All,

Here’s a text capture from Alachua County’s official Facebook page, of which I’m a follower / subscriber:

“The Rock Church Sign Incorrect: Alachua County is being inundated with calls and emails due to a factually incorrect sign put up by officials at the Rock Church. The Rock Church sign states that “The Rock Trails are officially closed to all use, both cycling and walking,” The sign goes on to attribute this decision to the County. The County did not close the trails; that decision was made by The Rock Church.

The Rock Church obtained County approval to build a new church on this property. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of this development project, and to comply with County land development codes, The Rock Church proposed protecting a designated 40-acre conservation area. 

The Rock Church’s development plan recommended that mountain biking within the designated conservation area should not be allowed due to environmental impacts including soil erosion and water quality degradation. The County agreed with their assessment. The sign incorrectly infers that the County closed the trail because it was damaging the ecosystem, but makes no mention that this was The Rock Church’s recommendation in their development plan.

Nothing in County Development Codes prohibits walking and jogging in this Conservation Area.

 So, to be clear, the County did not intervene in this private property issue. The Rock Church approached us with this proposal. They recommended that this particular 40-acre tract of land be conserved to fulfill the comp plan requirements for a new development of this size. In their plan, they recommended that mountain biking not be allowed. The county approved their plan. This is private property. If they want to disallow mountain bikers, walkers or joggers, they can do that. The problem is that their sign attributes the trails being closed to walkers to a county decision. That is inaccurate. And biking is not prohibited on the other 120-acres of the property. If a private property owner wants to control the activities allowed on their property, that's fine. Attributing that decision to the County is not.”

Regards,

David Hammer
Via iPhone

On Apr 25, 2019, at 7:43 PM, Clint Gibbs <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm just passing along information I received from a friend in the know. If I get updated info I'll let you all know. That's about as involved as I care to get. Politics are not my jam.  If The trails are opened again to bike tires I'll be sure to inform everyone.

Clint 

On Thu, Apr 25, 2019, 8:18 PM David Hammer <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:
All,

An official Alachua County spokesperson posted extensively on Facebook today that this was NOT the County’s decision. Instead, it was wholly the landowner’s (Rock Church’s) decision.   

Regards,

David Hammer
Via iPhone

On Apr 25, 2019, at 6:53 PM, Clint Gibbs <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that the Rock Trails are now officially closed.  Although the Rock Church (who owns the land) would like to keep the trails open, this decision was forced by our county government.  They feel that bike tires are causing too much erosion. 

I am grateful that the Rock Church gave me and a handful of guys permission many years ago to build those trails. I've put countless hours of sweat equity into constructing and maintaining those trails. It is been a great ride. I watched my kids grow up and learn how to mountain bike on those trails. I watched the University of Florida host a cross country race and build a dual slalom track, probably something our county has never seen before. I also got to participate in the summer mountain bike series put on by Tim Hayes, which became so popular that the neighbors complained about the number of people. What a great problem to have! We were having well over 100 racers every Wednesday night!

It has been such a pleasure to see people enjoy these trails over the years. Mountain biking is a sport that has become so integral in my life, and to work hard and see others enjoy it has been simply awesome.  

The Rock Trail was the longest continual single track and Gainesville.  To be able to exercise, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of the sport in a natural and safe environment is something I hope everyone can have access to.  The sport has been growing and such popularity across the United States, and it's great to see other cities embracing the sport. 

If you disagree with the county's decision, I encourage you to contact them. Here is the contact information:


Here's to the many great years of riding the Rock Trail. Cheers everyone.

Sincerely, 
Clint Gibbs

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