CAMDEN — After staging a successful Fondo event in Searsmont, the Midcoast Chapter of NEMBA (New England Mountain Biking Association) was able to meet its $10,000 goal to claim a mile marker in support of the Round the Mountain Trail. 

The Round the Mountain Mile Marker Challenge aims to encourage community groups and organizations to get actively involved in the creation of the Round the Mountain Trail.

McNemba members ride, build trails, and promote all things mountain biking in the Camden, Rockport, Rockland and Lincolnville area of coastal Maine. They partner with local government, landowners and land conservation groups to secure cooperative, community-based support for mountain bikers and a connected trail system.

New members and new riders are always welcome, according to a news release. The local group meets weekly for family rides, stewardship projects, races and socializing. With more than 200 members, the mountain bikers enjoy many trails from Thomaston to Belfast. 

Current president, Matt Barrows, works as a bike mechanic at Side Country Sports. They have seen an increase in the number of bikers as the club has encouraged youth and family rides so that everyone learns to use the trails safely.

The Round the Mountain Collaboration has raised more than $4.8 million toward the conservation of 1,500 acres of land around Ragged Mountain in Camden, Rockport, and Hope, as well as the development of the nine-mile Round the Mountain Trail.

Construction of the first 5.5 miles of the Round the Mountain Trail between the Camden Snowbowl and a new trailhead on the southern side of Ragged Mountain along Hope Street began this summer. The trail, which is designed for non-motorized recreational use, will be between six and eight feet in width and will accommodate users of all skill levels.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected more than 12,000 acres, offering 45 miles of trails for public recreation. 

NEMBA, a community of mountain bikers committed to creating epic riding experiences, preserving open space, and guiding the future of mountain biking in New England. It is also an advocacy organization with 27 chapters throughout New England and more than 7,000 members. The group’s mission is to promote the best that mountain biking has to offer, steward the trail systems where we recreate and preserve open space. They are an educational 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.