Oneida, Tenn. — Every New Year’s Day the Big South Fork invites all mountain bikers to ride the Big South Fork at an annual event called “The Mail Run”. Bikers meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 10 a.m. (ET), Sunday, January 1, and then hit the trails. The ride is traditionally called the Mail Run because “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of the night” has kept scores of recreationalists from getting out in the Big South Fork on the first of the year. The Mail Run consists of a choice of rides varying anywhere from eight to 35 miles so bikers of all ages and abilities can pick the group ride of a length they are most comfortable with.
“We always look forward to beginning our year with a challenging but fun ride on the trails at Big South Fork. It’s a great way to catch up with old friends and meet new people at the same time,” said Joe Cross, president of the Big South Fork Bike Club.
“Big South Fork’s extensive mountain biking trails, along with the IMBA Epic designation, is likely to draw numerous new users to this part of the country,” said Tom Sauret, IMBA Regional Director for the Southeastern United States.
For more information on the Mail Run and mountain biking at the Big South Fork go to http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/mountainbikeriding.htm or call the park at (423) 286-7275.
