Introduce yourself to our members. How long have you been mountain biking? Why do you ride? What are some of your notable mountain bike achievements or successes?
Hello there, I'm Mike P, from Easton and I've been a member of VMB since, oh...the Joe Transue days, haha! It's been 20+ years, I reckon! When I joined the club, I was looking for opportunities to get involved in trail maintenance/preservation. I had been working with the Somerset County Park rangers for a number of years, volunteering at Chimney Rock and Sourland mainly.
I got my first mountain bike in 1998, it was a Trek 7000 that I had bought from Genesis Bicycles. It had been several years since my last bike purchase. When I was a kid I had a Schwinn Predator my parents bought from Genesis. I used that bike to race at Louise Moore Park for a couple years. I was still living in NJ at the time and Sourland was an easy 6 miles from my parent's place. It took many, many attempts and crashes to learn how to ride those rocks and to learn how to read a line. I just fell in love with all of it. Topography will likely always fascinate me, as a biker and a snowboarder!
Since then I've had a handful of bikes, but none have been better than the beast I am riding now. I picked up a 2023 Pivot Firebird at the end of the year and I've not stopped smiling since!
How long have you been a VMB member?
20+ years
What's your favorite part of the Lehigh Valley riding community?
My favorite part of the LV community is the community. The network of cyclists in the valley is vast and the support we now have for our community feels so promising. 
What's your go-to local shop?
Saucon Valley Bikes has always done me solid!
What's your favorite Lehigh Valley trail or trail system?
These days, it's gotta be Trex. I love all that it has to offer. Airtime, flow and exertion.
Best place for post-ride refueling, and why?
Mojo 516 Cafe!! Smoothies and coffee are my favorites.
What's your best riding tip or piece of advice for other members?
Keep your eyes a good six feet ahead of your front tire and then just trust your bike. It's so much more capable than you are. Haha!
Describe your dream ride.
One where I'm out with my buds all day. Giving it my all and coming home injury free to sit and reflect on the experience.
What's your most memorable mountain bike accomplishment or achievement?
VMB has provided me opportunities to volunteer with various programs. The most memorable and impactful for me have been the opportunities to provide a positive impact on our youth. Providing instruction and encouragement has been highly rewarding, personally.
What inspired you to join VMB?
To join a like-minded community involvement organization.