The joining together of the Mad River Path and Mad River Riders is well underway. The work of creating a new organization takes place in work groups comprised of board members from both organizations. The work groups report to the merger committee. The committee recommends decisions to both boards for a vote. While sometimes tedious, this process ensures that everyone’s voices are heard. The new organization is called MAD RIVER TRAILS ALLIANCE, or MRTA, and its mission is:
“We build and steward a vibrant and diverse trail system that connects our communities, supports a thriving economy, encourages outdoor recreation, and fosters appreciation for the natural world.”
Recently, both boards came together to develop a shared vision and values. A set of bylaws is being reviewed by an attorney. The new organization will be a chapter of VMBA (Vermont Mountain Bike Association) with membership options for biking and non-biking trail users. A new board will have an equal representation from both the Path and the Riders. An already strong trails committee will become more effective with the addition of a year-round Stewardship Coordinator staff position. The current names will be commemorated. The Mad River Path will become the name of the valley floor active transportation corridor connecting the villages, while Mad River Riders will continue on as the name for the youth riding programs the organization will offer.
We will have more updates throughout the year as the merger progresses. Thank you for your continued support of human-powered transportation and sustainable recreation!
-Mad River Trails Alliance Team and Merger Committee
Only a few spots left in summer adventure programs!
The sun is out, and our summer adventures are filling up fast! We have just a couple of spaces left in our youth and family camps - don’t miss your chance to give your family or child the outdoor experience of a lifetime, building greater connections to the natural spaces around us and to each other.
Our Side of the Mountains day camp week 1, June 22 - 26 : FULL
Our Side of the Mountains day camp week 2, July 6 - 10 : 2 spots left
Peaks and Rivers overnight camp, July 12 - 17: FULL
The Wild Things overnight camp, July 27 - 31: FULL
Canadian family canoe trip: Limited availability, please reach out to misha@madriverpath.org to inquire.
Community canoe and e-bike lending
A reminder as the days get longer that Mad River Path has a couple of community resources for getting outside and engaging in non-vehicular travel or recreation.
Our canoe lending program allows you to borrow canoes for the day, weekend, school program, or other purpose. Read more about canoe lending on our website.
E-assist bikes are a great way to get around the valley, as they help you to get up our steep hills with a reasonable effort. They are a legitimate 3-season transportation with a formidable and convenient cargo-carrying capacity. They are a lot less expensive to own compared to cars, take up less space on the road, and you get to exercise and slow down while getting to your destinations! Community members are invited to borrow e-cargo bikes managed by the Mad River Path. You can take a bike for a spin, for a day, or sign it out for several days, to see if it fits!
Mad River Path merch is here!
The Custom Burrow hoodie is the flagship product of Thuja, a local outdoor clothing company based in Williston. This high-quality, warm garment is made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% spandex and designed for the outdoors. It features an embroidered MRP logo on the front and our “Connecting Communities through Human-Powered Transportation” tagline on the sleeve.
Hoodies are $150 each. We have a sample hoodie in size 6 available at the Wait House; feel free to stop by to check it out and try it on. You can pay at pick-up with cash, card, check, or Venmo. Represent your local trails organization while staying comfortable on your next outdoor adventure!
Bushcraft & Friction Fire Workshop
Bushcraft & Friction Fire Skills with Dug North
Sat, Jun 27, 10 am - 4 pm, Roxbury, VT
Learn how to start a fire from scratch using bow drill techniques with Dug North of the History Channel show, ALONE. If you have ever wondered how people create fire by "rubbing sticks together" this class is for you. Even if you have never used a knife before you will learn everything you need to know to create fire with friction using the bow drill method.
You will learn to use a knife safely, how to prepare and start a campfire, a few essential knots, and all the steps to make and use a bow drill set to create fire.
Students will leave with their own bow drill set and the knowledge to use it. No prior knowledge is required. All tools and materials are provided.
