The Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (commonly called DORBA) is a volunteer-run non-profit based in Dallas, Texas. Their mission centers around building, maintaining, and advocating for mountain bike trails across the North Texas region — over 20 trails and 200+ miles of singletrack, with events ranging from beginner clinics to race days and volunteer trail-build workdays.
To support its events, community outreach, and trail operations, DORBA has, over multiple occasions, invested in custom tents (both 10×10 and 10×20 sizes) from SplashTents.com (or Splash Tents, Inc.). These tents play a central role in how DORBA shows up in public, interfaces with members and newcomers, and scales its operations across different types of events. Below is a look at how DORBA uses these tents, why those specific sizes matter, what branding and logistics considerations are important, and how the tents help DORBA advance its goals.
Why DORBA Needs Custom Event Tents
First, some of the challenges and needs that lead DORBA to invest in tents:
- Outdoor, variable conditions. Almost all DORBA’s events are outdoors — trail rides, clinics, volunteer work days, fundraisers, races. Weather can vary: hot sun, rain, wind, muddy conditions. Having shelter for staff, volunteers, gear, medical aid, merchandise, or simply shade for riders is essential.
- Mobility & multiple types of events. DORBA operates many different event types: beginner clinics, cross-country races, drop-in rides, group rides, monthly meetings, trail work days. These range in size and needs. A small clinic might need a modest footprint; a race day or big festival-style event requires a larger display.
- Visibility & branding. To recruit new riders, volunteers, and sponsors; to sell membership; to run merchandising; to clearly mark check-in, aid stations; or to provide trail info — DORBA needs to show up professionally. A good printed tent with logo, banners, and signage helps with that.
- Community & functionality. Tents serve not just a promotional purpose, but also a functional one: places for registration/check-in, first-aid, water station, tool-stations, bike wash, shade for rest etc.
Given these needs, DORBA has bought tents on multiple occasions in both the 10×10 and 10×20 sizes from SplashTents.com. These allow them to scale by event.
10×10 vs 10×20: When Which Size is Used
Because DORBA’s events vary greatly, having both sizes gives flexibility.
| Tent Size | Best Use Cases | Advantages | Limitations |
| 10×10 | Small clinics (beginner sessions, workshops), trail work-days, merchandise booth, check-in station, first-aid/water stand. | Lightweight, quick to set up, easier transport, cheaper; takes less footprint, uses fewer volunteers to move. | Limited space — if many people show up, or gear/tools need to be under tent, can feel crowded; less shade for large groups; limited branding visibility from distance. |
| 10×20 | Larger race events, group ride festivals, big volunteer trail builds, demo days, sponsor-partner booths, community fairs; aid/rest stations on more exposed trail segments; large info/education booths. | Much more room: for multiple volunteers, gear, displays; allows for seating or shade lounges; better visibility; ability to integrate sidewalls/back walls for wind/rain; more impactful branding. | Heavier, more transport/logistics required; more set-up time; needs more manpower; storage and handling more involved; more expensive cost and accessories needed (walls, flooring, lighting). |
How DORBA Uses Custom Tents from SplashTents in Practice
Here are several concrete examples (based on what similar trail orgs and DORBA could or likely do) of how DORBA employs these tents to support their work:
- Beginner Clinics / Intro to Trail Riding Workshops
At clinics (for example, “Women’s Beginner Clinic – Horseshoe Trail” or “Co-ed Beginner Clinic – Horseshoe”), DORBA uses a 10×10 tent for registration and welcome, and a 10×20 when expecting larger attendance. Under the tent might be printed banners showing trail maps, bike safety instructions, demo bikes, hydration, first-aid. The printed DORBA logo on valance makes it easy for newcomers to find where to go. Shade for instructors, tables for sign-ups. - Race Events & Cross-Country Rides
On race days, DORBA will use a 10×20 tent to host the registration tent, timing results desk, sponsor booths, exhibitor partners, and maybe a small merch area. The larger tent gives shelter to timing equipment, podiums, medical/aid station, and allows for side walls in case of inclement weather. Having the logo and branding on all sides helps visibility from a distance, especially to attract spectators, sponsors, vendors. - Community Rides & Drop-In Events
For drop-in rides (weekly rides or special group rides), a 10×10 tent set-up at the trailhead provides a hub: check in, distribute trail info, meet‐up point. For larger group rides or festivals, multiple 10×20 tents might be used: one for DORBA registration, one for sponsors, one for food or hydration. - Trail Maintenance / Volunteer Days
On work days (trail building, maintenance), a 10×10 tent may serve as the tool station (tools, water, safety brief), or first-aid shade. For bigger projects or when hosting sponsors/donors volunteering, DORBA may bring a 10×20 tent to serve as shelter, lunch area for volunteers, and promotional display where sponsors can see their logos printed on tent walls/backdrops. - Merch & Fundraising
Merchandise is an ongoing revenue stream: stickers, shirts, branded gear. At events, DORBA sets up tents with clothing racks, tables, point-of-sale, often using custom printed back walls to display hero trail images, and valance branding so passers-by can spot the merch booth. A 10×20 booth gives space for more stock, changing tables, sizing, etc. - Sponsor & Partner Presence
When sponsors or city/county partners join for big events (say a major fundraiser, or trail dedication), DORBA can use larger custom tents to host partner exhibits, information booths, or even VIP hospitality. The 10×20 tent makes for a more substantial and professional presence, with printed logos, sidewalls or printed back walls.
Branding, Print & Customization Details
To maximize the value of their tents, DORBA focuses on branding and customization. Here’s how:
- Logo & Valance Printing: DORBA’s logo is printed prominently on the valance of both 10×10 and 10×20 tents. This helps with visibility at trailheads, fairs, and rides. Larger logos on the longer side of 10×20 tents give better sightlines.
- Back Walls / Side Walls: For events like races, expos, or when the weather turns, DORBA often uses custom back walls with printed trail maps, sponsor logos, and high-quality photos of DORBA trails. Sidewalls or roll-up walls help protect volunteers, gear, and riders during wind or light rain.
- Accessory Customizations: Printed table covers, feather flags, banners, signage with sponsor logos, trail rules, safety info. These complement the tents and reinforce the brand/safety messaging.
- Color Consistency & Material Quality: DORBA wants durable, weather resistant fabrics so the logo, colors, prints don’t fade after repeated sun exposure. Also choice of frame materials, reinforced joints, good anchoring options.
- Modularity: The ability to combine a 10×10 tent for small jobs with 10×20 for larger ones, and to use walls or remove them depending on event size.
Logistics, Durability & Spec Considerations
Because DORBA’s events are frequent, dispersed, often volunteer-run, durability and logistics matter a lot. Here are key concerns and how they are addressed, especially when using SplashTents.com tents.
- Transport & Set-Up: Smaller tents (10×10) are easier for fewer people to carry/set up; 10×20 require more manpower and often a trailer or van. Good design means components break down into manageable pieces, rugged bags/wheels.
- Frame & Fabric Strength: Frames need to handle wind, sun, possibly storms. Powder-coated steel or reinforced aluminum frames with solid connector joints. Fabric rated for UV resistance, mildew, tear resistance.
- Anchoring & Stability: Stakes, sandbags, weighted bases. For 10×20 tents, often need more substantial anchoring, especially with sidewalls up.
- Weather Protection Features: Roll-down sidewalls, zippable back walls, maybe canopy extensions to protect from rain. Also option for vents in canopy roof to reduce wind lift.
- Maintenance & Repairability: Spl ashtents (and similar providers) often offer replacement parts—canopy cover, walls, frame pieces, bracket joints. For a volunteer-run group, being able to replace a fabric panel or a broken leg cheaply is essential.
- Storage & Lifecycle: When not in use, tents must be stored dry, ideally in bags, in relatively temperature stable space. Tents that see heavy use: need occasional cleaning, re-proofing, checking for rust or fabric wear.
How the Tents Support DORBA’s Mission & Goals
Using custom tents is not just about the signage or shade — they directly support DORBA’s strategic goals:
- Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement: A professional, well-branded presence at events increases trust and visibility. New volunteers see that the organization is serious and stable. Tents help create welcoming, well-organized setup at clinics, ride meets etc.
- Public Awareness & Trails Advocacy: At expos, city events, parks & rec department joint events, a branded tent helps DORBA raise awareness about trails, membership, funding/infrastructure needs. Seeing the tent, signage, brochures, maps invites engagement.
- Revenue Generation: Through merch sales, sponsorships, event fees, membership sign-ups. Tents make merch booths more attractive and trustworthy.
- Community Building & Education: Shade for clinics, safe spaces for instruction, signage for rules/safety. They also serve as gathering points so people feel part of a community.
- Consistency Across Events: Using tents with uniform branding across events helps reinforce identity. Whether it’s at Horseshoe Trail clinic, Cross Timbers rides, or a big fundraiser, people recognize DORBA.
Example Event Setup with 10×10 and 10×20 Tents
Here are two hypothetical (but realistic) event layout examples showing how DORBA might use both sizes in a combined setup:
“Beginner Trail Riding Clinic” at Horseshoe Trail (Dallas)
- Tent Layout:
- One 10×20 tent as the main welcome & registration hub: under this, tables for registration, printed trail maps/back wall, sponsor logos on side walls, shaded area for instructors to gather.
- One 10×10 tent next to it as “rest & water station”: water coolers, snacks, sun shelter, first-aid kit.
- Branding & Signage:
- The 10×20 canopy has the DORBA logo on both long sides, with “Beginner Clinic” on the front valance.
- Back wall with photo of trail, schedule printed, safety rules.
- Banners/feather flags on the perimeter to draw attention from trailhead parking.
- Volunteer & Functionality:
- Volunteers at registration in the 10×20 tent using custom printed table covers.
- In the 10×10, a small seating area or stools for participants, shaded break area.
- Logistics:
- Transport gear to trailhead early; stakes/sandbags for anchoring (especially for 10×20 tent).
- Roll-down walls available in case of light rain or late-morning wind.
“Annual DORBA Race + Vendor Fair”
- Tent Layout:
- Two 10×20 tents: one for race registration & timing, another for vendor booths (gear companies, local bike shops, sponsor booths).
- Several 10×10 tents for merch, first-aid, volunteer check-ins, food/hydration.
- Branding:
- All tents branded with DORBA logo; vendor tents might carry both vendor’s logo and DORBA’s co branding.
- Back walls with sponsor logos, printed info about trail systems, maps, upcoming events.
- Amenities:
- Flooring or mats under tents for vendors and registration to keep things clean for gear/machines.
- Lighting if the event starts early or goes into dusk.
- Volunteer & Attendee Flow:
- Clear signage guiding people from parking/trailhead to tents.
- 10×20 tents act as landmarks — people can say “meet up at the big DORBA tent”.
ROI, Investment & Sustainability
For DORBA, purchasing tents is an investment. Here are ways the costs are justified over time:
- Multiple Use over Many Events: Because DORBA has frequent clinics, volunteer days, races, etc., a well-made tent is used dozens of times per year, spreading out the cost.
- Sponsor Partnerships: Sponsors often want branding opportunities. Having a tent with printed logos (and co-branding) gives DORBA leverage to attract sponsor funding or in-kind support.
- Merchandise Revenue: When a merch booth under a visible, professional tent looks good, sales improve. Investing in display improves perception which helps sales.
- Volunteer & Member Goodwill: Professional setup shows respect to participants, improves experience. Volunteers are more comfortable if there’s adequate shelter, shade, smooth check-in etc., which keeps retention high.
- Reduced Risk / Weather-Related Losses: Shelter helps protect volunteers, gear, perishables, medical supplies from sun, rain damage. Quality tents prevent damage to what’s under them and reduce liability.
- Durability & Lower Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Choosing high quality tents (e.g. industrial frame, durable fabric) means fewer replacements/repairs.
Challenges & How DORBA Can Mitigate Them
No solution is perfect; using tents also requires planning. Here are common challenges and how DORBA (and SplashTents) help manage them.
- Weather Risks: Strong winds or storms can damage tents or make them unsafe. Mitigation: choose high wind-rated models; use strong anchoring; remove sidewalls or lower profile when winds are high; select event times with better weather forecasts.
- Transport and Storage: Bigger tents are heavy and bulky. DORBA must have good storage facilities, bags, transport vehicles or trailer access. Organizing volunteers who know how to set up efficiently.
- Volunteer Labor for Setup / Teardown: 10×20 tents require more people/time. Planning in advance who will be available, training volunteers in setup safely.
- Brand Consistency: As multiple tents are used across kinds of events, it’s important that colors, logo files, signage are consistent. DORBA might have brand guidelines.
- Wear & Tear: Repeated use leads to fading, hardware fatigue. Regular inspections, cleaning, and using replacement parts or ordering refreshes (e.g. new canopy covers) helps.
Why SplashTents.com is a Good Fit for DORBA
When evaluating tent providers, DORBA likely chose SplashTents.com for reasons like:
- Multiple size offerings (10×10, 10×20) so they can scale by event.
- Custom printing: ability to have logos, back walls, walls, valances, banners custom-printed in durable materials.
- Quality of frame & fabric: durable, replaceable parts, strong frame joints, materials that hold up in sun/wind.
- Accessory options: sidewalls, back walls, feather flags, table covers etc.
- Customer support / speed: for non-profits like DORBA, being able to get tents in time for events, having replacement parts available, support for set-ups.
Conclusion
DORBA is an exemplar of how a volunteer organization, passionate about trails, community, and mountain biking, can strategically deploy resources like custom tents (10×10 and 10×20) to amplify its mission. These tents aren’t just shelter or shade — they are tools of branding, community engagement, safety, and effective operations.
Through careful planning, combining sizes, customizing for each event, and maintaining quality, DORBA maximizes the utility of tents they purchase from SplashTents.com. Over time, the tent investments help them reach more riders, support more volunteers, attract sponsors, deliver better events, and maintain stronger visibility in the North Texas cycling community.
Splash Tents, Inc.
214.432.4025
@splashtents