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
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.
2022 VMBA Highlights
- Counted 9,500+ members by the end of 2022
- 2,300 + 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, 3 Community Builder Add-ons, and 5 all-season resort partners
- Oversaw more than 22,000 hours of volunteer labor in support of trail stewardship
- Added over 40 miles of new singletrack across Vermont
- Employed more than 35 individuals across our central office and Chapters at the peak of the summer season
- Awarded $70,000+ in VMBA Trail Grants, funding 12 different trail projects for 2023
- Enrolled eight outdoor-minded businesses in the 2022 VMBA Naming Grants program, which awarded a total of $31,000 to 6 different Chapters for projects in 2023
- In total, directed over $435,000 to Chapters through base memberships, add-ons, Naming Grants, and VMBA Trail Grants
- Added a DEI Coordinator to our team to help realize our DEI Pledge and advance this important work
- Developed our Community Builder program to support local organizations that are working towards growing our mountain bike community in ways other than building trails
- Expanded our digital assets to be more inclusive of all individuals
- Continued our work of educating our members on the importance of trail etiquette through multiple video productions, blog posts, and promoting Ride with Gratitude
- Hosted our 2nd year of VMBA Days at 5 partner resorts, hosted our member party at Ski Rack, 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
- Co-Chaired the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council and successfully secured funding for permanent staff and stronger State collaboration to advance trail-based recreation
- Promoted the Trails are Common Ground campaign to ensure all trail users have respectful, inclusive, safe, and enjoyable experiences out on the trail
VMBA Board of Directors & Staff
VMBA Board of Directors
Quinn Keating – Chair
Tim Maher – Vice Chair
Tara Mirakian – Secretary
Curtis Fox – Treasurer
Abby Crisostomo – Diversity Committee
Berne Broudy – Chapter Rep. (RMT)
Jason Rickles – Chapter Rep. (JAMBA)
Cheryl Brodowski
Kelly Dolan
Anthony Staples
Annie Strout
VMBA Staff
Nick Bennette – Executive Director
Joe Gaynor – Programs & Partnerships Manager
Kenzie Brunner – Marketing and Communications Manager
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:
Programs & Partnerships Manager:
Operations Manager:
Marketing & Communications Manager