• About FORC

    FORC's Mission


    FORC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity with the goal of expanding mountain biking opportunities in the Quad Cities area through education, advocacy, stewardship, and community building. We meet these goals by: partnering with local land management agencies to to build new off-road trail systems, providing skilled volunteers to construct and maintain sustainable off-road trails, hosting MTB related educational events, and organizing activities to grow the local mountain biking community.

    FORC's History


    The QC Friends of Off-Road Cycling was started in March of 1997 with the goal of creating MTB riding opportunities in the Quad Cities area. The first trails FORC adopted were at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, IL. Soon to follow was Sylvan Island Park in Moline, IL, Sunderbruch Park in Davenport, IA, Scott County Park - Park View, IA, Illiniwek Forest Preserve - Hampton, IL, Westbrook Park in DeWitt, IA, and now Dorrance Park in Port Byron, IL and Praire Park in Geneseo, IL. In total we have built +40 miles of natural surface singletrack trail at QC area parks tailored to mountain biking use. These trails are also enjoyed year round by hikers, trail runners, dog walkers, snowshoers, cross country skiers, and other human powered activities. Each year FORC contributes +1000 hours of volunteer labor to local parks for trail improvements and maintenance which is valued at over $22,000.

    Pronouncing FORC


    FORC is pronounced with a hard "k" sound like the eating utensil; fork not force.

    FORC's Activities


    FORC continues to expand MTB opportunities locally and hosts a number of events throughout the year dedicated to this goal. A few common FORC activities:
    • Advocating for and building new MTB trails following International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) guidelines for sustainable and low-impact construction.
    • Maintaining +40 miles of local mountain bike trails.
    • Hosting educational events promoting mountain biking skills and trail etiquette (MTB 101 & Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day).
    • Hosting 2-3 mountain bike races each year at local trail systems which serve as fund-raisers to cover club expenses and special projects.
    • Holding monthly membership meetings to discuss local MTB news, events, and projects.


    Want to Become a Member?


    FORC membership dollars go towards supporting continued maintenance, improvement, and advocacy at current and future trail systems as well as MTB related educational programs. We are always looking for new members willing to get involved! Click here to find out more about becoming a member.