MAYODAN — More than 2,000 young athletes, parents and spectators will descend on Farris Memorial Park April 26-27 for the Sonic Speed Dash mountain bike race, and thanks to recent upgrades to Farris Memorial Park in Mayodan, attendees can expect top-of-the-line facilities.
The NC National Interscholastic Cycling Association competition will feature athletes ages 11 to 18 from middle and high schools across North Carolina, many of which travel more than four hours to attend the entire weekend events.
“Thanks to the Town of Mayodan, many of our participant families can camp at Farris Memorial Park to stay close to all of the weekend activities,†said Brian Russell, director of NCICL. “The park meets all of our standards to host an event this size, and the community shows us great support; the trail specifically is very conducive to conducting a race for the broad spectrum of ability our racers possess.â€
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Park upgrades were made possible by a $25,000 grant from the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission’s Youth Sports Grant. Funding from the grant is covering trail repairs and upgrades to ensure the racecourse is ready, the production of a trail video to showcase Farris Memorial Park’s potential to participants and visitors, downtown street banners to welcome race attendees, and essential race-day support items.
“This event is a big deal for Mayodan and Rockingham County,†said Lindsay Pegg, Rockingham County tourism manager. “Farris Memorial Park and its growing trail system are great examples of what Rockingham County has to offer in nature recreation, and it’s exciting to see it getting more recognition for its amazing trail potential.â€
While this is not the first time Farris Memorial has hosted a NICA race, the event allows the park to showcase its continual improvements.
“Our commitment to regular, high-quality upgrades not only enhances the racing experience but also strengthens our appeal to youth sports organizers across the state,†said Jennifer Edwards, vice chair of Resilient Trails Network. “Our goal is to ensure that every event is more successful than the last, maintaining Farris Memorial Park as a premier venue for youth sports.â€
The NC NICA competition represents the next chapter in a trail system that has been nearly a decade in the making.
“We are excited about the potential for more trails to do more riding or racing on for our events,†Russell said.
A little over eight years ago, Farris Memorial Park’s trail system became the impetus of Michael Brandt, then Town Manager of Mayodan, who rallied volunteers, local businesses and regional nonprofits around a vision to create a high-quality mountain biking experience in Rockingham County.
“In the beginning, there wasn’t much more in the woods than a few worn deer trails and a couple of makeshift deer stands,†said Edwards.
A $10,000 grant from REI helped the project get off the ground, and over the years support from numerous other organizations has helped shape Farris Memorial Park into a destination for events like the upcoming race. In addition, Duke Energy brought more than 200 volunteers to assist with trail-building efforts. With the newest grant and upgrades, the park is poised to become a regional hub for youth mountain biking and outdoor recreation.
“Michael Brandt’s ability to bring people together and leverage grant funding turned an ambitious idea into a reality,†said Melody Shuler, Town Manager of Mayodan. “Now, my focus is on building on that foundation by working with new and existing partners to expand the trail system and further establish Farris Memorial Park as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.
The newest trail upgrades have been led by RoundRock Design and supported by Resilient Trails Network.
“Trails are shared spaces that bring people together,†said Tony McGee, who is overseeing the upgrades. McGhee is a landscape architect with RoundRock and the original designer of the Farris Memorial Park trail system.
“A thoughtfully designed trail system fosters connection, encourages outdoor recreation and instills a sense of pride in the community,†he said. “The improvements we’re making will not only elevate the race experience but also leave a lasting resource for residents and visitors.â€
The new expansion also establishes the park as home to Rockingham County’s longest trail system.
“With eight miles of expertly designed trails, Farris Memorial Park will offer something for everyone, from beginners taking their first ride to experienced riders looking for variety and challenge,†Shuler said. “It’s also a space where families and friends can hike, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.â€
