Who We Are
Through a family of 28 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
- 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
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
- 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 2017
2017 VMBA Higlights
- The association expanded our relationship with VT Tourism & Marketing
- The family farmers of Cabot have stepped up to build a new web site and sponsored 10 trailhead Kiosks
- Grew Membership by 25%
- Developed the Vermont Mountain Bike Retailer Alliance
- Grew out of state membership from 18% to 21% translating into more support for chapters
- Has connected with groups in Canada to expand the Northeast Regional Mountain Bike Alliance
- Grew VOICe to 14 outdoor-minded businesses strengthening support for trails
- Add-ons grew from 278 last year to 950+ in ’17 – totaling over $30,000 to chapters
- In partnership with chapters produced a trail grant of $50,000
- The Velomont Trail was launched as the first long-term project dedicated to linking chapters’ networks
- VMBA played a role on the VOREC steering committee