[edit] Announcements

[edit] You can make a difference

In 2006, SMBA gained some great momentum thanks to increased membership participation (Over 350 members!). For 2007, we are hoping to build on that momentum by building new trails, adding more trail maintenance/ building days and more group events. These trails CAN be as good as YOU want them to be. But we can only get better with member participation.

[edit] The SMBA trails are officially open!

The trails are now officially open, ready and waiting for you our membership base. Thanks to everyone who heeded our warnings about not riding there till the time was right. I believe that's one of the reasons we are able to give our members access to the trails ahead of schedule.

Thanks and we'll see you on the trails!

[edit] Pre-season membership raffle winners!

Like we said, everyone who buys a pre-season SMBA membership before March 31st 2007 will be entered to win some great mountain bike tires which were donated by Maxxis, Panaracer, and Hutchinson. Here is the list of winners...

Preseason Raffle Winners

1. #257 – Rachael Williams
2. #175 – Andrew Ceglia
3. #218 – Matthew O’Neil
4. #390 – Richard Cavagnolo
5. #172 – Christine Joyce
6. #402 – Patrick Patell
7. #199 – Richard Cooley
8. #290 – Dave Greer
9. #183 – Jeff Scott
10. #394 – Ken Provost

Each winner will receive a brand new set of either Hutchinson Scorpions, Hutchinson Enduros or Maxxis High Rollers compliments of SMBA as thanks for coming out so early in the season and showing your support. Congratulations!

If you haven't already been notified, feel free to contact us for information on how to claim your prize.

[edit] Check out our newest SMBA affiliated outdoor sports shop

High Adventure located in Latham, NY is now selling SMBA memberships. Owner Darrell Karl has been involved in the local mountain biking scene as well as a strong supporter and member of SMBA. Many of you that ride at Lock 7 pass bike his shop on the way to the trails. The shop is located right next to Tower Control.

High Adventure - 054 Troy-Schenectady Road (Rt. 7), Latham, NY Phone: 518-785-0567 • http://www.highadventuresbp.com

[edit] News

2006 - A YEAR IN REVIEW

MEMBERSHIP - We surpassed our 2006 membership goal with 350 members. We had more involvement in events, meetings, rides and trail maintenance days. That's great news and it helped us pay the lease, buy trails tools to build and fix the trails.

TRAIL NEWS - In 2006 we focused on repairing sections of existing trails to make them more sustainable for the future. We still have a long way to go, but we got a few major sections done and we will continue to work on this into 2007. We also cut 3 new trails: Ridgeline which is goes from Bee to High Noon. Pilgrim, which goes from the Clearing all the way up to BEE and judging by the traffic it got, it seemed to be a big hit. We also started building a continuation of Pilgrim on an old logging trail that goes from the carriage loop to the middle of BEE. This will incorporate a 45 ft bridge over a section of swamp. It's about 50% finished and should be open by the end of spring in 2007.

EVENTS - Our 2nd Annual Mix Up the Dirt (MUD) ride was held in May and was a great success despite the torrential rain we had the week prior. It lived up to its name and everyone had a great time. We had about 50 people in attendance, demo bikes, BBQ and a silent auction. Hopefully this event will continue to grow and serve as a showcase to new members. It's also a great place for existing members to get together, socialized and have a good time. We also held a 5th Anniversary Ride in July. The weather was great, had good turnout and a BBQ followed the riding.

Look forward to a few events this year at the trails.

2007 AND BEYOND - In 2007 we plan on cutting a new trail replacing Dam extension that better utilizes the land and terrain. We also have a better Map with all the intersection marked with numbers that correspond with the map. This should help new members better navigate the trail network.

We also started the process of looking at other land in the capital region in which to build trails. So far we have been contacted by the town of Malta for making trails on a 100 acre plot when the Tech Park gets built. The land would be owned by Malta and SMBA would be responsible for cutting and maintaining the trails. The other sites we are looking at is the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and a parcel owned by the town of Northumberland. We contacted them about holding rides and doing maintenance on their already existing double track trail network which is a great place for beginners. We will keep you updated on riding there when the season gets closer and we iron out the details.

Also a NEW website is in the works so look for it in the next couple of months.

THANKS! - Lastly, I really wanted to thank everyone who bought a membership last year, the shops who sold them and to all the people who helped the club by coming to trail maintenance. It really does make a difference when we get a large number of people out to help. Your support is huge in making the SMBA trails one of the best places to ride in the area.

I look forward to seeing everyone out on the trails in 2007!

Thanks,

Jamie Clechenko, Rob Hanks, Mary Beth McGarrahan, Chris Pitts, John Ruiz, Matt Stawarz, Davis Wornall

[edit] About SMBA

Saratoga Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) is a group of mountain bikers responsible for maintaining trails located just north of Skidmore College on Daniels Road in Saratoga Springs, NY. SMBA is also a group of mountain bikers that love to ride. Members maintain a 538 acre tract of land that holds some of the most versatile and fun mountain biking terrain in all of northeastern New York. SMBA is a member supported club with annual dues of $40 a year for an individual or $55 for a family. SMBA member dues go directly to the cost of maintaining the lease upon the land our trails are on, paying for our insurance, and the club's IMBA and USA Cycling memberships.

[edit] Directions

For directions, please sign up for a membership at one of our participating bike shops:

2007 Season Memberships: $40 for a single membership and $55 for a family membership

Participating Bike Shops:

Elevate Cycles - 35 Van Dam St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-587-0455 • http://www.elevatecycles.com - SMBA members get a 10% discount

Blue Sky Bicycles, 71 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-583-0600 • http://www.blueskybicycles.com

3-D Cycles, 1570 Rt 9, Clifton Park NY 12065 Phone: 518-371-4641 • http://www.3dcycles.com

CK Cycles -1370 Central Ave, Albany, NY Phone: 518-459-3272 • http://www.ckcycles.com

EMS - Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY Phone: 518-482-0088 • http://www.ems.com

High Adventure - 054 Troy-Schenectady Road (Rt. 7), Latham, NY. Phone: 518-785-0567 • http://www.highadventuresbp.com

To mail your payment

Please send the application, signed waiver and your check to:

Saratoga Mountain Bike Association, PO Box 4792, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

When we receive your check in the mail, we will immediately mail your membership materials to you.

[edit] Map

• Google Map
• Official Maps

[edit] More Information

• Official Website

Disclaimer: The Capital MTB, ride leaders, and organizers of all rides and events listed on the www.CapitalMTB.org website are not liable for personal injuries or any other damages incurred while participating in the ride or event. Mountain Biking is an inherently dangerous activity. Any individual, by deciding to participate in this activity, takes on the responsibility for their own actions and safety while participating.