Some VMB highlights from 2009
The singletrack trail system planning and construction at Trexler Nature Preserve was started with earnest. We are close to having a short rideable loop complete, with many additional miles in various stages of planning and construction.
The IMBA Trail Care Crew held a weekend long clinic in September at the Trexler Nature Preserve instructing us on properly designing, building, and maintaining sustainable multi-use trails. The clinic was attended by approximately 40 people, including Pennsylvania DCNR staff, horseback riders, land managers, and others. It was a true privilege for VMB to host such a well respected event.
VMB held an IMBA Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day event at Jordan Park in October. We had about 25 enthusiastic young participants. It was a huge success for not only the kids, but all who participated.
Valley Mountain Bikers and Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association (PMBA), with strong support from IMBA, initiated plans to combine forces with a goal of establishing a singletrack trail system at Lake Nockamixon.
VMB members from the Stroudsburg area have approached several government organizations to advocate mountain biking in that region. These efforts have positioned VMB well to be considered as a resource for the local park and land managers.
Valley Mountain Bikers’ Officers would like to thank all of our members for their membership and participation throughout this past year. 2009 was an exciting year for VMB, and all of our members can be proud of the many positive contributions the club made advocating mountain biking in our region.
On the right are just a few examples of the contributions Valley Mountain Bikers have made during 2009, all of which were made possible by building on the hard work VMB has done over the past several years.
The coming year has a very full schedule for us; from continuing the Trexler Nature Preserve trail construction, and breaking ground on the Nockamixon project, to hosting another successful Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day, and continuing to expand the membership of our club both in number and geographic area. We are looking forward to building on the prior successes of VMB, and with your support, making 2010 the best year yet.
With so much positive momentum, we hope all of our existing members renew their membership and remain involved this coming year. Please note that VMB has decided to increase our base membership dues to $20 due to a significant increase in our expenses. Our club insurance doubled in price and is now about $900 for the year. We also need to add and maintain tools for trail work. We hope you understand our need to increase the membership dues and hope we can count on your continued membership and participation in 2010. The members are what makes VMB the great organization it is.
You can renew your membership online at the VMB Store, where you can also purchase hats, stickers or make a donation.
Thank you and happy new year. We look forward to riding with you in 2010.
Doug Pinkerton, Scott Stortz, Greg Horwath, and Lisa Ronca