Adaptive Riding
Adaptive rides and events create space for people of all abilities to come together to connect, ride, and learn from one another. Learn more about these opportunities across the SORBA region below.
Catalyst Sports: Our Adaptive Partner
Catalyst Sports is a premier 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to acting as an agent of change in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities by breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation. Operating through a robust network of 14 chapters across the Southeast—including major hubs in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia—they provide the community, specialized gear, and professional guidance necessary to ensure adventure sports are accessible to everyone. By combining cutting-edge adaptive equipment with a highly trained volunteer support network, Catalyst fosters an inclusive environment where athletes can discover their strength, push their boundaries, and experience the life-changing impact of the great outdoors.
For riders looking to hit the dirt, Catalyst Sports offers world-class adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) opportunities designed for all skill levels, from first-time trail users to seasoned athletes. Led by certified aMTB instructors, their off-road programs utilize an advanced fleet of adaptive machinery, including specialized off-road handcycles and recumbent foot-cycles equipped with quad controls to accommodate diverse physical needs. Through regular community ride days at progressive trail systems across the region and landmark partnerships for adaptive trail access in locations like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Catalyst provides a seamless entry point for riders to experience the freedom, community, and joy of Southern singletrack.
Find Adaptive Rides and Events
Adaptive rides and events are hosted by SORBA chapters and shared through chapter websites, the SORBA app, and local communication channels.
In the SORBA app, you can browse the Events section to find adaptive-friendly rides, trail work days, and events when they are available.
Adaptive Riding Opportunities the SORBA Region
Finding trails that are adaptive-friendly can be tough, and we are working with various groups to vet trails that are ready for all riders. Below are lists of trails, broken down by state, that are marked as adaptive-capable on Trailforks.
Please note that all of these trails have not been vetted to ensure they are actually adaptive trails. We are working with Trailforks to develop a system where adaptive riders can verify the status of the trail or trail system. If you have any questions about the trails, reach out to the local chapter who supports the network.
ALABAMA
Tannehill Ironworks: Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) has partnered with Innovate Alabama and Tannehill Ironworks State Historic Park to create the largest adaptive-ready trail system in the Southeast.
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
Stories from Adaptive Riders
The SORBA Stories podcast is powered by y’all. Thanks to our members, we share the people and places that make mountain biking in the Southeast an incredible experience. These featured episodes highlight adaptive riders and the trails, experiences, and perspectives that shape their time on the bike.
#15 Advocating for Adaptive with Maggie Smith
#01 Adaptive Riding with Blake Bryant and Randy Conner
Support Your Local Chapter & SORBA
Membership provides essential support to keep SORBA and our chapters moving forward. It enables us to build, maintain, and advocate for well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems across the Southeast. The more members we have, the more credibility we carry when advocating for trail access, funding, and grant opportunities.
Membership dues are shared between SORBA and your local chapter to help fund both local efforts and regional initiatives. Plus, being a member has its benefits! You’ll get access to a number of members only perks and discounts.