Trailblazers in the Greenbrier Valley
Meet the GVORBA Members Helping Shape the Future of Outdoor Recreation
The Greenbrier Valley Off-Road Biking Association (GVORBA) is powered by passionate individuals who bring both vision and dedication to the growing trail and biking community in the Greenbrier Valley. Among them are Nicole Falk, Ben Isenberg, and Mike Renner—all members of Ascend WV, a program that draws remote workers to live, work, and thrive in West Virginia communities.
Their involvement with GVORBA reflects a shared commitment to building sustainable outdoor recreation, fostering local connections, and helping shape the Greenbrier Valley into a premier destination for trail enthusiasts across the region.
Nicole Falk
When Nicole traded the fast pace of California’s Bay Area for the quiet beauty of the Greenbrier Valley, she found more than scenic landscapes—she found a vibrant, determined biking community ready to unlock the region’s full potential as a trail destination.
“There’s so much good backcountry-esqe riding here from towns, if the infrastructure is in place to support it.”
An avid mountain biker, Nicole was introduced to local trail-building efforts through Max Hammer, a bike shop owner and coach for the Hellbenders high school mountain bike team. At the time, he and his wife Sarah were working to start a local IMBA chapter. Today, the three serve together on the board of GVORBA.
Having just finished a board role with the San Francisco Public Health Foundation, Nicole saw GVORBA as an opportunity to lend her experience to a growing effort.
“I wanted to parlay those skills into something meaningful here—something that could last.”
Nicole also felt a deep sense of responsibility to continue the work started long before she arrived.
“The hard work and foundations were laid by the folks who have been here for some time – many locals worked to get the current trails built and work tirelessly to ensure they’re maintained. I’m a small part of helping to expand and keep their legacy going.”
For Nicole, the real motivation is the spark she sees in others.“The local scene in terms of people interested in weekly rides, trail maintenance,fundraising support and overall bike tourism has been fantastic and inspiringto keep us pushing further to make this area a true Mid-Atlantic Appalachian biking destination!”
Ben Isenberg
Ben’s story is a reminder that sometimes a simple invitation can open the door to something much bigger.
“Growing up, I did a lot of mountain biking, but after having kids, we lived on the flat Eastern Shore of Maryland, where biking was more about cruising than hitting trails,” he said.
"When we arrived in Lewisburg, I was eager to get back into mountain biking and introduce my family to true trails, but I didn’t know where to ride or even have a good mountain bike.”
Then he met youth mountain biking coach Clay Elkins. “I asked him how to get into biking, and instead of just taking me for a ride, he said, ‘Become a NICA coach and come to Coaches Weekend.’”
Ben had never heard of NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) before, but it didn’t take long for him to feel at home.
“After joining and seeing the sense of community, I fell in love with it. My kids joined the Hellbenders, my wife became a coach, and we found an incredible group of people through the program.”
As their involvement grew, so did their awareness of the need for more local trails and infrastructure. A meeting with riders, NICA coaches, and Ascend members laid out current initiatives and a call for a formal organization.
“That meeting led to the creation of GVORBA, and I was excited to join as a founding board member,” Ben said.
“I joined to help create more trails and get more people on bikes,” he explained. “My family and I fell in love with the biking culture here, and I wanted to contribute to expanding that experience for others.”
“We’re still in our early days, but we’re already seeing the biking community grow. More people are joining our regular weekly rides, and there’s increasing interest in youth participation through the Hellbenders. The momentum is building, and we’re excited about the future.”
As for the invitation that started it all, Ben sees it this way: “Clay could have just taken me on a ride. Instead, he encouraged me to get involved as a coach and see how biking can bring a community together.”
Mike Renner
For Mike, joining GVORBA was both a personal passion and a long-term investment in the place he now calls home.
“As an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, I believe trails and access to trails contribute to the quality of life in a community,” he said.
“When I moved to Greenbrier County [from North Dakota], I was immediately struck by its stunning natural beauty, however I was a little surprised to find limited infrastructure for cycling and walking.”
But Mike also saw potential.
“We have a few amazing resources, including the Greenbrier State Forest and the Greenbrier River Trail, but I believe there is a strong need—and opportunity—for much more,” he said.
Mike joined GVORBA from the start, knowing he was continuing work that had already started.
“People have been laying the groundwork for years,” he said. “As a founding board member of GVORBA, I feel privileged to be part of that legacy and what lies in store.”
“Much of our work has focused on cultivating a strong, engaged outdoor community,” he said—from fun rides and film screenings to trail maintenance days.
And the vision keeps growing.
“One of our most exciting initiatives is the development of one of the state’s largest bike parks and pump tracks in White Sulphur Springs,” he said.
“Additionally, we have helped co-facilitate the mapping and eventual construction of new mixed-use trails in Greenbrier State Forest, further expanding recreational opportunities in the region.”
For Mike, it always comes back to the possibilities.
“Now that my family and I have settled in the Greenbrier Valley for the long term, I have an even greater investment in its future,” he said.
“Of course, we want to see this area continue to flourish and thrive—and I believe the creation of trails will play a vital role in that story.”