BUILD.RIDE.PROTECT

Why Your Membership in SDMB Matters

• Fund Raising and Grant Writing

• • SDMB is one of the few non-profit MTB organizations able to raise funds and write grants to assist with trail development. Such projects include the trails restoration on Mt. Graham, trails in Sierra Vista, the new Bike Ambassador program, Fantasy Island, and the 100-Acre Wood Bike Park. In addition, SDMB is one of the few non-profits in the valley that has secured AmeriCorps and American Conservation Experience (ACE) crews to help build and maintain trails--like McKenzie Ranch, Enchanted Hills and Starr Pass trails. Few other groups are able to engage with funders like SDMB.
  • Fundraising events like "Thirsty Thursdays" at local brew pubs, to support trails and trail building.

  
  

• Events & Activities

• • We offer social rides to members for all abilities throughout the year, including the 8ish Days of Christmas, the Poker Ride and 24HOP Pre-Ride, the McKenzie Frenzy, among others
  • Volunteer opportunities including trail maintenance and trail building days
  • Provides local riding information, tips, and guidance via our website, especially Featured trails and trail difficult ratings.
  • SDMB offers skills clinics with certified MTB instructors 
  • Sponsors the annual "BrushtoberFest" to encourage members to brush out trails after an active monsoon season. 

  
  

• Advocacy
• • Trail advocacy initiatives and advocates for political action on behalf of MTB'ers, including participating in the Network for Arizona Trails. SDMB was instrumental in getting the Arizona Legislature to unanimously pass a resolution (SCR1010) in 2022 expressing its support for the economic, social, health, and behavioral benefits of outdoor recreation. Next up, we will be trying to pass legislation in 2023 to create an Office of Outdoor Recreation like 22 other states have already done. Stay tuned!
  • Works with all local land managers, public and private, to improve MTB access and relationships so that trails are protected and maintained. 
  • Is part of the steering committee for the Summit for Arizona Trails which was held in 2020, 2021 and coming 
    again in May 2022 to bring together trail advocates and users to unify our voice on behalf of outdoor recreation.
  • Is at the forefront advocating that Arizona join 22 other states by establishing an Office of Outdoor Recreation in order to better coordinate trails and recreation policies and funding across the entire state and to secure funding for building new and maintaining existing trails.

• Outreach & Public Relations
• • Be Cool Campaign: SDMB conducts trailhead outreach events to educate trail users about good trail etiquette and fosters positive public relations with other trail users
• • Bike Ambassador program: This program is designed to improve public relations and to create a safe trail environment for everyone. Ambassadors actively try to engage with all types of trail users, and provide trail tips and information when requested. They also offer help, assist with basic bike repair in the field, provide information about how to protect the flora and fauna along the trails, and report problems related to the trailhead or the trails themselves

• Business Supporter Programs
• • Maintains a Business Supporter Program to recognize those enterprises in Tucson who support mountain biking. Funds from these supporters help finance trail days and other events.
  • SDMB members often receive discounts at local bike shops and other businesses when you show your membership card. Just another reason to join today.

Need more information? Contact us at: kirkastroth@gmail.com