The 9-member Bike Borderlands collaborative is in the midst of a busy summer season with major events, local programming, and a new Borderlands Ambassador.

The Center facilitates the initiative and members include Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Kingdom Trail Association in Vermont; PRKR MTN Trails, Franconia Area NEMBA, Bethlehem Trails Association, and Coos Cycling Club in New Hampshire; Circuits Frontieres in Quebec; and Inland Woods + Trails and Carrabassett Valley Trails in Maine.

Summer Resource Guide

Following up on the success of last summer’s resource guide, the 2022 version highlights local businesses and activities in each location and aims to introduce riders to new experiences and mountain biking networks in New England.

Borderlands Ambassador + Major Events

The Borderlands welcomed its first summer ambassador, Joe Fox. Deeply involved in the mountain biking community for decades, Joe is visiting each of the trail networks and major events in the region to raise awareness of the Borderlands initiative and the Ride with Gratitude campaign. In addition to encouraging riders to take the pledge, Joe is working with partners like VMBA and NEMBA to strategize further promotion of the Ride with Gratitude campaign.

“The response to the Ride With Gratitude campaign has been overwhelmingly positive and, while this may sound cliche, there really is something special that happens when folks adopt an attitude of gratitude on a ride,” Fox said. “The reality is that mountain biking on these lands truly is a gift, and it’s one that needs to be treasured and respected to be maintained. I think people are understanding that more and more and that’s a large reason why they have been so appreciative of this campaign.”

Joe mentioned he loves when people visit the Borderlands tent and ask where they should ride, fuel up, or other cool things to do in the region. Below is a short list of events Joe will be attending – be sure to stop by and say hello if you see the Borderlands tent!

  • Flow State: July 29-31, Ascutney, Vermont
  • Flow2Fest: August 1-6 Events at several of our network
  • NEMBAFest: August 7-8, Carrabassett Valley, Maine
  • Enduro World Series – an international downhill mountain bike race that attract riders and spectators from around the world. Great opportunity for Borderlands and Ride with Gratitude to reach a larger audience!

Local Programming + Project Updates

Many of the networks implemented projects from the Borderlands grant awards with Center-raised funds.

While most of the awards invested in new trail projects to improve access, mitigate environmental impact, and connect communities, many ongoing projects are designed to increase youth access to mountain biking. These youth programs and camps teach local students how to mountain bike, gear and pump tracks that give kids and new riders places to learn and improve their skills.