Mountain biking can look like a solo sport, but the community around it is one of its greatest gifts. The right riding group can help you discover new trails, build confidence, learn skills, and feel more connected to the places you ride.
Whether you are looking for your first group ride, hoping to give back through trail work, or ready to meet more people who love two wheels, Maine has plenty of ways to get involved. You do not need to be the fastest rider in the group. You just need to show up with a good attitude and a willingness to ride together.
Finding Local Group Rides
Start with the places where local riders already gather. Bike shops, trail associations, community calendars, and social groups often share group rides, beginner meetups, and seasonal events. Strava clubs and local NEMBA chapters can also be useful, especially when you are looking for rides near a particular town or trail system.
Before joining, look for a ride description that explains the distance, pace, terrain, and expected skill level. If the information is not clear, ask. A quick message can help you find a group that matches your experience and avoid showing up for a ride that is far beyond your current comfort zone.
Your First Group Ride
- Arrive prepared — Bring a well-maintained bike, helmet, water, snacks, a basic repair kit, and clothing for the weather. Arrive early enough to introduce yourself and ask questions.
- Be honest about your pace — Let the ride leader know if you are new, returning after a break, or unsure about the terrain. The goal is to find the right ride, not to prove anything.
- Stay connected — Pay attention to regroup points, communicate obstacles, and let someone know if you need to stop. Good group rides are built around keeping people together.
- Ride within your limits — It is always okay to walk a feature, take a break, or turn back. A supportive group will respect that.
- Leave the trail better — Follow posted rules, yield appropriately, avoid wet trails when riding would cause damage, and pack out what you bring in.
Still Peaking Group Rides
A Still Peaking group ride can be a welcoming entry point if you want the structure of a guided experience without the pressure of riding alone. These rides are an opportunity to explore, practice good trail habits, and connect with other riders in a supportive setting.
Check the current ride schedule and choose an outing that fits your goals, experience, and comfort level. If you are not sure where to start, a skills session can help you build the confidence and trail awareness that make group riding more enjoyable.
Volunteer Trail Days
Trail stewardship is one of the best ways to become part of the mountain bike community. Local trail associations, land managers, and riding organizations organize work days to maintain drainage, clear branches, repair features, and keep trails sustainable for everyone.
You do not need to be an experienced trail builder. Organizers usually explain the work, provide tools, and match tasks to the group. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, work gloves, and weather-appropriate layers. Bring water, food, and eye protection if requested, then follow the organizer's instructions closely.
Trail work is also a great way to meet riders outside of a ride. The people you work alongside may become your next riding group, favorite local resource, or reason to try a new trail system.
Maine's NEMBA Network
For many Maine riders, NEMBA is the best place to start. Its Maine chapters connect riders with group rides, volunteer trail days, local events, trail information, and advocacy for sustainable mountain biking.
Use the NEMBA chapter directory to find the chapter serving your area, then check its current calendar or social channels for upcoming rides and volunteer opportunities. Chapter schedules and contacts change, so checking the current directory is better than relying on a static list.
If you are new to group riding, look for beginner-friendly events or reach out before attending to ask about pace, distance, and terrain.
Other Organizations Worth Supporting
Maine's riding community depends on more than group rides. Consider supporting the people and organizations that build and maintain trails, protect access, coordinate volunteers, and create opportunities for more riders to participate.
- Local trail organizations — Memberships, donations, and volunteer hours support maintenance and sustainable trail development.
- Land managers and community partners — Learn who manages the trails you ride and follow their rules, closures, and seasonal guidance.
- Youth and adaptive programs — Donations, equipment, and volunteer support can help more people experience the sport.
- Local bike shops and small businesses — Shop locally when you can. Bike shops are often important sources of trail information, event support, and community connection.
You do not have to support every organization. Choose the causes and groups that align with your values, then contribute in a way that is sustainable for you.
Camps, Sessions, and Community Events
Camps, skills sessions, races, festivals, demo days, and trail fundraisers all create natural opportunities to meet people. You can attend as a participant, volunteer behind the scenes, or simply stop by and introduce yourself.
If competition is not your thing, look for social rides, skills-focused events, women-led rides, family days, or beginner-friendly gatherings. Community events do not have to be intense to be worthwhile. Sometimes the most valuable part is learning who else rides in your area.
Riding with Kids and Families
Helping the next generation enjoy mountain biking starts with keeping the experience fun. Choose trails that match your child's confidence, ability, and attention span. Short rides with a clear destination often work better than ambitious mileage goals.
- Pick family-friendly terrain with easy bailouts and places to take a break.
- Bring more snacks and water than you think you need.
- Let kids set a comfortable pace and celebrate progress, not speed.
- Teach basic trail etiquette, then give them room to explore.
- Look for youth programs, family events, and skills sessions designed for young riders.
A muddy puddle, a cool bridge, or a snack stop can be the highlight of the ride. Keep the adventure positive and they will be much more likely to ask when you are riding again.
Making MTB More Inclusive
A stronger mountain bike community makes room for more kinds of riders. Look for women-led groups, adaptive riding programs, BIPOC-led initiatives, LGBTQ+ friendly events, youth opportunities, and gatherings designed for beginners or returning riders.
Everyone can help create a more welcoming trail culture. Introduce yourself, avoid assumptions about someone's ability or experience, respect different paces, and speak up when a group is not living up to its values. Small gestures matter, especially to someone deciding whether they belong.
Start Where You Are
You do not need a perfect bike, a packed calendar, or a crew of experienced friends to join the MTB community. Start with one group ride, one volunteer day, one event, or one conversation at the trailhead.
The trail is better with more people on it, especially when those people care for the land and look out for one another. If you want a structured first step, join a Still Peaking ride or book a skills session. You might arrive looking for riding buddies and leave with a whole community.