Who We Are
Our Vision is to establish the greater Houston area as the best large urban city for off-road cycling.
Our Mission:
- Advocate for greater recreational trail access with public and private land owners and managers
- Build & maintain sustainable multi-use trails
- Educate the public on sustainable trail building, trail maintenance, and riding skills and safety
- Partner with the community to promote youth cycling
- Hold social events and races for the enjoyment of off-road cyclists and stakeholders
History:
GHORBA was formed in September 1999 when the Houston Area Mountain Bike Riders Association (HAMBRA) and the Memorial Park Mountain Bike Association (MPMBA) joined forces to save the trails in Memorial Park from closure to all cyclists. Over the years GHORBA has expanded trail interests to dozens of Houston Area mountain bike trails.
GHORBA is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation. It generates its operating revenue from your membership dues, organizing TMBRA series mountain bike and local races, and grants and donations from cycling and other businesses.
2009 – 2010 Board Of Directors
Have a message for the board? Send it to directors@ghorba.org
President, Kevin Highfield
Kevin became President in Summer 2009, after several years as VP-Trails, during which time he lead many of GHORBA’s advocacy projects. He continues to lead with advocacy and now sits on the TPWD Texas Trails Advisory Board.
Kevin can be seen at most TMBRA races around Texas racing Category 1, 50-59 group in Southern Elite/Sun & Ski colors. He is an ex-Brit and a Master Mariner by trade who lives in the NW suburbs with his wife and two daughters, close by his home trail at Cypresswood.
Vice President & Race Director, Rafael Fontela
Secretary & Webmaster, Veljko Roskar
Veljko (“vel-co”) is a Croatian from Zagreb, who’s lived in Houston since 1996. Back in the late 80’s, he brought over from the US the first mountain bike to Zagreb, a Specialized. When Veljko came to the US for graduate school in 1988, he sold the bike to his friend. His friend still rides that bike today on some great Croatian Trails.
A ChemE by training, in his spare time (when not riding), Veljko tools the GHORBA website and wrenches bikes.
Veljko occasionally races in Cat 2 (poorly), is a certified League Cycling Instructor, and has nowhere near the skills nor cojones like his son for freeriding and hucking.
Treasurer, Carla Rowland
Trailwork Coordinator, Chris Brown
Membership Secretary, Amanda Fontela
North Side Representative, Bill Begnaud
South Side Representative, JBP Trail Steward, Steve Booker
Steve “Booker” plays HVAC/Electrician by day and Mountain biker/climber/climbing instructor off-hours.
Booker has been involved with Jack Brooks Trails for about ten years, riding for about twelve and Trail Steward for four. He was tricked into a the spot but enjoys it anyway. His dream is to find someone someday to take his place. He knows you’re out there!
Booker is also a member of the Texas Mountain Raiders, a climbing club in the Houston area, the Access Fund, a climbing access organization, and the Sierra Club.
West Side Representative, TBD
Central Representative, MP Trail Steward, Russell Adams
GHORBA Board of Directors 2007-2009
GHORBA Board of Directors 2006
GHORBA Board of Directors 2005
GHORBA Board of Directors 2004
GHORBA Board of Directors 2003
GHORBA Board of Directors 2002
