Rotarian Eddie Madden had Mr. Greg Brinson with the Cape Fear SORBA group speak to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club this past Wednesday about what exactly is SORBA, what have they been doing in Bladen and surrounding counties, and this weekend’s 8K Trail Run and Walk at Brown’s Creek Bike Trail in Elizabethtown.
Brinson’s day job is with Brinson and Sons Heating and Air Conditioning, his hobby with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). The Cape Fear chapter has kept him very busy in Bladen County over the past year or so. The association has logged over 2000 volunteer hours at the Brown’s Creek Nature and Bike Trail on Broad Street in Elizabethtown, to date. What was once an over grown unused piece of town property is now a beautiful place for people to spend time.
Cape Fear SORBA is under the umbrella of the International Biking Association (IBA). There are over 40 chapters of SORBA throughout the south. The Cape Fear group is dedicated to maintaining current trails and building new trails in New Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen and other counties.
Brinson explained, “There are seven chapters in North Carolina. They are all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. The reason why everyone has joined together is for two major reasons.” He continued, “We all come together and we can afford to buy the insurance. Without that we couldn’t take the risk to build these trails. The second of course, is there is power in numbers.”
The Cape Fear chapter of SORBA has residents from Wilmington, Jacksonville, Lumberton, and Myrtle Beach. They have helped build parks in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and now Bladen Counties. “We hope to have more in the future.” Brinson said.
The organization raises money by hosting Coastal Carolina Off-Road Race Series, every year. “This year there are seven races. In Greenville, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Jacksonville and the last race will be here, at Brown’s Creek Park on May 31st” said Brinson. The association also raises money with individual donations, membership fees, Time Trail Events, and the Brunswick Brawl in October held in Brunswick County.
Donations are needed for tools to build the trails, insurance, and the kid’s program they started a little over a year ago. The kid’s program was developed to find underprivileged children and let them ride the bikes with helmets, water bottles. They have had about 8 events with the new program. Brinson said, “The kids had a blast. Just to see them smile and have a good time makes it all worth it.” Brinson added, “If anyone knows of any groups with children that would benefit from this program, like the Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home and has a contact for them, please let me know. We would like to get a group set up so we can take them to Brown’s Creek or the Brunswick Park and let them have a good time. “
Brinson ended by letting the club know about the improvements made at the trail to make the the 8K Trail Run and Walk to benefit the Wounded Warrior this Saturday and the Coastal Carolina Off-Road Race Series event on May 31st, both at Brown’s Creek Nature Park and Bike Trail wider and better to enjoy.
About Author
