SAMBA America 250 Special Edition

SAMBA America 250 Special Edition

Two Months, One Race, and 250 Years of Two Wheels!

Hello SAMBA Community,

We may have skipped the May and June newsletters — but the trails didn't wait for us. Between StumpJump weekend, two months of trail work, and the unofficial start of summer, there's a lot to catch up on. Consider this your all-in-one recap, timed to America's 250th birthday. Because what better way to celebrate 250 years than getting outside and riding some dirt? 🎉🚵

🏆 StumpJump 2026 — In the Books

StumpJump 2026 is officially in the books. 144 riders hit the course, making it another strong showing for SAMBA's signature race. Thank you to every volunteer who showed up early, stayed late, and made sure the day ran smoothly — you're the reason this event works.

A huge shout-out to every SAMBA member who pinned a number and toed the line — and to all the other riders from across the region who came out to race. Whether it was your first time on the course or your fifth, you made this event what it is. Every rider who shows up is what keeps StumpJump going year after year.

Still want to rep the race? StumpJump shirts are still available at Trek Spartanburg and by emailing board@ridewithsamba.org. Grab one before they're gone.

🌲 Trail Work: May + June

Both months brought crews out to the trails, and the work shows.

May was all about StumpJump course prep — clearing lines, flagging the route, and making sure 144 riders had a safe, rideable race day. That behind-the-scenes grind is what SAMBA does best.

June shifted to cutting back overgrowth — summer comes fast, and the crew reclaimed a lot of singletrack from the brush. If the trails feel noticeably better right now, this is why.

Every hour out there adds up, and July's already got one lined up: Duncan Park, July 18th, teaming up with PAL and Friends of Duncan Park. We'll be cutting brush and clearing overgrowth to get Duncan Park back to a place people actually want to ride. There will be a flyer coming with more details — watch for it. Even one hour makes a real difference. Bring gloves, tools, water, and a friend. 🤝

Speaking of water — summer work days in SC are no joke. LMNT electrolytes help. Get a free sample pack with your first order: ridewithsamba.org/lmnt 🧂

🇺🇸 Two Wheels & 250 Years: How Long Have Bikes Been American?

July 4, 2026 marks 250 years of the United States. And bicycles have been part of this country for almost all of it. Here's the short version:

• 🚲 1819 — The first bikes arrived in America, just 43 years after the Declaration of Independence. They were called velocipedes — no pedals yet, just feet pushing off the ground.
• 🔩 1866 — French inventor Pierre Lallement filed the first U.S. bicycle patent in New Haven, CT — a pedal-powered velocipede. America was officially in the bike business.
• 🏭 1878 — Albert Pope founded Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford, CT — the first major American bicycle manufacturer. The Columbia bicycle was born.
• 📜 1880 — The League of American Wheelmen was founded, pushing cities and states to build better roads. Cyclists have been advocating for infrastructure for 145 years. Some things don't change.
• ✈️ 1890s–1903 — Orville and Wilbur Wright ran a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio before inventing the airplane. They applied bicycle mechanics directly to flight. Bikes didn't just change transportation — they helped launch aviation.
• 🏔️ 1976 — Mountain biking was invented in America. Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, and friends raced modified bikes down a fire road in Marin County, California. The Repack Downhill race gave birth to the sport we all ride today.
• 🇺🇸 2026 — Over 47 million Americans ride bikes. Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in the country. And it started here.

No group ride is planned for July 4th — but get on your bike. Anywhere, for any reason. Because 250 years in, this country still knows how to shred. Work. Ride. Repeat. 🇺🇸

🛠️ Next Trail Work Day

July's trail work day is set — Duncan Park, July 18th, teaming up with PAL and Friends of Duncan Park. We'll be cutting brush and clearing overgrowth to get Duncan Park back to a place people actually want to ride. Bring gloves, hand tools, and water. All skill levels welcome; no experience required. Just show up and you'll be useful. Watch for a flyer with more details.

📅 Upcoming Events

• 🔨 July Trail Work Day — Duncan Park, July 18th, with PAL and Friends of Duncan Park
• 🚵 Wednesday Night Rides — Every Wednesday at Southside, all skill levels welcome
• 🌱 Beginner Rides — No beginner ride in July. Returning August, September, and October at Holston Creek, 9 AM.

🚵 Wednesday Night Rides

Every Wednesday at Southside. If you've been thinking about joining, just show up — all skill levels welcome. Check Spond and Facebook for meeting times and any weather adjustments.

💬 Stay Connected — Spond

Spond is where SAMBA lives between newsletters. Ride invites, trail work alerts, quick updates — it's all there. Join here: spond.com/invite/RUEJP

💳 Membership

Not yet a member, or time to renew? Head to ridewithsamba.org/join/. Your membership keeps the trails funded, the races running, and the community rolling.

• 🌲 Trail building and maintenance
• 🚵 Weekly rides and organized events
• 🏆 StumpJump
• 💬 Spond community access
• 📣 Trail advocacy in the Upstate
• 🤝 Partner discounts

📅 Full Event Calendar

See everything coming up at ridewithsamba.org/events.php. Click the + icon to subscribe — it's free!

📸 Share Your Photos

Have a great trail shot from StumpJump, the trail work days, or anywhere else this summer? Send it to board@ridewithsamba.org — we'd love to feature it.

🤙 Happy 250th, America

Two months of trails, one great race, a crew that keeps showing up — and 250 years of Americans on bikes. Not bad at all.

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

— The SAMBA Board
🚵 Spartanburg Area Mountain Bike Association | ridewithsamba.org