SORBA’s Executive Director, Philip Darden, joined more than 60 other outdoor advocates in Washington, DC, September 14-18, meeting with lawmakers to support public lands. Hosted by Outdoor Alliance, with leaders representing all forms of recreation, from mountain biking to hiking, rock climbing, paddling, and everything in between, we were able to discuss challenges we all face and the importance of public lands and waters.
This is the third year SORBA has participated in the Outdoor Alliance Fly In, with our Philip taking part in the first cohort of their Grasstops initiative. The event included over 90 lawmaker meetings spanning three days, covering topics that included the proposed changes to Roadless Rule, proposed changes to Travel Management with the Forest Service, and supporting the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund. In total, SORBA was represented in 18 meetings with lawmakers from across the Southeast and nationwide.
In addition to the two days organized by the Outdoor Alliance, a group of mountain bike advocates that spans the country organized our own additional day advocating for mountain bike specific legislation. SORBA and CAMTB initiated the idea of including an extra mountain bike advocacy day that was led by IMBA‘s Director of Government Affairs, Todd Keller.
Our group of 12 advocates met with offices from across the country to discuss support for upcoming legislation centered around the topics of eMTB access and regulation. These meetings were set to drive our support for class 1 eMTB access in the coming year and address the challenges trail organizations are experiencing with out of classification eBikes and the growing problem of eMotos. SORBA is dedicated to protecting the trail experience for our riders as well as other trail users across the Southeast.
Of course, the fly-in wasn’t only about meeting with lawmakers. This convening of advocates from across the country allows collaborative conversations to take place. Connections with organizations that represent the same user group, as well as those outside of mountain biking. Social events, like the Runners For Public Lands group run and Roadless Rule advocacy event at the Patagonia store in Georgetown, impromptu group dinners, museum tours, and a final cocktail hour to cap off the event, help ensure SORBA remains connected to like-minded organizations. This annual connection, hosted by Outdoor Alliance, plays a vital role in ensuring SORBA remains a leader in trail advocacy both across the Southeast and nationally.
A huge thank you goes to the entire Outdoor Alliance team for their dedication to supporting the annual event and the effort it takes to convene so many advocates to make our voices heard!
Our participation in the annual Outdoor Alliance Fly-In is a great example of how your membership dues and donations go to support trail advocacy in our region. We cannot do this important work to protect our public lands without your support. If you’re not a member, please consider joining. Making a meaningful donation furthers our ability to advocate for trails for years to come.