Support Riptide completion & win a $1,000 L.L. Bean gift card!
Plus the new Maine Gravity Series<!–
Hey fam,
Last night’s lower Riptide grand opening was something. Over 50 riders showed up despite the light rain and ran lap after lap on lower Riptide — and man people were STOKED! After the year and a half of planning and relationship building with partners, the fundraising, permitting, hours and hours of volunteer trailwork from our Portland Trail Crew, and incredible professional machine building from Maine Trail Builders, we’ve brought something to Portland riding few ever thought possible, and the reaction to the first laps showed it. We’re a bit emotional after seeing how jazzed every single rider was.
We’re working to finish upper Riptide in the coming month and investing extra with Maine Trail Builders to make this track truly special. If you haven’t already bought raffle tickets, we’re working to raise $2,000 to finish upper Riptide by raffling off a $1,000 L.L. Bean gift card! We’ll keep the ticket purchases open through this weekend, then share the winner! Buy your raffle tickets here.
Big thanks to the Allspeed crew for hosting an awesome group ride and BBQ with us, L.L. Bean for supporting our work, and to everyone who came out and showed how much joy world-class trails can bring.
Ryan Dunfee
Volunteer President
Greater Portland NEMBA
Brand-new Maine Gravity Series Kicks Off This Weekend in Moosehead
The trails are getting better every single year in Maine — and more and more world-class downhill trails are coming online every month across the state. In an effort to build community around this growing riding scene and get folks out across the state to experience these new trails, some of our partners have organized the Maine Gravity Series across four locations starting this weekend and racing through September.
The Moosehead enduro kicks off this weekend with a super affordable suggested donation of $40. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or looking to experience your first enduro event, there’s a place for you. Riders can choose from two race categories: Expert and Beginner, making the event welcoming for a wide range of skill levels. Compete against the clock, challenge yourself on exciting terrain, and celebrate with an amazing community of riders. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.There will be separate categories for class 1 e-bikes and pedal bikes. This is more than just a race—it’s a chance to support the continued growth of the Greenville trail system (some of the best in the state, built by Maine Trail Builders), connect with the local riding community, and enjoy an unforgettable day on some of Maine’s best trails.
Then the Sugarloaf enduro kicks off August 15 & 16, followed by Camden Snow Bowl August 29 & 30 and Mt. Abram Bike Park September 19 & 20. Each event features a Saturday practice and a Sunday race day, with multiple categories for ages as well as enduro and “enduro lite” (fewer stages) versions that are friendly for more beginner gravity riders.
After building your descending skills around places like East WIndham, Blackstrap, and the new Hung Down downhill trail, this is a great way to ride some burgeoning Maine bike hubs, discover some new favorite trails, and build the Maine mountain bike community as we work to make better and better descending trails every year. Click here for more details about the Sugarloaf, Camden, and Mt. Abram stops!
August & September Event Preview
We just won’t stop… make some time for these upcoming rides!
