Passion, Dedication, and Trail Advocacy from the Riders Who Lead
Behind every trail reroute, chapter meeting, or group ride high-five, there’s a crew of volunteers who quietly keep things moving forward. They’re not looking for a spotlight—they’re building bridges (sometimes literally) between landowners, riders, towns, and the wider community.
In 2025, the Blackstone Valley NEMBA leadership team continues that work. This group brings a balance of logistics and laughter, spreadsheets and shovels. Their professional backgrounds range from finance to forestry, but they all show up for the same reason: because they care deeply about the trails and the people who ride them.
Let’s take a closer look at the people helping shape the ride ahead.
Diverse Trails, Shared Passion
Why would anyone build something like this?
Kim Powell, Member-at-Large
Josh Handverger, Blackstone Valley NEMBA Treasurer, began riding in the mid-90s as a way to explore local trails. After a long hiatus, a return to West Hill Dam reminded him how good the riding (and community) had become. “I immediately re-upped my membership and donated to the WHD initiative,” he says. You’ll still find him at West Hill or Adams Farm—chatting trails, chasing climbs, and resisting post-ride fast food temptations.
Kim Powell, serving as a Member at Large, discovered mountain biking later in life while hiking near her home in Douglas. She saw a network of twisty trails and wondered, “Why would anyone build something like this?” A chance encounter with riders changed everything. Her first full-suspension bike led her to Rayburn, her favorite riding zone to this day.
Kyle Grendell, also a Member at Large, grew up immersed in extreme sports—from motocross and dirt jumping to skating vert ramps. Now an arborist who helps shape public spaces, he finds purpose in giving back to the same communities where he works. His trail favorites include Brierly in Millbury and Thunder Mountain.
Kevin Keenan, Chair of the Vietnam Land Management Committee, began riding in college in the ‘90s. After a 20-year break, he rediscovered his love for mountain biking in 2017 and quickly stepped into a stewardship role. “Nam,” as he affectionately calls it, remains his favorite place to ride—and the trail system he now helps manage.
Mike Carvalho, Vice President, found mountain biking post-COVID when the gym shut down and his friends introduced him to Vietnam. The sport quickly became a passion. Vietnam is now his home trail—just a mile from his door.
Dan Brown, Secretary, rediscovered mountain biking during the pandemic after years working in the outdoor industry and journalism. With roots in New England and time spent in the PNW, he brings a storyteller’s perspective to the chapter.
⸻
Stepping Up to Serve
Each of these leaders has their own reason for joining the Blackstone Valley NEMBA board—but a shared motivation underlies them all: to give back.
Josh: “Being on a board has always been a bucket list item and I know my finance skills can bring the chapter to the next level.”
Kim: “Trail building and maintenance are simply not possible due to physical limitations (I got old, lol), so I look for other ways to help.”
Kyle: “To engage with a broader audience about trail building & maintenance for diverse user groups where I can put my skill set to a good use.”
Kevin: “Continuing what I started.”
Mike: “The first year in leadership is a huge learning curve, and I feel like the second year is when you really start executing ideas and making an impact.”
Dan: “I think we’re in a good spot to really be one of the more engaged chapters in NEMBA.”
⸻
Responsibilities with Reach
Josh manages deposits, reimbursements, budgets, and reconciles accounts. He’s also a friendly face at rides, meetings, and online.
Kim supports planning and communications for the Best Dam Ride and other chapter efforts, helping newcomers feel at home.
Kyle supports trail building projects, bringing in new perspectives and building community partnerships.
Kevin manages Vietnam’s trail system and represents the chapter in landowner relationships.
Mike connects trail reps to tools and support, advises on projects like Holliston Bike Park, and supports the team wherever needed.
Dan captures minutes, manages communications, and builds digital content—including blackstonevalleynemba.org and this very blog.
⸻
Vision and Momentum for 2025
Josh: “Find better ways to spend money” and ensure consistency through leadership changes.
Kim: More visibility, more group ride leadership, and continued event support.
Kyle: Build a new pump track and complete an adaptive MTB trail in Millbury.
Kevin: Total revamp of a major trail section at Vietnam and ongoing maintenance.
Mike: Expand Ride Area Reps, build out the ride program, and enhance educational opportunities.
Dan: Launch a visual trail map and continue developing digital tools and stories that engage and inform the chapter.
⸻
Advice for New Riders
Be yourself. Have fun. Engage. The diversity in our trails and members is what makes this community thrive.
Kyle Grendell
Josh: “Own it. If you want to do something—lead a ride, start a project—just speak up. We’re here for it.”
Kim: “Come to a chapter meeting. You’ll learn a ton, and you might meet your next riding buddy.”
Kyle: “Be yourself. Have fun. Engage. The diversity in our trails and members is what makes this community thrive.”
Kevin: “Go on group rides. Go to trail days. That’s how you connect.”
Mike: “Join group rides and start conversations. You’ll learn more in one ride than you expect.”
Dan: “Introduce yourself. Plug into Slack, our Facebook group, or even better—just show up to an event.”
⸻
Quick Hits: Insights from the Trail
Describe your riding style in three words:
- Josh: Old and slow
- Kim: Not Dead Yet
- Kyle: Swoop, Swerve, Speed
- Kevin: Always almost crashing
- Mike: Just Send It
- Dan: Huff and Puff
Post-ride go-to snack or meal:
- Josh: Gatorade and an apple
- Kim: Pizza and IPA
- Kyle: Ice cream dreams
- Kevin: Turkey pepperoni
- Mike: Casey’s Buffalo Wings or a Big Daddy Burger and Miller Lites
- Dan: Snickers and a Coke
Dream riding companion:
- Josh: Mike C. on a night loop at Nam that doesn’t end in a 5-mile road ride
- Kim: Danny MacAskill
- Kyle: Anyone with a good soul
- Kevin: Jimmy Plouffe
- Mike: His local Natick Landry’s crew
- Dan: TBD—but someone who keeps the stoke high and the wheels turning
A Community Worth Building
No capes, no crowns—just a group of people who care about the trails they ride and the community around them. Whether it’s budgeting behind the scenes, hauling tools, designing rides, or showing up when it counts, the Blackstone Valley NEMBA leadership team keeps the gears turning.
“Ride your bike. Have fun,” says Kevin. “Say hi,” adds Josh. “We’ll see you out there.”
📅 Next Chapter Meeting: May 12th
📍 Location: CraftRoots Brewing, 4 Industrial Rd #3, Milford, MA 01757
🛠 Want to help lead? Email [email protected] or throw your hat in the ring for a leadership position!