Oak Hill Community Park and Forest Launches Bike Program
In celebration of World Bike Day, Foothills Conservancy announces a partnership with Overmountain Cycles to launch a community bike program.
BURKE COUNTY, North Carolina—Several new miles of public biking trails are situated a few minutes west of Morganton. And this summer residents will now have free access to mountain bikes on which to enjoy them.
When Oak Hill Community Park and Forest was opened by the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) last fall, the conservation nonprofit had already constructed 5 miles of multi-use trails and 2.5 miles of hiking-only trails.
An additional 18 miles of trail are in the process of being laid out, with several more miles in 2024.
“It’s incredibly important for people to have easy access to natural areas,” explained Executive Director Andrew Kota, “and it’s part of our land trust’s mission to make that happen in our service area.”
Dedicated to permanently protecting land and water in Western North Carolina, FCNC is partnering with Morganton’s Overmountain Cycles to establish this community bike series this summer.
It should prove especially beneficial to local community members who face financial barriers to purchasing and maintaining a mountain bike.
This announcement coincides with World Bike Day 2024, recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as a way to draw “attention to the benefits of using the bicycle—a simple, affordable, clean, and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation,” according to its website.
Bicycles promote cleaner air and less automotive congestion. Plus, cycling has significant health benefits.
In an announcement on FCNC’s Facebook page, the bike program will offer mountain bikes for visitors to ride at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest. This includes “bikes and all of the necessary equipment, with a focus on introducing people to the recreational activity while providing environmental education experiences.”
Overmountain Cycles staff will be integral to the program’s success.
“FCNC will provide mountain bikes of various sizes, as well as helmets, gloves, and water bottles,” the post continues, “while Overmountain Cycles staff will offer a basic cycling overview and safety instruction, ensure equipment fits correctly, and help guide riders on the trail system.”
The first eco-cycle tour is set for Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Visitors are asked to register for the event at FCNC’s website.
Event highlights include an expert-led ride, conservation insights from FCNC staff who will accompany participants, interactive learning about our local ecosystem, and an opportunity to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts in the foothills region.
Space is limited to 12 bikes and is expected to fill up quickly.
Fortunately, if you can’t nab a spot, there will be other eco-cycle rides organized throughout the summer.
Acquired through community support, this 652-acre land trust continues to demonstrate what rooting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and egalitarian principles look like in this part of Appalachia.
Sounds like a lovely family outing.
What a great idea