Last season we started to see some events coming back that we all loved to attend in years past. As well all know things were different and not all events happened but it was still great to be outside and pedaling with old and new friends. This season the trails haven’t even opened yet and the calendar of events is already stacked. There will be a plethora of events to attend and adventures to be had.
Kick Off Parties!
This time of year of year is known for kicking things off with chapter parties and trail days. WATA just had their season kickoff party at Zen Barn and it was their first event in 2 years. The excitement was palpable and everyone was thrilled to chat about big plans for the season. There are plenty more kick off parties that you won’t want to miss:
- STP’s on April 20th at the Talta Lodge in Stowe
- FCMTBC kick off on May 14th at 14 Star Brewery, with a trail day beforehand
- Richmond Mountain Trail’s has their Spring Kickoff Party with a pre-event gravel or trail day on May 1st at Stone Corral
- MAMBA’s Kick Off Party is at the Montpelier Pool Shelter on May 5th.
Trail Days!
There are more trail days than you can swing a shovel at. Chapters are hard at work every year to get trails back up and running for everyone to enjoy. You can help their efforts by coming to a trail day and staying off the trails until they are ready. Don’t forget to log your volunteer hours in our newly revamped Rewards Volunteer program to win monthly prizes! Some upcoming trail days include:
- BRMBC has a trail day on May 1st and on May 22nd (and more throughout the summer)
- STP on May 7th
- ACBC Moosalamoo Trail Workday on May 21st (and many more throughout the summer)
So much more!
Once you have celebrated and played in dirt you can get out on some gravel and single track with the Crank De Mayo hosted by Mad River Riders on May 1st or hit up WATA’s Gravel Grinder on May 15th. These events are a great way to get back in the saddle and to enjoy those post ride beverages in community.
The heart of the mountain bike event season is fast approaching in June, July and August. There will be the Vermont Adaptive Challenge at Killington in June. In July there will be the Slate Valley Epic and Flow State down at Ascutney. Then in August you NEMBAfest (I know not in VT but sounds too much fun not to go) and the EWS at Burke! Who wouldn’t be excited to see the best riders in the world ride Burke and the Kingdom trails? As always, you won’t want to miss BRMBC’s Tour de Valley on August 20th and MAMBA has an exciting Frickin’ MAMBA Fest on September 24th!
Did we mention that the summer is already stacked with events?!
VMBA Downhill MTB Days
The one event series we are excited to be doing again this year is our own VMBA Day at our downhill partner resorts. If you didn’t attend last season the main idea behind the event was to bring our VMBA members to each resort, provide free group rides, raffle items from our supporters and great time with new friends. This year our new Community Builders will be coming along to make sure everyBODY can get some of that gravity filled enjoyment. We will be at Killington June 12th, Sugarbush August 20th, Stratton August 27th, and our final one will be at Bolton Valley on September 10th. Don’t miss your chance to use your free downhill coupon that comes with your VMBA Membership, score some awesome prizes and learn a new mountain from people that know it best.
We hope to see you soon!
This is just an overview of the fun that is on the docket for this season. There is lots of thrills to be had and lots of joy to be shared in community with fellow bikers. Head to VMBA.org/events to learn even more about the upcoming event season. Don’t forget to stop by the VMBA Tent to say hello and get your SCOR Bike Raffle ticket – see you out there!