New Leadership at SORBA Chattanooga Promises Trail Enhancements

News Summary

Chattanooga’s Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) has appointed Sunshine Loveless as its first executive director, marking a new chapter for trail accessibility and community engagement. With experience in outdoor recreation and a vision for inclusivity, Loveless aims to enhance mountain biking and outdoor activities in the region. Supported by a $50,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, she plans to foster community connections and sustainable growth, paving the way for a bright future in Chattanooga’s outdoor recreational scene.

Exciting New Leadership for Chattanooga’s Trail Enthusiasts

Chattanooga, the scenic jewel of Tennessee, has exciting news on the horizon for outdoor lovers and mountain biking enthusiasts alike! The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) Chattanooga has just appointed its first-ever executive director, Sunshine Loveless. This marks a significant moment for the nonprofit organization that’s been tirelessly advocating for trail access since its inception in 2003. With Sunshine’s leadership, the community can look forward to a new era focused on trail accessibility and community engagement.

A Journey Through the Trails

Over the past two decades, SORBA Chattanooga has worked diligently to expand the trail network in and around the area. Starting with just a modest 7 miles of trail, the organization has grown that number to an impressive 167 miles within a half-hour drive from downtown Chattanooga by the end of 2023. This remarkable growth has opened up the great outdoors to countless people, encouraging outdoor activities from mountain biking to peaceful hikes. Sunshine’s appointment is seen as a transformative milestone, especially since SORBA was previously an all-volunteer organization.

Setting the Stage for Sunshine

Sunshine Loveless is stepping into this pivotal role with a wealth of experience, having previously worked with Outdoor Chattanooga and even founding her own outdoor recreation company, Outshine Adventures. Loveless’s love for the outdoors was sparked by a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Ocoee River, and she is passionate about spreading that joy. Her leadership style leans heavily on principles of inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable growth, and she aims to promote outdoor spaces that foster healthier communities.

Community Matters

One of Sunshine’s primary goals as executive director is to enhance community engagement. She believes that the path to success lies in prioritizing community input over simply dictating plans from the organization’s headquarters. By listening to the needs and desires of local residents, Sunshine intends to build a more connected community that shares a love for mountain biking and outdoor recreation. With this focus, she aims to create strategic plans that resonate with the needs of the people who use the trails every day.

Funding the Vision

A substantial boost to SORBA’s mission comes from the Lyndhurst Foundation, which has generously provided a $50,000 grant to fund the hiring process for the executive director position. To make a remarkable move even more impressive, the foundation will match every dollar raised by SORBA, up to $50,000, until the end of 2025! This financial support is critical as it allows SORBA to expand trail initiatives and further develop its community outreach.

Bright Future Ahead

Moving forward, Sunshine Loveless plans to advocate for better funding opportunities for trail projects, ensuring that SORBA’s vision integrates mountain biking into a healthy, environmentally sustainable community. There’s a shared understanding that outdoor recreation not only improves individual health but also strengthens communal bonds. Sunshine’s leadership promises to transform those ideas into reality, making Chattanooga a go-to destination for mountain biking and outdoor fun.

With Sunshine at the helm, SORBA Chattanooga is poised for a bright future. For mountain biking enthusiasts and outdoor lovers throughout the region, this is a pivotal moment filled with hope, engagement, and the promise of new adventures waiting just down the trail!