Who: Anyone with or without a bike, from the Valley or beyond, current NEMBA members and not-yet members, who want to be introduced to the trail network and CRNEMBA, to just ride the trails, or most importantly, to have some fun. What: The Carrabassett Region Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (CRNEMBA) would like the opportunity to introduce you to the world-class mountain bike trail system that has been developing in Carrabassett Valley and surrounding areas over the past few years and to our chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). Kona Bicycles MTB Adventure Series rides are held all over New England and offer a fun and easy way to become familiar with local trail systems and Chapters of NEMBA. Our event will feature well-marked beginner and intermediate courses starting at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center for self-paced riding. CRNEMBA will also offer guided rides if you want to learn more about the trail system and the mountain bike community here in Carrabassett Valley. When: September 26, 2015 starting at 9:00 AM. This is peak foliage season in the Western Mountains of Maine! Where: The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Cost: $10 for NEMBA members or $25 for non-members. Or pay $35 for a NEMBA membership and ride for free. The Details of the Day The Rides: There will be beginner and intermediate marked courses that showcase some of the best trails our area has to offer. CRNEMBA volunteers will be available to answer questions about the courses and offer advise to anyone unfamiliar with trail system. Experienced guides will be available for beginner and intermediate rides leaving at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. These rides will focus on a fun safe ride, information about the trail network and CRNEMBA as well as the vibrant and inclusive moutain bike community here in Carrabassett Valley. A children’s ride will be held at 12:00 PM. CRNEMBA volunteers will be available to make sure little riders of all abilities have a great time. New to the area or mountain biking? Join us –you won’t be sorry. There will also be a twenty-mile “epic ride” leaving at 10:00 AM. This won’t be a nail-biting technical ride and it won’t be at race pace but it will have some stimulating vertical and rough terrain. The ride may stop at one of Maine Huts & Trails Huts for a break and bite to eat. Demo Bikes: Downeast Bicycle Co. will have a limited number of fat-tire bikes available for demo rides. Come try one of these increasingly popular bikes –they are a hoot to ride. Rental Bikes: A limited number of rental bikes are available through Carrabassett Valley Bike located right at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Please call Bob Ash at (207) 671-3560. End-of Season Party: Wrap up the day by joining us for the CRNEMBA End-of-Season Party which will feature complimentary beverages provided by Geary’s and burgers and dogs from CRNEMBA. We’d welcome anyone bringing along a pot-luck side to add to the feast. After a raffle for some goodies and a few brief announcements on the club’s upcoming plans for trail development and events, the celebration will move outside under the stars for a bon fire and tall tales about rides past and future. Free Scenic Lift Rides: Sugarloaf has provided the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center for the event and will include a ticket for a free scenic lift ride, valid Saturday the 26th or Sunday the 27th with each registration –the ride is a great way to access the alpine zone of the Western Mountains of Maine. Tickets can be redeemed at the Sugarloaf Outpost Adventure Center on Main Street in the resort village. See the Outpost Adventure Center pamphlet for more activities and events happening at the resort this weekend. Camping: Unfortunately, there will be no on-site camping. There are camping options nearby however – see the CRNEMBA website page https://carrabassettnemba.org/camping/ for details. Lodging: For lodging options at Sugarloaf Resort, please call 1-800-THE-LOAF (1-207-843-5623) or visit http://sugarloaf.com/vacation-planning/lodging-options. Other lodging options can be seen on the CRNEMBA website page https://carrabassettnemba.org/lodging// Event Contacts: If you have questions or need additional information please contact one of the following CRNEMBA volunteers: Dave Hughes: [email protected] Joe Hines: [email protected] Ed Gervais: [email protected] Event Schedule: All Events are at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Registration 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Marked course available for self-paced riding 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Demo FatTire Bikes 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Rentals available from Carrabassett Valley Bike 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Guided Ride (beginner & intermediate rides) 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Epic Ride 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Guided Ride (beginner & intermediate rides) 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Kids Guided Ride 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Guided Ride (beginner & intermediate rides) 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM: CRNEMBA End-of-Season Party (Geary’s will be on tap at 5:30 sharp so don’t be late!)