about the new england mountain bike association

NEMBA is a community of mountain bikers committed to creating epic riding experiences, preserving open space, and guiding the future of mountain biking in New England. 

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on recreational trails advocacy with 34 Chapters throughout New England and 10,000 members. Our goal is to promote the best that mountain biking has to offer, steward the trail systems where we recreate, and ensure access to open space.

Western Massachusetts NEMBA is the local chapter of NEMBA serving Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. This wide geographic area grants us a wide variety of riding terrain from smooth flat singletrack in Robinson State Park to steep and technical terrain further north in Charlemont. Almost all of our trails have been built by dedicated crews of volunteer trail builders and offer something different for everyone.  

Pioneer Valley NEMBA, now Western Mass NEMBA, has a rich history of trail stewardship dating back to the late 1990s.

• Chapter Formation and Early Work: Our chapter began in Greenfield, Massachusetts as Shays NEMBA with just six members. In collaboration with NEMBA, we secured a trail grant to initiate maintenance efforts in the DAR State Forest, resulting in the construction of the Long Trail bog bridge.
• Growth and Expansion: As our chapter grew, we expanded our focus to include trail maintenance in Wendell State Forest and the Holyoke Range.
• 21st Century Trail Development: The early 2000s saw further expansion with trail work in Batchelor Street, Nonotuck Park, and Mount Tom.
• Collaboration and Legitimization: In 2017, we partnered with Earl's Trails in Hadley and Amherst to advocate for the official recognition and growth of our local trail network. This collaboration included establishing connections with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and local conservation commissions.
• Continued Commitment: In 2023, we renamed ourselves Western Mass NEMBA to better reflect the extensive geographic area we serve. We remain dedicated to working with landowners, conservation groups, and municipal governments to create accessible and enjoyable riding experiences for all.

Our full bylaws can be read here.