Merrimack Valley Chapter

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Welcome to the web site for the Merrimack Valley Chapter of  NEMBA, New England Mountain Bike Association. Merrimack Valley is one of 18 NEMBA chapters throughout New England. We will keep this site up to date with breaking news on rides, events and trail maintenance issues. We welcome any feedback from you that can make this site even better.

Norman Blanchette
MV Web Advisor


Merrimack Valleys NEMBA Chapter enters its 11th year in 2011. For a mid size chapter, we have as many if not more accomplishments then some of the larger chapters in New England.




The Lowell Dracut Tyngsboro State Forest has been completely revitalized in the last 11 years and is now a destination of choice for all outdoor user groups. The trail system has been expanded to allow riding or hiking options from 2 to 20 miles.

     

In the last three years Merrimack Valley NEMBA has turned it's trail gurus loose at the Russell Mills Conservation land in Chelmsford. While this parcel of land may appear small from the window of the space shuttle, its new and improved trail system rides very large.




Russell Mills trail system can be accessed from Great Brook Farm with a short stretch of back roads. When combined with Great Brook, epic ride combination are possible. 

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       Weekly Ride Series Returns

The trails are ready to ride

 

Tuesday evenings has traditionally been set aside for the weekly show and go rides and this year is no different. The Two for Tuesday (as in two start times)  is up and running and is already very well attended.

If the turnout gets too big we have on occasion broken up the riders into several different groups. That makes it that much easier to find the pace that's just right for you. Join us at the Lowell Dracut Tyngsboro State Forest.

Park at the Trotting Park Road lot in Lowell off of Varnum Ave. Start time is usually ~5:00 for the early riders with a return to the parking lot at ~5:50 to pick up the 2nd wave.


These rides are at an intermediate pace with stops to regroup. Nobody gets left behind. The rides are cross country in nature with plenty of opportunities to play on the rocks. Come on out.




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Merrimack Valley NEMBA had another very successful trail day at Great Brook Farm on June the 18th, 2011. The trails of Keyes Loop, Beaver Loop, Tophet Loop and the 5 boardwalk trail all saw some serious work. And Keyes Loop even got a little reroute near the entrance.

These trails have been ignored in recent years and were badly overgrown. Fallen trees were removed and the trails were blown clean and brushed back. A real pleasant surprise was the 5 boardwalk trail. That was so badly overgrown in recent years I used to avoid it at all cost. But right now it just might be my favorite trail at Great Brook. Check it out for  yourself and see if you don't agree.  Enjoy!




  
                   New Event
   
     MV-NEMBA Bike Skills Clinic

                 DSF Thursday Evenings

Come on out to Dracut state forest and work on some basic mt bike skills. This clinic will start with the basics and work slowly to help build confidence in all attendees. All that is needed is a working bike a helmet and a willingness to learn. Meet ~ 5pm

Directions:
http://tinyurl.com/3d8jp59




NEMBA TREK / Trail Care Series

Schedule for 2011


September 17 - Great Brook Farm
Several More To Be Determined

All Trail days start at 8:30 AM unless notified otherwise .


Plan Ahead - Kona Bicycles Fox Shox Mountain Bike Adventure Series Starts Soon
June 19 Happening at Huntington Redding CT
June 26 Pittsfield State Forest Pittsfield MA
July 10 Wendell State Forest Wendell MA
July 31 Bradbury Mountain Pownal ME
August 7 Cockaponset State Forest Haddam CT
August 28 Lynn Woods Reservation Lynn MA
September 11 Great Brook Farm SP Carlisle MA
September 25 Foxboro State Forest Foxboro MA
October 8-9 NEMBAfest @ Bear Brook Allenstown NH
October 30 Wicked Ride of the East N. Andover MA

For more info, visit  http://www.mtbadventureseries.org


Russell Mill TM and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony



Merrimack Valley NEMBA has been working with the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship to develop mountain bike specific trails at Russell Mill. This work has been on-going for about 3 years now. Bob Giunta has been the driving force behind this project. As a result of his dogged efforts, Russell Mill now sports about 7 miles of new mtb specific Singletrack.



The town of Chelmsford decided that Saturday May the 16th would see the dedication of the new trails at Russell Mill. We would have a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a BBQ in the parking lot. After the BBQ we would take to the new trails on our mountain bikes. 


As part of the ceremony, Merrimack Valley donated a check for $200.00 to the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship.


                    Directions


Chapter Rides and Events for 2011

Tuesday Ride @ LDT
Thursday PYT Ride @ LDT
Friday Night @ RM

September 18 - NEMBA MBAS @ GBF

Chapter Meetings
for 2011

May 02 - Location Changed. Call or email Stuart for more information.
August 01 - Sals Pizza Chelmsford
November 07 - Sals Pizza Chelmsford


Meanwhile we will continue to stay ahead of any issues involving our access to the local trail system. The bottom line is to keep the trails safe, clean, open and user friendly with a heavy dose of the fun factor.


                  For More Information

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