StumpJump Season Is Here

Trail work, bridge builds, and SAMBA's biggest race of the year is just weeks away

Hello SAMBA Community,

Spring is officially in full swing across the Upstate, and the energy around SAMBA right now is hard to miss. Trails are getting worked, bridges are getting built, and our biggest event of the year — StumpJump — is less than two months out. Whether you've been riding all winter or you're just dusting off the bike, there's a lot to be excited about heading into April.

🛠️ Trail Work Recap — March 21 at Croft

Trail work continued at Croft State Park on March 21. Thank you to everyone who showed up, grabbed a tool, and put in the hours. The momentum from these monthly work days is real — and the board sees it. More trails mean more visibility, more riders, and a stronger SAMBA community.

⛏️ Next Trail Work Day

Details for the April trail work day are here! We will be continuing work at Southside on April 18th!

Watch Spond for the next Saturday work day details. As always, bring:

• Gloves

• Hand tools if you have them

• Water

• A friend

Even an hour of help makes a real difference — and it shows on every ride.

🏁 StumpJump — Saturday, May 16

It's happening! SAMBA's signature trail race is confirmed for Saturday, May 16 at Croft State Park, and the pieces are coming together fast.

Here's where things stand:

• 👕 SJ26 shirts — available now!

• 🎯 Target: 2 trail courses open this year

Trail work is needed to get the course race-ready, and TrailForks is updated to reflect current trail routes HERE.

More details coming soon. Mark your calendars!

🌉 Trail & Bridge Updates

Bridge on Idaho — completed! Another project done and already making a difference on the trail.

Up next:

• Bridge on Rock Creek — being assessed for pricing and construction

• Trail signage — Joseph Monopoli Jr. is checking with Gaetan on park requirements

• Updated maps — new posts and maps coming to intersections at Southside. Fincher can create the maps once we finalize how many are needed

• Glendale Shoals — waiting on an update from Matt at UGATA

• Holston machine work — April 6–10, berm shaping

A reminder to all members: please do not build unauthorized trails. Sustainable, coordinated trail growth is how we protect access and keep building for the long haul.

🚴 Weekly Rides

Wednesday Night Rides are still rolling! Even with Danny Workman off the bike for now, the rides keep going.

Check Spond and Facebook for ride updates and trail conditions. And here's a tip from the board: use Spond whenever you head out for a ride — even a casual one. Post it up and see who else wants to join. That's how group rides happen.

All skill levels welcome.

💬 SAMBA Member Chat — Spond

Spond is our official member-only chat for:

• Ride invites

• Trail work updates

• Quick announcements

• Finding riding partners

If you haven't joined yet:
👉 Join SAMBA on Spond

🧢 Why Your Membership Matters

Your SAMBA membership directly supports:

• Local trail building and maintenance

• Weekly rides and social events

• Signature events like StumpJump

• Trail signage and map updates

• Bridge construction projects

• Member-only communication via Spond

• Advocacy for current and future trail access

Membership fuels everything we do.
👉 Join or Renew SAMBA

🌱 Spring Trail Etiquette Reminder

Spring means changing conditions — wet spots, soft soil, and trails that need a little patience.

• Check conditions on Spond before heading out

• Avoid riding muddy trails — ruts cause long-term damage

• Stay on marked trails (no rogue lines!)

• Clean and lube your drivetrain after wet rides

A little patience now keeps trails in great shape for everyone — especially with StumpJump around the corner.

📅 Stay Updated — SAMBA Events Calendar

We maintain a shared Google Calendar with all SAMBA events — trail work days, group rides, meetings, and special events.

👉 View & subscribe here

Click the ➕ icon in the bottom-right corner to subscribe and get automatic updates. It's free!

📸 Want to Be Featured?

Have a great trail photo, group shot, or StumpJump throwback?

📧 Send it to board@ridewithsamba.org — we'd love to feature it in an upcoming newsletter or on social media.

🚴 See You on the Trails

Spring is here, StumpJump is coming, and the trails are only getting better. Whether you're volunteering at a work day, signing up for the race, or just sneaking in a weeknight lap at Southside — every ride strengthens this community.

Work. Ride. Repeat.

🚴 Ride safe, shred hard, and we'll see you on the trails!

— The SAMBA Board

🚴🚴🚴 Spartanburg Area Mountain Bike Association 🚴🚴🚴