The Chattanooga Chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA-Chattanooga) will host “Ales for the Trails” on Saturday, from 6-10 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., in Coolidge Park.
The event will raise funds to continue the expansion of the existing 20-mile single track trail system surrounding the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Raccoon Mountain pump storage facility. SORBA-Chattanooga plans to construct two additional multi-use singletrack trails totaling approximately seven additional miles in length.
Once complete, the trail expansion will allow access to the Raccoon Mountain trail system from both the bottom and top of the mountain. This addition will create the Chattanooga area’s longest and most challenging vertical off-road cycling climbs.
“The second phase of trail expansion will be very technical, as numerous rock fields and drainages must traversed, and of course the steep mountain side slope is a continual challenge" said SORBA-Chattanooga President Aaron Smith. "Support from the outdoor community is required to complete this trail system, as significant expense and volunteer hours will be required during the construction phase.”
"Ales for the Trails" guests will be treated to beer tastings courtesy of Budweiser of Chattanooga, Riverside Beverage Company, and New Belgium Brewery, grilled chicken wings by Doug Keller and sides from Earth Fare Grocery. In addition to these great food and beverage sponsors, BikeToursDirect is providing a mountain biking trip in Spain worth nearly $2000 and also two $250 gift certificates. Other door prizes will be provided by The North Face, Mulberry Gap, Region’s Bank and others. One trail care crew volunteer will also be going home with a Lynskey Performance titanium bike frame valued at $1,995.
“Ales for Trails” tickets are $35 each in advance, $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at local bicycle shops, or online at www.SORBAChattanooga.org.