Ryan Parton
Special to The Record
Fresh off one of their most exciting years to date, the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) are kicking off 2015 with its annual general meeting, which is open to the public on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Riding Fool Hostel.
Of particular interest to anyone who enjoys Cumberland’s vast trail network will be an update on planned logging operations in the area and progress on UROC’s land-use agreement with landowners. Attendees will also find out about upcoming events, including the opening of Cumberland’s new jump park, a joint open house with the Village of Cumberland and UROC’s second annual Trails Forum, a two-day trail-building workshop.
“We’ve been working hard on a couple of major capital projects over the last year with the jump park and land use agreements,” says UROC president Mike Manara. “We look forward to seeing those projects come to fruition this year while maintaining our core club activities: group rides, races and fundraising.”
Established in 2008, UROC’s 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.
The annual general meeting will give UROC’s 180 members a chance to vote in a new board of directors, learn the result of past events and grant applications and, of course, enjoy refreshments from Tarbell’s Deli. Memberships will be available at the AGM for mountain bike enthusiasts who are not yet UROC members.
“2014 was an exciting year, and 2015 looks like it will be just as full of new developments,” says Manara. “If you’re at all interested in mountain biking in the Comox Valley, I highly encourage you to get involved. Being part of UROC is an excellent way to help shape the direction of the sport and the development of our trail network.”
To learn more and get involved, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.
