OUR HISTORY
Since the organizations inception in 2003, SORBA Chattanooga has focused on improving and maintaining trail access opportunities for mountain bikers. In 2004, SORBA Chattanooga developed the Singletrack Mind Initiative and set out to increase access from 7 miles of mountain bike accessible trails to a total of 100 miles within the greater Chattanooga area, a lofty goal indeed.
Over the years, SORBA Chattanooga and area land managers have worked hard to complete that goal and at the end of 2023 the total mileage of mountain bike accessible trails reached 167 within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga!
In addition to expanding area trails, SORBA Chattanooga contributes thousands of volunteer hours each year to maintaining trails.
Due to all this effort, Chattanooga is recognized as a premier mountain biking destination in the Southeast, driving significant tourism dollars into our area and helping generate economic growth.
SORBA Chattanooga has approximately 400 members who help drive our mission forward. We also have a dedicated volunteer network who help to create and maintain our expansive trail networks. Our members love a variety of trails styles from green to black, so we employ IMBA's trail building practices to ensure that our trails are sustainable and accessible for all of our members and visitors to enjoy. The best riding in the Southeast can be found on the trails maintained by our volunteers.
IMBA and SORBA
In 1988 the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) was founded by a group of California mountain bike clubs concerned about the closure of trails to cyclists. Since then, their mission has been to protect, create, and enhance quality trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA has members in all 50 states and 40 countries and are made up more than 700 bicycle clubs, SORBA Chattanooga being one of them.
Through partnership with IMBA, SORBA assists regional chapters like SORBA Chattanooga in working with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy.
Through advocacy, education, and recreational opportunities, SORBA carries out its mission to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in order to enhance mountain bike touring, racing, fun, and fellowship for all mountain bicyclists in the southeastern United States. Check out our 2022 Economic Impact Report.
OUR MISSION
We believe everyone should have access to the social, physical, and mental benefits that mountain biking provides.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where mountain biking is at the center of a healthy, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable community around Chattanooga, with well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems.
