Updated: March 5, 2008Members receive the SWAMP Club quarterly newsletter which provides timely details on the cycling activities listed below. For abbreviated listings you can review the Events page or view a full schedule on the Calendar page.
The SWAMP Mountain Bike Club schedules weekly off road mountain bike rides that rotate through Alafia River State Park, Boyette Scrub, Loyce E Harp park, Croom, Santos, and the Wilderness Park trail systems. These guided rides break into groups according to rider skill levels. The advanced group rides the trails at a very strong pace with few stops over the most miles. The intermediate group also rides a progressive pace but may stop more often or ride fewer miles. The regular group follows at a more moderate pace, often stopping to practice riding skills or wait for less experienced riders. (Most first-timers are usually surprised by how fast the 'C' group rides.) We suggest you choose the 'C' group for your first ride with the club even if you have previous experience riding offroad.
Several times a year, the SWAMP Club hosts events and festivals for all our fellow cyclists (We have a super Holiday party). These cycling events and festivals involve great rides, fine food, live entertainment, and mountain bike related displays with support from local bike shops and manufacturers. Funds generated from these events are used to build and maintain trails, bridges and kiosks, and to purchase trail markers, trail maintenance tools, and supplies.
Four Saturdays a month, the Club sponsors trail maintenance days where anyone, including non-members, can come out and help support the trails. Interested persons meet at 9:00 am at one of our trail systems for a little riding, a little trail clearing and a lot of fun. The club provides tools and lunch, and the work sessions usually last 3-4 hours. SWAMP maintains trails in the Alafia River State Park (1st Saturday of the month), Boyette Scrub park (2nd Sat), Wilderness Parks (3rd Sat, Flatwoods/Morris Bridge/Trout Creek) and Croom State Forest (4th Sat). Contact Trails (at) SWAMPclub.org for information, and to signup for a workday. Bring gloves, plenty of water and any trimming tools you might enjoy using. (loaner tools are always available)
We conduct a basic riding skills workshop so novice riders can quickly become safe, proficient riders. You learn the fundamentals of mountain biking on the trails, not out of a book. We sponsor an advanced skills clinic where riders are taught how to ride the more technical trails at Alafia. We also work with local land managers to provide National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) programs.
Once a month, SWAMP members gather at a favorite location in Tampa with an optional neighborhood ride either before or after the social. We share stories and photos from recent trips, talk about future trips, brag about our new bike, and proudly display scars from our most recent crash. It's a fun way to meet fellow off-road enthusiasts. (Lights may be required for after dark rides.) Club members can join the message base to receive updated information about these events.
Every spring we take our mountain bikes to the Foothills of Northern Georgia (usually Ellijay). As scenic as they are fun, these mountain bike trails are a favorite destination for intermediate and advanced level riders. In early fall when colors are at their max and temperatures are dropping, we head to Asheville. These North Carolina trails are suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Summer time we head to higher elevations. Past Trips have included week long tours of Moab, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho; Brian Head, Utah; Elk River, West Virginia; Wales, UK; Scotland, UK; the Grand Canyon; Downieville and Tahoe, CA.
SouthWest Association of Mountainbike Pedalers
Tampa, Florida USA
Updated: March 5, 2008Copyright © 2008 Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers, Inc. All rights reserved.