Mad River Riders’ GMNF Blueberry Lake Trails Earn International Mountain Bike Association Model Trail Award

Contributed by Mad River Riders and John Atkinson

The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has awarded Model Trail designation to the Blueberry Lake Trails in the Green Mountain National Forest. The network, a result of collaborative efforts among the Mad River Riders-Vermont Mountain Bike Association (MRR-VMBA), Sustainable Trailworks LLC. and the United States Forest Service,  received a “Gateway” rating, meaning that they are ideal for entry level riders.

The routes were designed by Sustainable Trailworks with guidance from MRR-VMBA and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). They were built by Sustainable Trailworks and supported by the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Green Mountain Valley School and MRR-VMBA, with funding from several sources, including the USFS, Winthrop J. Smith Foundation/Sugarbush Resort and many other supporters.

Phase 1 of the network officially opened a year ago with two loops totaling more than four miles of beginner-intermediate trails. Experts also appreciate the network’s fast flow, making it great for mixed-ability groups as well.

Phase 2 trail development is scheduled to start soon, with an official Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 8, followed by guided group rides/hikes and a Season Kick-off Party at the Common Man in Warren. Phase 2 will add a gentle beginner loop with views of Blueberry Lake and a half-mile intermediate connector trail into the existing network. Phase 2 fundraising is close to completion, but help is still needed. Tax-deductible donations to MRR-Blueberry Lake-Phase 2 can be made at: https://vmba.org/donate