National "Take a Kid Bike Riding Day"

National Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day celebates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who passed away in 2002. The Jack Doub Memorial Endowment provides funding for a nationwide celebration that occurs every year on the first Saturday in October. This is the third year that the International Mountain Biking Association has promoted this event, and the first year for the local bicycling club, The Southern Appalachian Bicycling Association (SABA).

In 2006, events were held in Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Japan and the USA. Over 3000 young riders enjoyed an outdoor bicycling excursion that might not have done so otherwise. It is hoped that this year will be an even bigger success. This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking. Families are encouraged to participate also.

Members of SABA will be on-hand at the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails to lead group rides. There will also be a skills park located at the trailhead entrance for kids to test and practice technical skills. SABA requests that all kids wear helmets for safety reasons. Spin Lite Cycles and Blairsville Bikes and Boards will be available for minor bike repairs and limited supplies (tubes, helmets). So, don¿t let that flat tire or no helmet be an excuse not to bring your kid to the Jackrabbit Trails at 10:00am on Saturday, October the 6th. BRING A KID - BRING A BIKE - BRING A HELMET. For more information, call 828-389-8085.