Over fifty people brought their bikes from all corners of Vermont to descend on our itty bitty capital city’s (aka Montpelier’s) flow trail network for the 2nd annual MAMBAFest. But most importantly in 2023’s soggy summer – the sun came out to play. For a brilliant, blissful day of tomfoolery and mountain bike flow, it was as if it had never rained at all. 

The day started with delight and puzzlement both over the event organizer’s anachronistic use of hand drawn maps and hand lettered number plates as official event tools. After digital photos and paper copies were procured, and paper plates zip tied to handlebars, a mass start launched the ride. 

Riders adventured up the hill to find unique checkpoints among the pines above Montpelier. The president of the local chapter of Mountain Bike Advocates led participants through raucous if not rigorous dance moves, before sending them off to discover poetry and art at the top of the flow trails. Barbie and Ken were present in full livery, livening up the trails with rock and blues tunes throughout the climbs.

Riders from the densely settled county of Chittenden were found at the top of Roll Call mingling with central Vermonters and taking in advice as to the best route to jump, turn, and wheelie over to the next checkpoint – just as soon as they took time to draw a bicycle. One of the highlights of these backyard trails is the ease of solace to be found on even a ‘busy’ weekend in Vermont.  But not for this particular afternoon. The top of the climb was a full blown party in the woods, with riders of all ages laughing at scene caused by forcing a group of mountain bikers to recite poetry and illustrate bicycles. Notable was the use of frottage upon birch bark to capture the light on a downtube – and memorable was a cover of Shel Silverstien’s “Yipiyuk” to beatbox rhythms, all under the cover of our scenic fall foliage.

Many thanks to all our sponsors, from Good Measure Brewing and Concept 2 to Onion River Outdoors and Analog Cycles. Thanks to participants and sponsors, the Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association was able to turn this party into more than just good times, by making a $500 donation to the Montpelier Strong Foundation to continue to help Vermont’s Capitol downtown rebuild after this past summer’s devastating floods.  We’re stronger together, and we sure party and ride better together.

Questions?

Want to volunteer for next year’s event? Got a question for us? Contact info@bikemamba.org.