The 2015 member survey produced a quick look into some interesting stuff. Who do you ride with, how often and where most often are just a few things we asked about. Rider participation in the survey is super important as it helps inform VMBA about the direction the individual riders would like to see things move. We take this feedback seriously and would like to extend a huge thanks to those of you that took a few minutes to let us know their thoughts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the things we learned.
We’re proud to say that 85% of you feel as though the association keeps you informed about news and progress we’re making for mountain biking. 
The association sharing news and keeping you informed is one thing, but we wanted to know if our advocacy was felt by individual riders, and it is – 51% shared that VMBA has “significantly: impacted riding in Vermont while another 45% shared that VMBA has “somewhat” impacted their riding experience. These are good numbers, but we wanted to know more. Specifically, we wanted to know how VMBA has impacted riding in Vermont from the individual rider perspective. VMBA was blown away at the responses! The following list of categories was produced by those that filled out the survey followed by the number times the topic was mentioned among responses:
- Advocacy/legitimizing/representation 149
- Better trails/maintenance 144 (big kudos to the chapters on this one!)
- Information/trail conditions 80 (TrailHub!!)
- Involvement/camaraderie/community 78
- Connecting & supporting the chapters 41
The member benefits are clearly a big hit – 87% of responses indicated that the benefits are at least “somewhat” important. This is meaningful as we approach new partners to expand your opportunities as VMBA members – get out there and redeem those sweet deals! The fat biking benefits are redeemed the most, however, 71% of the sample doesn’t fat bike. VMBA communicating with members through newsletters, email, Facebook and events appears to be agreeable.
The association was curious about with whom and when you do most of your riding. Interestingly, members ride by themselves a fair bit – 29% twice a week and 27% three or more times a week. Riders enjoy the trail with friends roughly once a week. The most surprising was the relatively low frequency of riding with one’s partner and/or kids. Members enjoy the trails with their partner once or twice a month. Only 6% ride with partners three or more times a week. Members ride with their families once or twice a month. A safe interpretation of these participation patterns suggest we’re all too busy! It seems we’re squeezing rides in wherever/whenever we can.
The survey dug into the festival a fair bit as well. One thing is crystal clear – you want more demo opportunities at the annual festival! Other items that ranked super high on the list include a wide scope of rides (length, terrain, time of day, etc.) food, a family friendly atmosphere, music, price and a celebratory vibe. The planning committee is savvy – this feedback is huge. MARK YOUR CALENDARS – THE FEST IS ON JULY 22-24 IN WAITSFIELD. 230 of you shared that you planned on attending – complimentary DH ticket at Sugarbush is included this year!
THE MOST POPULAR TRAIL NETWORKS:
According to the 2015 member survey – here are the top five networks in Vermont –
5. Hinesburg Town Forest
4. Kingdom Trails
3. Saxon Hill
2. Cady Hill
1. Perry Hill
Huge thanks to everyone that participated in the survey.