Tarheel Trailblazers

08/22/2026

Update: 88% of the way to our fundraising goal - over $41,100 raised out of $46,650.

Donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/southern-off-road-bicycle-association-charlotte-nc/bobcat-campaign

08/22/2026

Yesterday's storm across the Charlotte region had wind gusts up to 60mph. We are expecting to receive reports of many downed trees.

As you get out onto the trails when they reopen, please report obstructions or issues in the Trailbot app. It's super fast and easy, and the reports go directly to the volunteer trail coordinators who oversee those trails.

Here's how to quickly submit the issue in Trailbot:
1) Search for the trail by using the search or map icon at the bottom
2) Towards the top you'll see "report issue" - click that
3) Choose obstruction (or other problem depending on issue)
4) Provide a brief description and approximate size of tree down
5) Mark the location on the map so the volunteers can head straight there
6) Provide a photo of the issue - this also helps determine what saw is required and how many volunteers are needed
7) Click Add Issue

Reporting issues this way is the fastest way to get them resolved.

In one of the pictures is an example of what the Trail Coordinator will receive.

Also Pictured: Ken Eldridge - Tarheel Trailblazers volunteer & Certified Sawyer at Lake Norman State Park

Thanks so much! 🤘😎

08/22/2026

We had a great turnout for our July ride at Airline, in conjunction with the event that Crescent Communities was hosting. And we got invited back for the next one(!), so we’re hosting another social ride there on Sunday Sep 6th.

Meet at the new Hangout Spot, which is just at the intersection of River District Drive and Dixie River Road.

Plenty of parking in the Crescent Communities development there.

Wheels will roll at 10am.

Stay for a chat and some rehydration and refueling afterwards!

08/20/2026

This $600 donation was purposefully given to push our Bobcat fundraiser over $40,000. The finish line is now in sight!

In less than three weeks we've reached 86% of our goal. We would love to purchase this piece of equipment as soon as possible to prepare the trails for riders to enjoy for the fall riding season.

This fundraiser was kicked off when Tarheel Trailblazers was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Bobcat Corporation to go towards the purchase of a new skid steer that will help our volunteers maintain and build sustainable trail for our community.

We have a number of big projects where this equipment will immediately make a massive impact. Hand tools can only do so much and we lean heavily on equipment to maintain our 175+ miles of trails. We have two bobcat skid steers that have helped shaped our trails but they're over 20 years old. They're slow and worn out. This new machine moves 2.5x faster, is capable of carrying twice the load, and will greatly reduce maintenance cost and time out of service compared to our aging equipment.

If you would like to donate or learn more, click the link in our bio.

Thank you to everyone who has given so far!

🤘😎

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/southern-off-road-bicycle-association-charlotte-nc/bobcat-campaign

08/20/2026

A reminder for *THIS SUNDAY* to come out to help out at Sherman Branch, one of our most heavily used trail systems.
It’s time for some work on drains and vegetation, to keep this fast trail flowing.
Everyone is welcome. The more people who come out, the more we can get done!
Meet on Sunday Aug 23rd at 9am in the parking lot.
Tools will be provided but if you have loppers, hand pruners or flat shovels you’d like to use, then bring them along.
Bring gloves, eye protection and plenty of hydration.
And as a thank you, lunch will be provided at the end!

08/19/2026

We need your help donating to get us the *last 17%* of the way to a new Bobcat!
These machines are used to build features, haul dirt, smooth grade, carry lumber and a whole lot more.
They've been essential in creating Airline, BYT, North Meck, Renni and all the 175+ miles of trails you know, love and ride!
Over 50 people have given to get us this far!Help us out today by donating at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/southern-off-road-bicycle-association-charlotte-nc/bobcat-campaign or link in bio

08/18/2026

Show some love and appreciation for Trailblazers volunteers Ken Eldridge (USFS Certified Sawyer) and Jim Thomas who cleared 10 (!) blockages on the Hawk Trail last Saturday August 15th. Summer storms are rough on the trails, especially trail networks with 30 miles of single track like Lake Norman State Park! We're thankful these sweaty August work sessions will soon turn into crisp fall days on the trail!

08/16/2026

Come out to help out at Sherman Branch, one of our most heavily used trail systems.

It’s time for some work on drains and vegetation, to keep this fast trail flowing.

Everyone is welcome. The more people who come out, the more we can get done!

Meet on Sunday Aug 23rd at 9am in the parking lot.

Tools will be provided but if you have loppers, hand pruners or flat shovels you’d like to use, then bring them along.

Bring gloves, eye protection and plenty of hydration.

And as a thank you, lunch will be provided at the end!

08/14/2026

This month we bring you news of trail work completed and upcoming, fun day and night time events, our August field trip report, and a way to help the gnomes out. If you didn't see it in your email you can check it out at the link below.

This month we bring you news of trail work completed and upcoming, fun day and night time events, our August field trip report, and a way to help the gnomes out.