Festival hosted by Columbus Parks and Recreation

Flat Rock Park

Once you have had a chance to explore the trails, stick around and enjoy a Fall

Festival at the park hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The

festival will include food, live music, hay rides, games, and a night time

"glow stick" walk on the trail, for those interested. Activities will begin at

2 PM and continue into the evening until 8 PM. Bring your family, your bikes,

and a few chairs so you can stay and enjoy the festivities!



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More Details on Flat Rock Trail:

The Flat Rock Trail will consist of 4 trails ranging in distance and difficulty

from a 2.5 mile trail that is fun for all skill levels, to an advanced 10 mile

loop requiring endurance and expert mountain bike handling skills. The 4

standard routes will all start and end at the trail head. There will also be a

short-track kiddie-loop where parents can sit and keep their kids in sight

while enjoying a beautiful section of the park, canopied by huge old-growth

pines.