Let’s build a world-class MTB community by 2030

….we certainly think so! GPNEMBA has led a remarkably successful effort over the past 5-10 years to transform the opportunities for mountain biking across Greater Portland. Our region now hosts 50+ miles of diverse interconnected riding in Gorham, the biggest public jump line in the state of Maine, big technical rides and flow trails in Falmouth and Windham, and the brand-new Riverton Trolley Bike Park. We’re now at a point — especially with the land manager relationships we’ve worked so hard to build — where we can think not just about the next opportunity to build a new trail, but can afford to pick our heads up, identify what is distinctive about our wonderful MTB community here, identify what is missing that would make it truly world-class, and focus on filling those gaps over the next five years.

GPNEMBA’s new President, Ryan Dunfee, had a chance to share this plan with attendees of our Spring Social this year, but for all others — give our plan for a world-class Greater Portland MTB community by 2030 a read here. It details all the steps we’re working on to make this place a truly kick-ass place to be a mountain biker, and to call home.

We’ll be getting more into the details of individual projects in the weeks to come, but our immediate plans for 2025 include:

1. Opening Riverton Bike Park & dialing in upkeep
2. Rebuilding much of the singletrack (+2 miles of new directional MTB trails!) at Lowell Preserve
3. Developing a master plan for trail redevelopment at Blackstrap Hill
4. Building our first MTB-oriented trails with Portland Trails
5. Expanding the Lavoie Bike Park while improving signage and interconnection across Gorham
6. Expanded group rides
7. Planning & fundraising for a professional trail maintenance crew for 2026

This is an ambitious list. But we hope that by enlisting your help, we can make it happen. And we invite any feedback you might have after reading our 2030 plan — just shoot us an email at portlandnemba@gmail.com. After all, we do this for YOU.

After a rain delay (what else is new?), we’re planning for the rescheduled first Women’s Ride of the 2025 season with board member and professional MTB coach Effie Drew this Sunday, June 1st meeting up at 5:30 at 150 Weeks Road in Gorham (the parking lot near the pumptrack).  This ride is designed for women-identifying riders who bike singletrack trails occasionally to regularly and are comfortable with some small climbs, occasional roots and rocks, and moderate pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s something for everyone at this ride. Connect with fellow riders and explore the trails in Weeks/Moody’s! If you’re interested in other rides, our weekly all-everyone weekly Wednesday rides have been getting underway, and you’ll find more popping up weekly on our Eventbrite page.

RSVP for our June 1 Women’s Ride today
 

We’ve been excited to see that the Greater Portland mountain bike community has grown significantly in the past few years. Our weekly Wednesday group rides are now regularly getting over 40 riders, and as we work to divy up groups based on desired pace/distance, we’re realizing we need additional help leading and sweeping these group rides. Volunteering as a group ride leader is a great first way to volunteer with GPNEMBA and become an active leader in our community.

We’re putting out a call for new group ride leaders you can fill out here if you’re interested. Whether you’re interested in helping with our regular Wednesday group rides, want to support rides at your favorite trails, or have a group ride opportunity you’d like to lead yourself, we’d love to hear from you.

Once we hear from everyone, we’ll put together an in-person group ride training so you can understand our expectations and style, and successfully lead others in having a brilliant time on bikes!