Photo from the Trails at Jakes Rocks Facebook page Mountain biking has grown in this region by leaps and bounds in recent years, highlighted by the crown jewel of trails, the Trails at Jakes Rocks. The Northern Allegheny Mountain Biking Association, initially formed to advocate for riding opportunities on the ANF, has expanded its scope to the entire region.

What started as an effort to expand mountain biking opportunities locally is now working to enhance those same opportunities regionally.

The Northern Allegheny Mountain Biking Association, NAMBA for short, was formed in the fall of 2007 with the initial purpose of advocating for riding opportunities on the Allegheny National Forest.

That was how the group would function for years.

“The founding members of the group had a willingness to demonstrate not only that mountain biking belonged, but that bikers are some of the most environmentally conscious and community minded users of the forests,” said Keith Martin, the organization’s secretary/treasurer.

That success spurred interest.

“In 2021, things began to change in a major way for the club as an Erie contingent of riders inquired about getting help in their area,” Martin explained. “2022 has seen expansive growth. In an effort to keep up with the ever growing popularity of the sport.”

That growing need required a broader reach.

“NAMBA changed its bylaws and structure to better serve the area,” Martin said. “The traditional format of a president and vice-president has been replaced by a regional board of directors. NAMBA now has leadership roles in Warren, Franklin, Brookville and Erie, with projects not only on the ANF, but also at Six Mile Park in Harborcreek and Two Mile Park in Franklin.”

According to the group’s Facebook page, the first meeting of the new organization was back in February. It’s geographic area has been broken up into regions but includes everything from the NY State Line to I-80 and the Ohio Line to Rt. 219.

The group’s nine member board plans to meet four times each year.

NAMBA’s mission statement is “Enhancing Singletrack Today for the Trails of Tomorrow.”

“(O)utdoor enthusiast(s) are seeking more than just the outdoors to enjoy, they like to have a sense of community ambiance that links to the outdoor experience,” Martin said. “NAMBA is working with local businesses to help support and grow that aspect of tourism.”

NAMBA also keeps an eye on how land with trail opportunities is managed.

“Mountain biking is an ever evolving sport,” Martin said. “Local land managers need to have an ear to the ground and see how rider experiences are changing. For this area, the Forest Service needs to continue its proactive response to these changes. There also needs to be more involvement from other land managers, such as the DCNR, to help facilitate an ever changing and growing tourism and healthy lifestyle opportunity.

“Mountain biking is not going to ride off into the sunset any time soon.”

Martin said that NAMBA is currently working with federal officials to build two new trails in the Rimrock area and also to redevelop the Wheeler Trail in the Heart’s Content area.

Anyone looking to get involved is encouraged to visit ridenambapa.org.