April 8, 2003

Houston

Northwest Cycling Club (NWCC) and the Greater Houston Off Road Biking Association (GHORBA) are joining forces with Texas Parks and Wildlife to further develop and maintain the multi-use trail system at Huntsville State Park, about an hours’ drive north from Houston.

NWCC presented a donation of $1,500 to GHORBA at their monthly meeting on Monday, April 7th. GHORBA will use the funds to purchase materials to construct a bridge or bridges for the trail system at the State Park. The two clubs will combine their respective volunteer forces to hold the necessary "work parties" to complete the construction in the  upcoming months.  

^{Lisa Gibson, Far right, representing NWCC, presents a check to Huntsville Trail Steward Richard Gabrunas as GHORBA President Jeff Nielsen, and V.P Trails, Kelley Strader look on.}

Huntsville State Park contains over 20 miles of various multi-use trails that are used by off road cyclists, trail runners, hikers and nature enthusiasts. Due to the wetland areas that exist in the park, many boardwalk-style bridges are required to allow visitors to experience all that the park has to offer. GHORBA’s large base of volunteers regularly perform maintenance on the trail system and provide materials for construction and maintenance of the bridges.

NWCC is a non-profit organization with approximately 400 members. The club exists to provide opportunities for new and experienced cyclists to ride together, share their enthusiasm and experience, learn about fitness, nutrition, cycling skills and maintenance. The club is sponsored by Northwest Cyclery, located at Jones Road and 290 in Houston. The club has a web site at www.northwestcyclingclub.com

GHORBA is also a non-profit, off-road cycling advocacy organization, formed five years ago protect and expand access to trails for cyclists in the Houston area. The group provides volunteer labor, materials and expertise in trail design and maintenance, to public and private off road cycling venues. GHORBA also sponsors educational, recreational and competitive cycling events.

For more information about cycling in Texas State Parks, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/activities/bike/biketexas.htm