Chapter Meeting · May 11, 2026 · CraftRoots Brewing, Milford
Blackstone Valley NEMBA Charts a Full Riding Season at Spring Meeting
Trail updates, a new kids program, and big plans for October — here’s what happened.
More than 40 mountain bikers filled CraftRoots Brewing in Milford on Monday evening, many arriving straight from work or home, and for the lucky, the trails — for the Blackstone Valley NEMBA Spring Chapter Meeting.
Held quarterly, these meetings bring together the volunteers who maintain miles of mountain bike trails in Massachusetts, including riding areas in Holliston, Millbury, Uxbridge, Douglas, and surrounding communities.
The agenda covered chapter finances, trail conditions, group rides, youth programming, and planning for the 2026 Best Dam Ride.
Blackstone Valley NEMBA Finances Remain Strong
Treasurer Josh Handverger reported that the chapter’s current balance stands at $25,749, slightly above its 17-month rolling average of $24,843.
Year-to-date expenses total $3,739, representing roughly 12 percent of the chapter’s $30,000 annual budget. That leaves significant resources available for trail construction, maintenance, and community events throughout the 2026 mountain biking season.
The only notable pressure point is the Event Expenditures category, which has nearly reached its $1,000 annual budget after funding the popular Spring Social Ride.
Spring Social Ride Brings Riders to Millbury Trails
The chapter’s annual Spring Social Ride in Millbury attracted 45 riders and introduced many participants to the expanding trail network at Rayburn.
The event cost $975 and included food, portable restroom facilities, and a police detail to manage traffic at a busy road crossing.
Chapter President Pat Drumm credited Kyle Grendell for coordinating with town officials and helping make the event possible.
“It’s only easy because he’s been working with the town for over a year. That’s a lot of what NEMBA is about — building those relationships so we can do cool things like this.”
Pat Drumm, Chapter President
Massachusetts Mountain Bike Trails in Excellent Condition
Trail stewards reported strong conditions heading into peak riding season.
Vietnam Trails in Holliston
The popular jump trail is fully open after completion of the second feature. Additional trail-building materials are now staged in the system.
Brierly Pond in Millbury
Boy Scout Troop 22 recently helped plant trees and clean the surrounding area, further strengthening community support for the project. Biagio Cautilli will be headed to the pump track to continue construction later this spring.
Callahan State Park
A long-planned bridge replacement is moving forward with support from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The new structure will meet adaptive mountain bike trail standards, improving accessibility for a broader range of riders.
Weekly Group Mountain Bike Rides Across Massachusetts
Blackstone Valley NEMBA’s 2026 ride calendar is the most robust in several years, with organized rides for beginners through advanced riders.
Highlights include:
- Sunday morning all-level rides at West Hill Dam
- Thursday evening intermediate rides at Vietnam Trails
- Group rides at Mount Pisgah and Douglas
- Women’s mountain bike rides presented by Steve the Bike Guy’s Kristen Brandt
- A new progression series focused on building confidence on advanced trail features
The chapter is actively seeking additional ride leaders and sweeps to support the growing schedule.
Best Dam Ride Expands with New Kids Program
The annual Best Dam Ride returns on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at West Hill Dam in Uxbridge.
The event typically attracts riders of all ages for guided mountain bike rides, food, and fundraising to support local trail development.
New this year is a dedicated youth program led by NEYC coach Eric Wilhelm. The program will allow parents to drop off children for structured activities while they participate in group rides.
Members also discussed ideas to enhance the event, including:
- Poker run challenges
- Specialty bike demo zone
- Expanded food options
- Improved registration technology and mobile connectivity
Volunteer recruitment begins in July, with all volunteers receiving complimentary event entry.
Protecting Trail Access Through Responsible Stewardship
President Pat Drumm addressed the importance of discouraging unauthorized trail building on land where the chapter is still working to establish access agreements.
Unauthorized construction can jeopardize years of relationship-building with municipalities and landowners.
“It’s never fun to be the wet blanket. But keeping those relationships intact is how we protect the riding we already have.”
Pat Drumm, Chapter President
Blackstone Valley NEMBA Receives $10,000 Trail Grant
On the regional level, New England Mountain Bike Association awarded Blackstone Valley NEMBA a $10,000 Signature Grant to support the Holliston Bike Park and Mills to Miles trail development projects in Millbury.
Across the region, six projects received a combined $53,704 in grant funding in 2026, reflecting growing investment in trail infrastructure throughout New England.
Get Involved
Have an Idea for an Eagle Scout Project?
Two Eagle Scout candidates are looking for projects within BVNEMBA trail systems — and we want to hear from you. If you have an idea for a bridge, kiosk, signage installation, or other trail infrastructure project, reach out and let’s talk it through.
Join Blackstone Valley NEMBA
The meeting adjourned after two hours with a clear message: trails are in great shape, volunteer momentum is strong, and the 2026 mountain biking season is fully underway.
Blackstone Valley NEMBA hosts quarterly chapter meetings and weekly group rides throughout the year.
