The dirt: May 2026
THE DIRT on 100 Miles of Trail, Course, Classes, Races + MORE!
Welcome to The Dirt, your favorite monthly newsletter. If you wanna get informed, get outside, and get involved in your local Central Ohio trails, then get "the dirt" from us.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms in our mountain biking community. Today we’re celebrating the women who somehow do it all. The moms loading bikes before sunrise, packing trail snacks, cheering from the sidelines, fixing flats mid-ride, leading group rides, and still finding time to absolutely rip on the trails themselves.
Mountain bike moms are a special kind of tough. They teach confidence on two wheels, encourage adventure over comfort zones, and raise the next generation of little shredders to love the outdoors, challenge themselves, and respect the trails and community around them.
Whether you’re riding with a kiddo in tow, teaching first pedal strokes in the driveway, or sneaking in solo trail rides whenever you can, thank you. You make this community stronger, more welcoming, and more inspiring every single day.
Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who shred and the moms raising future shredders!
With endless appreciation,
Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization
We’ve Officially Hit over 100 Miles of Trail!
This milestone belongs to every single person who has helped make it possible. From volunteers digging in the dirt after work, to trail stewards caring for their local systems, to families showing up for trail days, donors investing in the future of riding, and riders who continue to support and believe in our mission, THANK YOU!
What started as a vision to build and protect great mountain bike trails for our community has grown into an incredible ecosystem of trails, people, partnerships, and passion. These 100+ miles represent thousands of volunteer hours, countless acts of generosity, and a shared love for the outdoors that continues to bring our community together.
We’re beyond stoked about this accomplishment, but even more excited for what comes next.
More trails.
More connections.
More opportunities to get people outside and on bikes.
This milestone is proof of what can happen when a community comes together around something they care deeply about. We can’t wait to keep building the future of mountain biking together.
okay…we’re BEGGING YOU
You’re not the first person to take hours to prep your bike, pack your gear, drive to the trailhead and arrive to a, seemingly, slightly wet trail and thought “eh, it’s not that bad. It’ll be fine” and rode it anyways.
But here’s the deal, “a little wet” can turn into “a lot of damage” real quick.
Even the best built trails depend on firm dirt and properly working drainage. When the ground gets saturated, it basically loses its backbone. Suddenly, your tires (or even your shoes) can reshape the trail in just a few laps… and not in a good way.
Every rut and mudhole has to be repaired, which means volunteers are out there:
Re-shaping the trail surface…all over again
Rebuilding drainage so water actually flows where it should…all over again
Hauling rocks and materials, which is not light work…all over again
Closing down all those extra “oops I went around it” trail lines
That’s a lot of time and energy spent to do things for the umpteenth time. That time and energy could’ve gone into building new trails, adding flow, or making your next ride even better.
So, what should you do instead?
Become a True Steward of the Trails!
Our goal is to educate, empower and support those who share our passion for trails. COMBO has 10 different trail systems and over 100mi of trails and the reality is that everyone has their "Home Trail". It doesn't mean that you don't make it to other trails but there is one trail you return to again and again. You know it like the back of your hand. The good and the bad.
We want to harness that knowledge and passion to take the "Good & Bad" and turn it to "Great & Challenging." We want to encourage you to do more than help clear fallen trees. Where could you add a new feature or resolve a miserable wet spot?
We want to empower you to help shape the vision for your trails.
Get Ready to GET WILD!
The first official race of the FUNduro Series is coming up on June 7th and we have some pre-rides to help get you ready!
MTB Class is in Session
Our first Dirt School & Shred School of the 2026 MTB School Year is happening on Saturday May 30th at Alum Creek!
more Ways to Get outside this month
🏁 WEEKLY MTB Group Ride
🗓️ Every Monday
⏰ 6:00pm roll out
📍 Seek-No-Further Cider Co.
🔗 Check it Out Here!
🏁 WEEKLY MTB Group Ride
🗓️ Every Wednesday
⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Parking at LITW Bike Shop
🔗 Check it Out Here!
🏁 WEEKLY Road Group Ride
🗓️ Every Saturday
⏰ 9:00am
📍 Parking at LITW Bike Shop
🔗 Check it Out Here!
🏁 TOSRV
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday May 16-17
📍 Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, Ohio
🔗 Check it Out Here!
🏁 Mohican 100
🗓️ Saturday May 16th
⏰ 7:00am
📍 Loudonville, OH
🔗 Check it Out Here!
Trail Day at Alum Creek
COMBO is hosting monthly Trail Days at Alum Creek on the last Sunday of every month. Check out the event page for need to know information beforehand!
Has Mountain Biking Changed Your Life?
COMBO is looking for passionate riders who want to take their love for mountain biking to the next level, by helping others discover theirs.
We’re investing in the next generation of coaches by training and certifying new Mountain Bike Instructors to support our Rider Education Series for the next three seasons. This is more than just a coaching role. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of our local mountain bike community.
You don’t need prior coaching experience, just a willingness to learn, grow, and show up for others.
Mountain Biking Joins Pelotonia in 2026!
We’re gearing up for something BIG! The very first MTB Pelotonia Ride and we’re inviting YOU to train with us!
Join COMBO and Lost in the Woods for a series of Pelotonia Gravel Day Training Rides designed to get you comfortable on mixed terrain, build endurance, & connect with an awesome community of riders.
Whether you’re riding for a loved one or just want to be part of this inaugural MTB Pelotonia Ride, these rides will help you feel strong, confident, and ready to roll.
See the Training Ride Schedule HERE.
