One of Craig MacDonald’s favorite things about mountain biking is the way it brings people together.
MacDonald, president of the Penobscot Region Chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association, said riders from all different socioeconomic backgrounds take part in his club’s group rides.
“In any other situation, they probably wouldn’t be hanging out, but when they are on a mountain bike, they are all speaking the same language,” said MacDonald, a Holden resident and a mountain biker for about 23 years.
MacDonald said that for him, getting on his bike in natural surroundings is like a form of yoga, a way to exercise, recreate and leave the stress of the day behind.
The chance to exercise outdoors, rather than in a crowded gym or on a busy road, may be one reason mountain biking is growing as a sport nationally.
According to the 2017 Outdoor Industry Participation Report, about 8.6 million Americans age six and older participated in mountain biking in 2016, up from about 6.8 million in 2006. That’s an increase of about 26 percent in ten years.
Statistics are not available for Maine specifically, but MacDonald said he has seen the sport grow in the Bangor area. One reason for that growth is improvements in bike technology that have lowered the cost of a quality bike and made the sport more accessible.
Another is that trail systems near population centers are expanding, often due to the work of mountain biking groups, making it easier for people to get in a quick ride after work or on the weekend.
There are miles of trails for intermediate and expert riders in the Bangor City Forest in addition to some less challenging sections, but the Penobscot Region NEMBA is working to develop new trails designed for beginners in the Essex Woods, near the center of the city.
The idea is to create a trail system that is accessible to as many people as possible. It is also important that the trail be sustainable – designed so that it will last a long time with relatively little maintenance.
Developing a trail system is not as simple as clearing away brush. Trails need to work with contours of the land and allow for drainage while avoiding areas with lots of roots and rocks, said MacDonald.
It can be a labor-intensive process but volunteer crews are making progress, although MacDonald said more volunteers are always welcome.
Building new trails is worth it for devotees like MacDonald, who hopes that a reputation for building good trails will result in invitations to build trail systems in other areas, creating new opportunities for the growing sport. Eventually, he hopes to see trail systems that link neighboring towns, usable by mountain bikers, walkers and hikers.
Philip Keyes, the executive director of the New England Mountain Biking Association, said a commitment to open space and sustainable trail systems is a key part of NEMBA’s mission.
Keyes lauded the work by the Penobscot Region NEMBA to build new trails that are accessible to the newest and often youngest riders. Mountain biking is the kind of sport that attracts people of all ages, from toddlers on bikes without pedals to people in their 70s and beyond.
Keyes suggested that anybody interested in the sport should start with a visit to their local bike shop. Then, they can call their nearest NEMBA chapter to find out when group rides are scheduled.
To learn more about the Penobscot Region NEMBA, go to pr.nemba.org.