In early 2025, the BlueRibbon Coalition was contacted by a dedicated group of dirt bike advocates in South Carolina known as the Wambaw Trail Riders. For years, this volunteer-driven organization has worked to maintain some of the only places in the state where dirt bike riders can legally ride on federal public land.
Maintaining trails in South Carolina is no small task. Many routes run through lowland forests and sandy terrain, where conditions can deteriorate quickly. Over time, sand breaks down, whoops form, corners erode, and trail surfaces can become unsafe. To keep these trails open, safe, and enjoyable, Wambaw Trail Riders have historically partnered with contractors and the U.S. Forest Service to groom and maintain the trail system.
Then Hurricane Helene struck.
The storm caused widespread damage across multiple trail systems—from mountain routes to swampy, sand-based trails—creating serious safety concerns and triggering confusion about how maintenance and recovery could move forward. Longstanding volunteer agreements were disrupted, putting the future of these trails at risk.
To better understand the situation and document the impacts, BlueRibbon Coalition staff traveled to South Carolina and spent two full days on the ground with local riders. The visit included touring trail systems across the region, assessing hurricane damage firsthand, and evaluating the scope of work required to restore safe riding conditions. After returning, the BlueRibbon Coalition began engaging key contacts and elevating the issue through the appropriate channels.
Soon after, the issue was raised directly with the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. That conversation led to coordination with the Regional Forester and follow-up throughout the Forest Service chain of command. Through that process, misunderstandings were clarified, conflicts were addressed, and momentum shifted toward a constructive solution.
Just a few weeks ago, Wambaw Trail Riders announced a major breakthrough: their volunteer agreements with the U.S. Forest Service have been formally reinstated.
This reinstatement has already opened the door for Wambaw Trail Riders to apply for a substantial Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant that could help fund long-term trail restoration and maintenance. While the grant decision is still pending, the outlook has improved dramatically—and these trails now have a real path forward.
There’s one key requirement: RTP grants require matching funds.
That’s where supporters can make an immediate difference.
BlueRibbon Coalition is currently running a dirt bike sweepstakes featuring a custom GasGas EX300 dirt bike. When supporters enter using the promo code WAMBAW, proceeds from those entries will be shared directly with Wambaw Trail Riders to help meet matching fund requirements and keep these trails open. But the last day to enter for this sweepstakes is Saturday January 31st! So, don’t wait!
This effort is a clear example of how advocacy and community support can translate into real, on-the-ground wins—protecting responsible riding opportunities and preserving access to public lands.
Thank you for supporting BlueRibbon Coalition and the volunteers who make these trails possible.
