2022 Q1 Newsletter

Starting this year, AMBA plans to send a quarterly newsletter to our members and community to share and inform about our current and upcoming events and projects. Given this is our first newsletter, we have included some project information that took place last year. We welcome any feedback!

Please note we have included some pictures below; in case they do not display correctly.

Accomplishments/Events

Bike maintenance classes:

  • AMBA was able to offer two mountain bike maintenance classes, which were organized and run by Zach Ratzlaff of Two Wheel Drive bike shop in Nobhill. We will plan to hold more classes in 2022, starting this Spring!

Challenge Trail:

  • Throughout Summer and Fall 2021 the AMBA trail committee, the Friends of the Sandia Mountains, an extensive list of volunteers, and of course the US Forest Service team were able to complete the initial Challenge Trail extension - connecting the Sandia Ski Resort to the Tree Springs trailhead. The new development offers a multi-use section, allowing users to ascend and descend the mountain on a more manageable intermediate (blue) trail; as opposed to the existing technical, rock-filled alternative. Further extension to the Doc Long Picnic area will be continued Spring 2022. 

  • A large chunk of this work was completed at the National Trails Day Event on Saturday, June 5, which was followed by a catered lunch and prize raffle. Many thanks to those that contributed both food and prize donations for the event - Greenside Cafe, New Belgian Brewing, Elevate PHW, Bikeworks, Fat Tire, Specialized, and Picky Bars. 
      


Dirt Fiesta Zia Race:

  • AMBA partnered with Two Wheel Drive bike shop this past fall, for the annual Zia Race in Oak Flats. We helped to support the infamous "Donut Station" for riders to refuel during the race, as well as providing gels, energy bars, water and lots of energetic support!
   


IMBA Dig-In Grant:

  • AMBA submitted a proposal for and was accepted into one of the quarterly 2021  IMBA Dig In Programs. The program, founded by Shimano, provides an avenue for nationwide mountain bike projects to raise funds.  The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between local and national fundraising efforts, while showing a new audience how inspirational and vital trails are to local riders and biking communities. Each project is eligible for $2000 of matching funds from Shimano, once the project reaches $2000 in online donations.

  • Thanks to our amazing local, regional, and anonymous supporters, we reached our $2000 goal! We would like to acknowledge and thank all of our supporters, who contributed to our campaign via monetary donations, social media repostings, and word-of-mouth leads. Without the support of fellow mountain bikers and trail advocates we would not be able to continue our trail maintenance, development, and advocacy efforts.

  • The funds will be utilized to help purchase the necessary tools, equipment, and signage to further enhance the Challenge Trail extension; along with, contribute to future project proposals and matching opportunities.

Memorial Bench:

  • In Fall of 2021, AMBA worked with the Open Space to build and install a Memorial bench for our dear friend and fellow mountain biker, Kathy Thompson. This was funded by friends and family of Kathy, as well as AMBA. You can find this bench and overlook on the Ponderosa Loop in Oak Flats.

        

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD):

  • On October 2, 2021, AMBA partnered with our local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) chapter for our annual Take A Kid Mountain Biking event. TKMBD is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in October and this past year, included an obstacle course, hands-on bike maintenance, a group ride and Dion’s pizza picnic provided by AMBA.
  • Created in 2004 and recognized by the U.S. Congress, TKMBD introduces the joy of mountain biking to the next generation. Hundreds of thousands of youth have discovered and celebrated the joy of pedaling two wheels on dirt at TKMBD events. Many have gone on to become passionate riders, volunteer trail advocates, and even high school mountain bike racers.
   


Tool purchasing for trail work:

  • As part of our ongoing commitment to our AMBA Members, we would like to inform how funds are being spent. This Spring we plan to secure enough trail building tools to ensure our continued effort in trail building and maintenance. Up until this point, we have had to borrow tools from the Forest Service which can provide additional complications. By owning our own tools, we will be able to better assist in upcoming projects.

Get Involved

Committee Member Inquiry:

  • AMBA will be sending out inquiries for additional committee members this Spring. We are looking for individuals that would like to join our non-profit organization, helping to promote the love mountain biking and participating in the following committee groups:
    • Membership & Marketing (social media, conducting surveys)
    • Technology (updating website)
    • Trail Development & Maintenance
    • Education (bike skills)
    • Events & Group Rides
    • Financial & Fundraising (assist Treasurer, create grant opportunities)

Upcoming trail opportunities:

  • In conjunction with the US Forest Service, Albuquerque Open Space, the Placitas Area Trail Association, and other trail-oriented organizations, AMBA will be working to schedule and participate in local volunteer trail work opportunities. Keep an eye out for further information about these events on our social media pages:

Socials/Reminders

AMBA Events Meetup Page:

Group Rides:

  • AMBA offers group rides that can vary in distance and difficulty and are planned by our gracious Ride Organizers when they are able to take time from their busy lives! These are offered via our Meetup.com website, which can be found here: https://www.meetup.com/AMBANM/. We are accepting applications for new Ride Organizers, however we do require that you: are an AMBA member, have attended at least 5 group rides in the past, are an intermediate to advanced rider, and familiar with the trails and trail etiquette. If you are interested in organizing group rides, please reach out to Tami Taylor @ tami@ambanm.org.

Newsletter created by Hannah Russert & Carley Parriott