The United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) are gearing up for one of their biggest years yet, and it all kicks off Feb. 13, when the non-profit hosts its annual general meeting.
Established in 2008, UROC’s multi-faceted mandate includes building and maintaining mountain bike infrastructure, hosting races and group rides, facilitating access to trails and generally advocating for the sport of mountain biking.
This year, UROC is actively working on a land-use agreement that could affect the vast majority of Cumberland’s legendary single-track trail system, and its members are also working toward establishing a mountain bike “jump park” in Cumberland’s Village Park.
The annual general meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Riding Fool Hostel, will give UROC’s 180 members a chance to vote on the incoming board of directors and members and non-members alike will be able to find out about the state of mountain biking in Cumberland.
“We try to keep it fairly informal,” says founding member and current UROC secretary Jeremy Grasby. “We’ll quickly review the highlights of the past year, vote in our new board and then give people a chance to ask questions about what we’re working on or what they’d like us to work on.
"We’ll also discuss where we’re going as a club in 2014 and beyond, which is where it’s really going to get exciting.”
One prominent topic will be UROC’s coming Trails Forum, a frank discussion about the state of local mountain biking that will take place before the end of March. The forum will include an update on ongoing land-use negotiations and the jump park project, on which UROC is working with the Village of Cumberland.
“If you’re at all interested in mountain biking in the Comox Valley, this is the time to get involved,” says Grasby, adding the event will be open to the public. “There are a lot of really exciting developments underway. The Trails Forum, and the AGM for that matter, is an excellent opportunity to help shape the direction of the sport.”
UROC memberships will be available at the AGM Feb. 13, and refreshments will be provided by Tarbell’s Deli. To learn more and get involved, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.
— United Riders of Cumberland