This is our third quarterly newsletter, in which we would like to share with you what we've been up to the last couple months, as well as upcoming events! As always, we welcome any feedback!

Accomplishments/Events

Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant

A press release from the NMEDD recently came out discussing AMBA’s successful proposal acceptance for the Trails+ Grant via the Outdoor Recreation Department. We were awarded the full Tier 1 amount of $99,999, which requires a 1:1 match. A majority of the match will be met through volunteer trail work, so be on the lookout for future trail work days later this fall and into next Spring!

Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association (AMBA) ($99,999, Tier I): Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association (AMBA), in collaboration with the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, is requesting funds to build upon and improve the existing downhill designated mountain biking trails on the east side of the Sandia Crest. This scalable project was scoped and approved in the USFS’s April 2021 Sandia Trails Improvement Project but requires supporting labor and funding from the biking community and collaborating organizations. The project will use a hybrid development approach, pairing machine and hand-built construction mechanisms, to create unrivaled progressive features, while maintaining the character and experience of the existing trails.

The full article can be found here: https://edd.newmexico.gov/pr/outdoor-recreation-investments-set-to-benefit-20-communities-create-175-jobs/

Tool Purchase for Trail Work

We have been busy the past few months purchasing enough trail building tools to ensure our continued effort in trail building and maintenance. In addition to the tools purchased last quarter we have also acquired 2 weed whackers, a few brush clippers, and a wheelbarrow.

Socials/Reminders

Member Appreciation Event

Save the Date, Sunday October 23^rd. AMBA will be hosting a members-only appreciation event at Canteen Brewhouse from 12-3pm, in which you can expect food, drinks, games, prizes, raffles and good company! The event has been posted on Meetup and was recently rescheduled from the original date in September.

ABQ Zia Ride Dirt Fest Event

AMBA was present during the Zia Race this past September, offering information about the organization to potential new members, while also giving away free cow bells to add to the energetic support of the racers!

Bike maintenance classes

AMBA was able to offer two mountain bike maintenance classes this summer, one of which took place at the Zia Rides Dirt Fest in September by Zach Ratzlaff of Two Wheel Drive.

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. Below is a pic from one of our rides this summer.

Get Involved

Committee Member Inquiry:

We are looking for individuals that would like to join our non-profit organization, helping to promote the love of mountain biking and participate in the following committee groups:

• Membership & Marketing (social media, conducting surveys)
• Technology (updating website)
• Sponsorships (help bring in new business sponsors)

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:

o   Instagram: @albuquerque_mtb_association
o   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMBANM 

Events Meetup Page

Looking for upcoming group rides and volunteer trail work opportunities? Make sure to check out and join our AMBA Events Page: https://www.meetup.com/AMBANM/events/

Our Business Sponsors

Double Black Diamond Sponsor: THE GREENSIDE CAFÉ

The Greenside Café has been supporting AMBA for a long time at the “Double Black Diamond” level. They supply us with the most delicious breakfast burritos and other goodies for our trail work days, they donate gift cards for raffle prizes, and always seem willing to donate and help out when needed. If you’re riding in the East Mountains, be sure to stop by for a cold brew and something delicious to eat - and thank them for giving back to the trails!

Located in Cedar Crest: 12165 State Highway 14 N, Suite B-1, Cedar Crest, NM 87008
https://www.greenside.cafe/

NEW Green Sponsor: BICYCLE REVIVAL

We’d like to welcome our newest “green level” business sponsor, Bicycle Revival! If you haven’t checked them out, please stop by and show them some love.

“Just a small repair shop focused on quality repairs.”

Located on Juan Tabo between Candelaria and Menaul: 2506 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
https://bicyclerevival.net

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please email Rachel at rachel@ambanm.org!

Newsletter created by Carley Parriott, Hannah Russert & Rachel Bobka.