New group takes trail less traveled

Local cycling enthusiasts have long been on the right track for a fun and fit lifestyle, and now they’re going off-road, too.

The Cape Fear Cyclists, one of several group riding organizations in the area, have spawned a new club specifically for mountain biking. Nearly 50 members of the 500-strong CFC are forming what will be known as the Cape Fear chapter of SORBA, the Southern Off-Road Biking Association.

Al Schroetel, current CFC president, said his group’s members are mostly street cyclists but many ride both on and off-road. The time has come, though, to expand.

“Some people do both, but these are sports that are actually quite different,” Schroetel said. “We saw enough interest in mountain biking that we decided it would be wise for the folks who are more interested in that to form a separate group.”

Together with New Hanover County Parks, the CFC established the Blue Clay Bike Park several years ago to provide challenging off-road terrain for mountain biking. The park offers a six-mile intermediate to advanced level trail and a beginner loop, which draws riders to the area from neighboring counties and other states.

Incoming CFC co-president Steve Mangiacapre said the new SORBA chapter expands opportunities for new trail building.

“It will open the door because now we’re part of a larger biking community, and a lot of benefits come with that,” he said.

“We will be eligible for more grant money, and it will also be helpful for insurance purposes so we can create trails on privately owned properties. We need more facilities to accommodate the demand.”

One such facility will be the new 911-acre Brunswick Nature Park, which when finished will include biking, hiking and equestrian trails.

Brunswick County Parks and Recreation director Jim Pryor said trail plans are still in the very early design phase and he will be meeting with CFC and SORBA leadership in the coming months.

The CFC is now in its 35th year and functions both as a riding club and an advocacy group. Four or more group road rides are regularly scheduled each week and are open to all skill levels. For advanced road cyclists, there is a racing team which participates in nationally certified races and events. Additionally, the club hosts annual riding events benefiting causes including the Wounded Warrior Project and cystic fibrosis research.

The club promotes cycling safety and awareness by hosting informational booths at community events and working in cooperation with the state Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Active Transportation Alliance to devolop rider-friendly policies.

Mangiacapre said both the CFC and Cape Fear SORBA will look to reach younger riders in the coming year and increase membership among families.

“The amount of cyclists has grown so much, we’re looking to branch out and educate the younger crowd,” he said. “The Wilmington area is becoming a friendlier place to ride, so we’re taking steps to encourage kids to get back on their bikes like they did in the past.

“I think we’ve really brought a new culture to this part of town.”

Region desk: 343-2389

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