JORBA + NICA = Trail in a Day!
New Singletrack at Stephens State Park!
What happens when you combine the advocacy of JORBA with the high-energy stoke of NICA student athletes? You get a brand new trail in record time.
This past weekend, Stephens State Park welcomed a massive group of volunteers to Kinney Road to cut a new section of trail to allow riders to bypass riding on it all together. We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of a brand-new 0.4 mile trail segment connecting the Blue Rock Trail to the Iron Gate, built entirely in a single day!
By the Numbers
- 40+ Volunteers: A powerhouse mix of seasoned JORBA trail builders, NICA coaches, student-athletes, and dedicated parents were able to clear and cut a new trail in 5 hours.
- 0.4 Miles: Hand cut singletrack designed to improve safety and rideability of the park allowing safe travel from Blue Rock to the Iron Gate without riding on the road.
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1 Epic Day: From “clearing to finish,” the collective effort transformed the forest floor into a rideable reality.
Strength in Numbers
The energy was infectious. Seeing the next generation of mountain bikers from the New Jersey NICA leagues working alongside the experienced JORBA builders who have maintained these woods for decades was a testament to the strength of our local cycling community.
While JORBA provided the technical oversight and tools, the NICA volunteers provided the “horsepower.” This collaboration ensures that the people who ride these trails are the same ones invested in their preservation.
“The turnout was incredible. Having 40 sets of hands allowed us to tackle bench cutting and drainage features that would usually take a small crew weeks to finish. The park is better today than it was yesterday which is amazing to say” — Matt B – Stephens Chapter Lead
What’s Next?
The new segment is officially open and ready for tires! This addition helps create better loops and reduces trail users’ need for riding on roads to finish their ride.
A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, got dirty, and gave back to the land we love to ride. Events like these prove that many hands make light work and better trails.
We’re already planning the next trail in a day session. Keep an eye on jorba.org for more info.
