9/15/24 GSMNP Forge Creek Adaptive Mountain Biking - Athlete Registration

Join Us for an Adaptive Mountain Bike Interpretive Ride in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Discover the rich natural and cultural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park while enjoying a scenic ride on an adaptive mountain bike. Led by a knowledgeable Ranger, these interpretive rides are designed to be short in distance with multiple stops along the way. At each stop, you will learn fascinating facts about the park's unique features and heritage. 

Please see the details below for information on the ride's distance, elevation, and profile. 

We look forward to having you join us for an educational and enjoyable adventure!

Please note: due to limited resources, only adaptive athletes are able to borrow a bike for this ride. Any friends/family wishing to join in will be required to bring their own mountain bike. 

Participant registration for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Adaptive Mountain Biking on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.

Forge Creek

Ride Distance: 4.7 miles total (Dependent on group progress & speed)

Elevation Gain:  350ft

Trail Surface:  Gravel Road

Ride Description:  Start at the Cades Cove Visitor Center with accessible parking & bathrooms.  Catalyst Sports will be onsite to fit you to an adaptive bike & provide instruction on how to safely operate the adaptive bike.  We will then depart as a group & ride along Forge Creek Rd.  The ride will follow Forge creek Road.  This is a rolling gravel road that follows a creek & passes by several points of interest.  Once at the end of the road, the group will turn around and ride back to the parking lot for a total ride length, just under 5 miles.
SEE RIDE PROFILE HERE

Schedule:

9:00 am:  Riders borrowing Catalyst bikes for the 10am depature should be ready to be fit to your adaptive bike at 9am.  This will allow time for us to fit riders & give basic instructions on operation

Note:  Cades Cove is a one lane road through a popular area of the park.  This often leads to traffic delays.  GSMNP has recommended that morning session riders plan to arrive at the visitor center 1 hr before your fitting time (ie:  Aim to arrive at 8:00am). 

10:00-12:00:  The ride will depart promptly at 10am.  

12:00 noon:  Riders borrowing Catalyst bikes for the 1pm depature should be ready to be fit to your adaptive bike at 12 noon.  This will allow time for us to fit riders & give basic instructions on operation

Note:  Cades Cove is a one lane road through a popular area of the park.  This often leads to traffic delays.  GSMNP has recommended that afternoon session riders plan to arrive at the visitor center 1.5 hrs before fitting time (ie: aim to arrive at 10:30am). 

1:00 - 3:00:  The ride will depart promptly at 1pm

Essential Eligibility for Adaptive Mountain Biking

• Rider has a permanent, disabling condition

• Rider can make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.

• Rider can follow all safety precautions identified by the instructors.

• Rider can hold their head upright without any head and/or neck support.

• Rider can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet, as well as any other safety equipment appropriately.

• Rider can understand and follow multiple-step instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.

• Rider can transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance

• Rider can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and can make decisions quickly in variable terrain.

• Rider can demonstrate they can independently peddle, steer, stop, start and ride the bike over, around, up, and down a variety of terrain deemed appropriate for their experience level.

If you have questions regarding eligibility criteria, please email kirby@catalystsports.org. 

Kirby will reach out directly to those who register the first week of Sept to conduct rider interviews & answer any additional questions