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Down East Cyclists Meeting Recap: June 18, 2026

By Down East Cyclists
Down East Cyclists Meeting Recap: June 18, 2026

Down East Cyclists Meeting Recap: June 18, 2026

The DEC held its regular monthly meeting on June 18, 2026, covering administrative updates and news from the club's Mountain Bikers, Road Riders, and Gravel Grinders groups.

Administrative & Old Business

  • Secretary Diane reviewed and the club approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
  • Treasurer Van gave a budget update on the club's financial health.
  • Old business items from last quarter were briefly reviewed with no major updates.

Mountain Bikers

  • The group discussed a possible Rattlesnake or Brown's Creek campout, likely to be scheduled for fall.
  • The Big Branch connector trail is nearly finished. No bridge work is planned yet, which would help ease two-way traffic on most of Phase 2. The club plans to talk with the county about the jumpline and bridge.
  • A joint DEC/NICA work day is being scheduled to add rock armoring in the Dismal Swamp section and finish the NICA project.
  • The CCORS Race is tentatively scheduled at Big Branch for September 26 and October 24. DEC will cover insurance (about $110 per event), keep 100% of net race fee revenue minus Cape Fear SORBA administrative costs, and handle course marking supplies and porta potties if needed.
  • The club is considering a QR code-linked Google Form to streamline trail work requests through a single point of contact; Brian R. has volunteered to lead this effort.
  • The county is seeking input on naming the Phase 2 section at Big Branch. A name of Hank's Trail was suggested, and the club plans to open a poll on Facebook for member input.

Road Riders

  • Pop-up rides will continue on Saturdays or Sundays based on leader availability, such as the 101 Ride and the Topsail Island Ride.
  • The club is considering a monthly Camp Lejeune ride for members with base access, and still needs to determine whether weekdays or weekends will draw better attendance.
  • Steve volunteered to lead a Fourth of July ride on the Southwest route.
  • A reminder went out that the third Beers and Gear Taco Tuesday event is happening June 23, with details to be posted on an age-restricted Facebook event (a 14-15 mile ride, about 1 hour 20 minutes).

Gravel Grinders

  • Croatan rides will continue on Saturdays or Sundays as ride leaders volunteer.
  • The club is gathering member input on traveling to Holly Shelter for gravel riding, an initiative Cathy will host.

Weekend Bulletin

  • No official DEC rides are scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
  • The Tour de Blueberry event takes place Saturday.
  • Sunday is Father's Day.

Questions & Comments

  • Selling old club jerseys at cost was discussed.
  • Work on the new jersey design will continue to iterate.
  • The club plans to talk with the county and city about rules for dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and Class 2 and greater vehicles on the trails.
  • Signage at B3 needs to be updated.