Southern NH NEMBA Chapter News

SingleTracks, February 2008

It has been a quiet winter, but as spring approaches, we are forming our trail schedule for the year. It takes an enormous amount of hours and volunteers to build and maintain trails in southern NH. The more help we get, the more we can do. Please try to attend at least one trail event this year. Not only will you understand what it takes to keep a trail open, but the land managers see a commitment from mountain bikers. In many areas, we are the only user group doing any type of trail maintenance. If you know of an area that needs help, step up and become a Trail Ambassador for that area. Don't assume someone else will do it!

We are also going to make our chapter meetings more of a social event this coming year. Hopefully we will meet at different members' homes and have a ride and potluck dinner. Anyone interested in hosting a meeting, contact me. --Peter DeSantis

SingleTracks, December 2007

As the year comes to a close, it is beneficial to look back at the chapters' accomplishments and look ahead to see what can be improved.

We had a very successful Bear Brook Boogie MBAS ride in June. A good number of volunteers spent many hours preparing the start area and trails even before the day of the event. We raised 1300 dollars that was used in the park this fall to build 150 feet of boardwalk. We plan on hosting this ride again next year while adding some new "extras" that will improve the event.

Our fall trail weekend at Bear Brook was a huge success. Thirty people over the two days got an incredible amount of work done. We re-opened three quarters of a mile of abandoned trail. Our work in the Park continues to improve one of the best riding areas in the State.

The chapter merger between the Seacoast and South-Central chapters has been successful. We made better use of our volunteers while continuing trail improvement and development. A goal for next year is to find a way of attracting new people to help with chapter duties and emphasize the benefit of giving back to the trails.

Next year, we plan on holding some chapter activities other than trail days. We have a great bunch of people and would like to do some more social events, along with scheduled day trips, such as Kingdom Trails.

Thanks again to all those who made 2007 another successful year. —Peter DeSantis