GORC Gravity has helped build 6 mountain bike parks in Missouri - with more on the way

KCUR recently reported on GORC Gravity's work helping to build mountain bike parks around Missouri:

Dave Schulz  . . . volunteers to work with local governments and bikers to build trails. The 41-year-old does this work as part of a nonprofit he started with friend Steve Friedman in 2019 to support mountain bike park development.

Steelville Mountain Bike Park (credit: GORC Gravity)

At the same time, Missouri’s mountain biking scene has been exploding as more bikers hit the trails during the pandemic. Sales for traditional bikes, indoor bikes, parts, helmets and other accessories grew 75% in April 2020 to $1 billion – an unprecedented amount, according to market research group NPD. Market Research Future estimates that the industry will grow up 10% by 2027. . .

The trails are a quick and cheap way to drive economic impact in a small community, Schulz said. With a few hundred thousand dollars, cities can build a tourist destination and a backbone for businesses.

“That means that a community that is struggling can find a path to financial benefit to new business structure in a short period of time,” he said.

Small communities that formerly leaned on mining, such as Ironton and Steelville, are becoming biking destinations. Schulz’s nonprofit, called GORC Gravity, has helped six Missouri towns open parks and trail systems. And more are planned for the future.

GORC Gravity has helped build mountain bike parks and trails in six communities around Missouri, with more on the way.  The communities includes Ironton, Steelville, Eureka, St Charles, and St Joseph.

Find out more about GORC Gravity and their work on their web site and Facebook page.