Help us build world-class MTB trails in Lowell Preserve

Following the incredible new trails at East Windham Conservation Area, we’re teaming up with the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and the Town of Windham to revamp the neighboring Lowell Preserve trail system. This is part of our long-term vision to transform the Falmouth-Windham corridor into one of Maine’s premier outdoor recreation trail systems.

What’s Happening Now

Phase 1 is underway: trail builder Chris Cyr of Sanctuary Trails (& East Windham fame) is constructing an awesome two mile XC trail and just finished a new connector from East Windham, funded by the Davis Family Foundation and GPNEMBA. If you like East Windham, you’re going to like what Chris & Sanctuary are bringing to Lowell.

Next up: We’re raising funds to bring in Max Southam & Mt. Abram Trails, one of New England’s top trail builders (known for his work at Mt. Abram Bike Park), to build two new directional mountain bike trails in Lowell Preserve starting this fall, with the hope of opening them both before the end of the season.

Trail B (0.5 miles, orange track below): A lower-intermediate, flowy descent with a more gentle 4% grade — fun and approachable for all skill levels, with long sightlines and smooth turns, and able to be ridden fast by more advanced riders.

Trail A (0.5 miles, red track below): An upper-intermediate “tech flow” trail with a 6% grade — packed with natural tech, well-placed berms, and features for more experienced riders. A little piece of Mt. Abram right in Greater Portland!

Both trails will be 40% longer than the popular Bustamove trail in nearby North Falmouth Community Forest and will be key additions to the Falmouth-Windham corridor.

The Maine Mountain Bike Trail Fund has committed $10,000 already to supporting this project, and GPNEMBA has matched that grant with $10,000 from its reserves.

We’re looking to raise $30,000 this fall to close the gap and finish construction this fall. 

Construction starts mid-October — and with your help, we can finish this fall!

Why It Matters
Every time we build or revamp a trail in Greater Portland, we’re aiming to make it world class. This is an incredible opportunity to bring one of the most talented builders in the Northeast (who built Libby Chill & Libby Thrills in Gray — the largest public jumps in the state) back to the area to raise the standard of riding as we improve the experience across the entire Falmouth-Windham corridor, and utilize professional design & construction to ensure the long-term sustainability of the trails we put in the ground.

As Max relayed to us this week: “Mt. Abram is very excited to partner with GPNEMBA on the Lowell Preserve gravity trails project. We believe we will be able to contribute more high-quality downhill directional trails within the growing network in and around the Portland area. We anticipate that GPNEMBA’s excellent work in this region will establish a flagship network, increasing access to recreation for more people closer to home, and we look forward to being a part of it.”

How You Can Help
Your donation will directly fund trail construction and help us bring Max Southam and his team from Mt. Abram Trails back to Greater Portland this fall. Every dollar gets us closer to riding these world-class trails — and building a community that thrives on adventure, nature, and connection.

Donate today and be part of building Greater Portland’s world-class mountain biking future!

Join us this Thursday 9/18 for a FREE bike park skills clinic & special screening of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Join us this Thursday, 9/18, for an outdoor skills clinic followed by a film screening about the creation of Riverton Bike Park and Gorham trails! This free event at Riverton Trolley Park in Portland is hosted by GPNEMBA and the Portland Parks Conservancy.

5:30-7:00: Take advantage of a bike park skills clinic and learn how to get comfortable riding tabletops and dirt jumps. Get feedback on your body positioning and jumping from GPNEMBA volunteers and professional coaches.

7:00-9:00: Then enjoy a film screening of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival,  including short docs about the creation of Riverton Bike Park and Gorham trails! The screening is also free to attend with a suggested donation of $5 or $10 to the Portland Parks Conservancy.

Parking is available at Riverton or across the street at Hannaford. Shoutout and thanks to Battery Steele Brewing as they are offering $5 pints to GPNEMBA members that night! 

Looking further out? There’s more events coming up!

• Wednesday 9/17: GPNEMBA Wednesday group ride
  • Shred your face off with great people at the USM/Alden Hill trails
• Saturday 9/27: Cape Elizabeth trailwork day
  •  Help build new trails connecting from the Davis Parcel in Cape Elizabeth
• Sunday 9/28: Blackstrap Group Ride & TrailFest
  • Blackstrap Trailhead in Falmouth for the ride, followed by TrailFest at Wander in Cumberland
  • Group Ride from 1:00-3:00pm, TrailFest 3:00-7:00pm with our friends at Falmouth Land Trust and Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust
• Saturday, 10/4: Group Ride/Clinic for Westbrook Bike Fest
  • Rock Row, Westbrook
  • 12:00-6:00pm
• Sunday, 10/5: GPNEMBA Women’s Ride
  • Lavoie Bike Park, Gorham
  • 4:30-6:30pm