The Grand Opening started with some works from former Ranger Crystal Tingle (now Natural Resources Manager) and followed by some words from the person responsible for starting this project - Tommy Hatcher and from the person who finished it - myself - Steve Capps. My right hand man - Eric Fisher was speechless after a late arrival from a vacation.
The trail started as an idea from some rangers to use the abandoned campground property for a mountain bike trail. Tommy was contacted via Patrick Flowers (formerly w/ the Bike Pedaler). The first part started as a mowed path through the open areas of the old campground - the beginners section was born. After the fist section was cleared, organized trail building efforts were started via posts on the local forum - Nashville Mountain Bike - aka NMB (now called Tennessee Mountain Bike http://tennesseemountainbike.com/board/forum.php ). The work was done by volunteers from the area as well as a few from farther away, including Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Bowling Green, KY. The local Middle Tennessee SORBA chapter also helped, especially by the use of their tool trailer. Other tools - including the now famous Weed Wrenches - were loaned to us from the COE. Over 2000 man-hours provided by more than 120 people over a 5 year period were needed to layout, cut, and most importantly - maintain the trail. Without the support of the local biking community, this trail would not exist! And we thank all that have helped out over the years.
The following is a link to a video produced by the COE's Amy Redmond (former Ranger) as well as a scan of the certificate of appreciation presented to the FOSB. Another link shows some photos from the day's activities from the TN-MB forum.
http://youtu.be/MeIeZR4dQHE
http://tennesseemountainbike.com/board/showthread.php?15164-Shutes-Branch-Grand-Opening-(Nov-3)-plus-some-trail-work-in-Sept&p=127332#post127332
