Who We Are
Through a family of 26 unified chapters, the association carries out its mission, which is to ensure the sustainable future of mountain biking in Vermont and to thoughtfully promote the best riding in the Northeast by serving as the central hub for advocacy, education and event support. VMBA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Vision: To inspire a Vermont filled with individuals reinvigorated by the beauty and challenges found in natural places in a manner that promotes community, ecological awareness and transcends the distractions of our time.
Cause: To connect Vermonters to the value of thoughtfully planning for the future of outdoor recreation and to strengthen the relationships that can realize our collective potential.
How:
- Relationships
- Advocacy
- Promoting an awareness of diversity, inclusion and equity
- Chapters & their BOD operations
- Members
- Board of Directors
- Executive director & office staff
- Partnerships & sponsorship
- Programming (VOICe, Regional Alliance, Shops Program, etc.)
- Resource allocation, risk assessment, critical project paths, etc.
- Fuel an environment of innovation
The culmination of this activity is sustainable trail stewardship through interconnected achievement.
What:
- Trails
- Experiences
- Events
- Relationships
- Community outcomes
- Stronger Vermont economy
Why: VMBA exists to create and develop vibrant communities that are emboldened by outdoor recreation and a connection to natural environments in support of outcomes that benefit the world.
- Healthy family recreation – lowering healthcare costs/risks
- Illustrate the need for and outcomes of volunteerism
- Build grit, focus, self-reliance and character in kids
- Strengthen the bond between individuals
VMBA Values
VMBA
The Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) is a nonprofit statewide organization serving as the voice of mountain biking in Vermont. Riders coming together to rough in a trail, keep it secret and have a great time with friends laid the foundation for what is the best riding state in the country. Preserving this root characteristic is important, but requires a different approach in light of the sport's growing popularity and growing awareness of its economic potential. VMBA/Chapters choose to acknowledge this reality and remain proactive and dedicated to constantly evolving. The ease of modern information exchange has necessitated that our riding culture be protected through a strong and united voice of advocacy. This is the role of your VMBA.
Out of state riders travel to Vermont to mountain bike six or more times a year, which often expose the most precious and sensitive trail systems in Vermont. Successfully protecting Vermont's core trails requires attractive, diverse alternatives. VMBA's relationships with chapters/public land officials is key in protecting our trails and promoting trail diversity for all levels of riders.
VMBA is dedicated to connecting riders to each other and supporting the work of chapters on both public and private land. VMBA will remain focused on preserving the historical bedrock of riding in Vermont while simultaneously embracing the realities and opportunities of the day.
VMBA kept things rolling in 2018
2018 VMBA Highlights
- Sent 97% of membership dollars back to chapters in services and grants
- Facilitated $128,000 of membership payout revenue to chapters
- Expanded add-ons from 950 in ’17 to 1265 in ’18 – totalling over $36,000 additional dollars to chapters
- In partnership with chapters produced a trail grant of $52,500 in addition to chapter payout revenue
- In partnership with Cabot produced two chapter naming grants of $10,000 in addition to payout revenue
- The Velomont Trail was launched as the first long-term project dedicated to linking chapters’ networks
- Successfully inspired more trail day participation through the Rewards Volunteers program
- The VMBA chapter trail grant supported 13 new trail projects
- VMBA expanded its advocacy efforts in conjunction with the VT Trails & Greenways Council
- The association expanded our relationship with VT Tourism & Marketing
- The family farmers of Cabot stepped up and helped VMBA launch a new website and membership platform
- Grew Membership by 17%
- Developed the Vermont Mountain Bike Retailer Alliance uniting over 20 Vermont bike shops
- Grew out of state membership translating into more support for chapters
- Connected groups across N.E. and Canada through the Northeast Regional Mountain Bike Alliance
- Grew VOICe to 16 outdoor-minded businesses strengthening support for trails