The most regular use of the trail is by the Madison County Mad Hatters, a nonprofit mountain biking team made of middle to high school students from various schools in the area.
“ It’ s all about creating stronger minds, bodies, and community,” said Amy Poynter, Treasurer of the Mad Hatters.
The Mad Hatters compete in competitions throughout the fall in the Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League and National Interscholastic Cycling Association. Students in 5th through 12th grade who are interested are welcome to sign up for the team on https:// madisoncountycompositemadhatt. godaddysites. com / Students are welcome to come and practice with the team for free, but to compete in competitions students must pay a $ 150 fee to register.
“ Supporting students finding a way to basically have a healthy outlet that supports students both physically and mentally, but it’ s also about trail stewardship and supporting that lifelong love of cycling,” said Poynter.
The Mad Hatters practice twice weekly at the Silver Creek Bike Park, and consider it their home trail.“ It’ s our home court, without Silver Creek Bike Park we would not have trails to ride on,” said Poynter.
According to Poynter other teams, such as Clark County teams, have to travel farther out to surrounding counties to find trails to practice on, whereas the Silver Creek Bike Park is readily available for the Mad Hatter’ s frequent usage.
At this time 30 students are a part of the Mad Hatters, with 15 coaches. Poynter says the team anticipates having 40 students enrolled by the end of the year.
“ It’ s all about having fun on a bike, finding a way to have fun outside and build community,” said Poynter.
16 Madison Magazine March-April 2025