Winter strips things down in the Blackstone Valley. Trails harden. Miles slow. What remains is structure, at least in theory. If only the snow cooperated a little more.
For the chapter, winter is the season to take stock. It’s when we look at what held over the past year and decide what’s worth carrying forward.
Ahead of our Winter Chapter Meeting, here’s a look at 2025 and the direction taking shape for 2026.
What 2025 Required
From the outside, last year looked busy. Trail work across multiple networks. Full ride calendars. A Best Dam Ride that landed strong.
Inside the chapter, 2025 was about coordination. Projects moved because people worked through permits, funding, and land managers who all operate differently. Volunteers showed up between jobs, school schedules, and family obligations. Progress came steadily, often one step at a time.
That effort mattered. Trails held up through weather and heavy use. Relationships stayed intact. The chapter remained a trusted partner across towns. That kind of credibility takes years to build and constant attention to keep.
Leadership, Then and Now
The most visible change heading into 2026 is leadership.
Several leaders stepped back from formal roles after making honest decisions about time and capacity. That choice protected the work and created space for others to step in. It’s important to note that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away. Many familiar faces remain closely involved, including ongoing work at Holliston Bike Park and the Millbury trail system, which will be discussed at the Winter Chapter Meeting.
Outgoing leaders were candid about what the role demands. Events like the Best Dam Ride don’t run on enthusiasm alone. Permits, vendors, volunteers, logistics, and follow-up add up fast. Even those closest to the work underestimated the load until they carried it.
New leaders are stepping in with purpose.
Vice President Parker Thurston raised his hand after seeing gaps left in event planning and large group rides. His focus is practical: planning, logistics, and riding with members across the region. Supporting Ride Area Representatives is central to that approach.
Rob Dente joined as an At-Large member after volunteering at Vietnam and joining group rides. He brings a background in training and enablement, with an emphasis on membership engagement and retention. His starting point is simple: understand what works before trying to grow.
Across outgoing and incoming leaders, there’s shared ground. Collaboration matters. Listening matters. Expectations need to match available time and hands.
The Work on the Ground
One lesson from 2025 stands out. The chapter runs on more than board roles.
Ride Area Representatives, project leads, and longtime volunteers carry daily responsibility. They know their trails. They know their land managers. They know which fixes last and which don’t.
In 2026, the chapter is leaning into that model. Support local leadership. Keep workloads realistic. Make it easier to help without asking for everything.
Quiet work still counts. Clearing deadfall. Reporting hazards on Trailforks. Showing up again the next week. That’s how trails stay open and rideable.
Fewer Commitments, Better Results
You’ll see a shift in how the chapter talks about events and rides.
The goal isn’t more. It’s repeatable. Events that run well. Rides people can plan around. Trail work that holds through seasons. Past leadership teams built strong templates, and the focus now is following them consistently.
That mindset shapes budgets, calendars, and communication. Consistency beats volume.
Community, Still Central
The core hasn’t changed.
More energy is going toward family rides, newer riders, and clearer entry points. That means explaining how to get involved, what membership offers, and how to contribute without taking on a second job.
Looking Ahead
The conversations shaping 2026 focus on where effort goes, how trails are supported, and how volunteers stay engaged without burning out.
We hope you’ll join us at the Winter Chapter Meeting on Monday, February 9 at 6:00 PM.
Fall Chapter Meeting Minutes are available for review ahead of time.
We’ll see you there, and then back on the trails.