Who We Are

Founded in 1997, The Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that, through a family of 28 Chapters, serves as the unified voice for mountain biking in Vermont.

Vision

We envision a future where mountain biking is at the center of healthy, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable communities throughout Vermont, with well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems state-wide.

Mission

In pursuit of our vision, we work to ensure the sustainability of mountain biking in Vermont and thoughtfully promote exceptional riding experiences for all through advocacy, education, and community-driven stewardship.

How we do it:

  • Close working relationships with policymakers on trail-related legislation
  • Part of the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council
  • Active collaboration with public land managers and state agencies
  • By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Leveraging the strengths of our Chapters
  • Engaging and, if needed, activating our Members
  • Support from outdoor-minded companies, both operationally and through our Naming Grant program
  • Participation from local businesses in our Member Benefits and Retailers Alliance programs
  • Partnership with other nonprofits focused on environmental sustainability, community development, and outdoor recreation
  • A small but dedicated central office staff
  • An active and engaged Board of Directors

What we define as success:

  • More and better, sustainably-built trails
  • Quality riding Experiences
  • Engaging Events
  • Stronger Relationships
  • Increased volunteerism
  • Healthy communities
  • A vibrant, sustainable outdoor recreation economy

VMBA Values

Fostering the development of purpose-built, sustainably constructed, and open access trails
Preserving Vermont's landscape through an aware and connected riding community
Maintaining excellent working relationships with land managers, communities, sponsors, and partners
Representing the interests of riders through both our advocacy and the trail projects we pursue

Our Approach

Riders coming together to rough in a trail, keep it secret, and have a great time with friends in the woods laid the foundation for what has become some of the best riding in the country. Preserving this root characteristic is important, but trail building and advocacy require a different approach in light of our sport's growing popularity, understanding of it's impacts, and awareness of its economic potential. We choose to acknowledge this reality and remain proactive and dedicated to constantly evolving while also ensuring our access to trails and the characteristic that make riding in Vermont so special be protected through a strong and united voice.

Out of state riders travelling to Vermont to ride has exploded in recent years, exposing many sensitive trail systems that were never intended to see such levels of use. Successfully preserving and sustainably growing Vermont's public-access trails requires attractive, diverse alternatives and greater resources for trail stewardship. VMBA's relationships with state agencies, public land managers, and private landowners are key in protecting our trails and promoting trail diversity for all rider levels.

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 also embracing the realities, responsibilities, and opportunities of today.

What we got done last season.

2024 VMBA Highlights

    • Counted 9,300+ Members by the end of 2024
    • 3,500 + Add-On memberships
    • Directed nearly 90% of membership dollars to Chapters in direct and indirect support
    • Grew to 28 Chapters, seven trail-based organization Add-Ons, 5 Community Builder Add-ons, and 5 all-season resort partners
    • Oversaw more than 26,000 hours of volunteer labor in support of trail stewardship
    • Chapters Steward over 930 miles of public-access singletrack adding 24 miles of new trails and upgrading 150+ miles of trail
    • Employed more than 35 individuals across our central office and Chapters at the peak of the summer season
    • Awarded $90,000+ in VMBA Trail Grants, funding 19 different trail projects for 2024
    • Enrolled six outdoor-minded businesses in the VMBA Naming Grants program, which awarded a total of $23,500 to 6 different Chapters for projects in 2024
    • In total, directed over $485,000 to Chapters through base memberships, add-ons, Naming Grants, and VMBA Trail Grant
    • Launched the Visitors Guide to Mountain Biking in Vermont. Funded through EDA T-Term grant with content, press engagement, and influencers
    • Performed 8 Adaptive Trail Assessments with Vermont Adaptive and Kelly Brush Foundation
    • Published Best Management Practices for Mountain Bike and Multipurpose Trail Construction and Maintenance,  including a Lit. Review from 40+ sources, 22 categories and 160 unique BMPS
    • Supported development of the Velomont Vision Plan, engaging stakeholders and communities as this 485-mile hut-supported trail corridor takes shape
    • Heart of the Greens Loop completed; first multi day segment of the Velomont Trail connecting the communities of Pittsfield and Rochester.
    • Hosted our 3nd year of VMBA Days at 5 partner resorts, hosted our Season S’Ender at Saskadena Six, and attended/helped plan 16+ chapter and partner events.
    • Had our work – both that of the office and individual Chapters – featured in multiple publications and podcasts
    • Invested over 200 hours in meetings with legislators, providing testimony, and partners to lay the groundwork for the advocacy goals laid out in our 5-year Strategic Plan
    • Chaired the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council and successfully secured funding for the Trail Accessibility Hub, a collaboration across six partner organizations that will fund over 50 assessments, create a centralized repository of resources for trail managers, and provide networking opportunities
    • Promoted the Trails are Common Ground campaign to ensure all trail users have respectful, inclusive, safe, and enjoyable experiences out on the trail
    • Continued our work of educating our members on the importance of trail etiquette through multiple video productions, blog posts, and promoting Ride with Gratitude

VMBA Board of Directors & Staff

  • VMBA Board of Directors

    Cheryl Brodowski – Chair

    Kelly Dolan – Vice Chair

    Tara Mirakian – Secretary

    Curtis Fox – Treasurer

    Berne Broudy – Chapter Rep. (RMT)

    Tony Bailey – Chapter Rep. (NATS)

    Abby Crisostomo

    Quinn Keating

    Steve Letendre

    Anthony Staples

    Annie Strout

     

  • VMBA Staff

    Nick Bennette – Executive Director

    Joe Gaynor – Programs & Partnerships Manager

    Dean Havelock – Marketing and Communications Coordinator

    Amy Potter – Operations Manager

Contact Us

Welcome to riding in Vermont! Like you, we have a passion for mountain biking and the amazing trail networks Vermont has to offer. Hit us up if you have general feedback or just want to share your stoke. See you on the trails!

PO Box 681

Waterbury, VT 05676

802.540.2447

Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00

Executive Director:

Nick Bennette

Programs & Partnerships Manager:

Joe Gaynor

Operations Manager:

Amy Potter

Marketing & Communications Coordinator:

Dean Havelock