GoBikeIN Continues Creating Outdoor Adventures
In 2020, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation awarded Brown County State Park $10,000 through the INRF’s Give Adventure grant. Three years later, that grant is still creating new adventures for property visitors thanks to the GoBikeIN program.
GoBikeIN breaks down barriers and gives people a chance to experience mountain biking before making serious time and financial commitments to the sport. During the summer, property staff host free beginner-level workshops using equipment purchased with the Give Adventure grant funds.
The importance of creating access to outdoor recreation opportunities was on full display in a recent workshop. Jennifer and Page, a mom and daughter duo from Columbus, participated in one of the July workshops.
“We were discussing renting mountain bikes to make sure we really liked it,” said Jennifer. “We discovered this program and thought, this will be great!”
Participants practice technical skills.
The workshop began near the nature center, where participants started by learning about technical skills and riding safety. Eli Major, interpretive naturalist at the park, led the workshop and demonstrated skills such as braking and body positioning. The participants then hopped on a bike and practiced before heading out on a beginner-level trail ride.
While the trail ride is short, it immerses participants in the beauty of Indiana’s public lands. The ride ends at one of the park’s iconic lookouts, giving participants time to spend reflecting on the course and to ask any final questions.
People of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to attend a workshop. Although targeted for beginners and focusing on how to ride safely, the workshop can also provide more-experienced riders with new skills and confidence.
“I’ve ridden in other places throughout the U.S., but the terrain wasn’t as challenging there,” said Jennifer. “This course helped me learn how to ride some of these steeper trails.”
Major leads participants on a trail ride.
The GoBikeIN program began when Patrick Haulter, now assistant property manager, sought a way to introduce people to mountain biking and help them explore Indiana’s natural spaces in a different way. After completing the Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP), Major began leading the program, and has taught dozens of visitors about the fun of mountain biking.
Throughout the summer, Major leads around four workshops per month. Each usually has fewer than 10 participants, so attendees can expect personalized and interactive instruction during the three-hour course.
Brown County’s mountain bike trails make it a premier destination for many around the region and showcase the amazing recreation opportunities Indiana’s public lands offer. The INRF is proud to support important outdoor recreation, education, and conservation initiatives like this around the state.
If you want to help us celebrate and preserve Indiana’s special natural spaces, consider donating to the INRF today.
To learn more about Brown County State Park or to register for a GoBikeIN workshop as they become available, visit on.IN.gov/browncountysp