NEMBA Fest night ride

The night ride group, pre-ride. Photos courtesy of PK @ Singlespeed Photo

'Powered' by Exposure Lights 

We spent a recent fall weekend at what is quickly becoming a New England Mountain Bike fall classic, NEMBA Fest. The weather, sunny and stellar! The foliage colors, lively and vibrant! The air, cool and crisp!  The coffee, strong and hot! The vibe, super chill and fun! Plus, free grilled Hot Dogs courtesy of Bikeman.  What more can one ask for than hanging out with some great vendors, talking with mountain bikers, bikers off all ages and ability levels, all there in support of NEMBA.  Not to mention, the incredible trail riding at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH. 

Saturday was a buzz, up early, car packed, big mug of java in hand we made the short drive over in about an hour, set up the tent and started talking lights, with great reception from like minded riders looking for the benefits the Exposure Lights offer over the competition.  As the day wore on, we had visits from all of the riders who signed up for the free demos for the upcoming evening night ride. 

Heading over to the start of the ride at the campground, riders were already assembling for the roll out at 6:30. PK took the photo above of the group which expands beyond the capacity of the photo.  We cast such a blinding light upon his lens, surely we would light up the forest with streaks and streams of light as we cascaded through the network of trails.  Given the numbers of riders, we split into three groups, fast, moderate, & slower than fast and moderate.  Jumping in on the 'exceptionally' fast group, it was like a race to a fire with about twelve strong riders blasting from the start down the main double track trail parallel to the road. With a few quick turns, we quickly lost the track and fast cadence then "latched" onto the second, more moderately paced group of about 16 riders. Ahh, yes! That old familiar, yet comfortable pace we enjoy so much.  Cruising some sweet trails with super bright lights. Who needs daylight?  

With the fast crew gone well ahead, we quickly settled in, riding through the woods.  I couldn't tell you the name or specific location of the trails, having only ridden (at this point) only one other time at Bear Brook, eleven years ago, but what incredible fun!  We rode about 13 miles all together, with a couple of us heading up the tarred road to the start after about ten off road miles and with even some riders electing to head out again on another loop after the main ride.  

Thanks to everyone for a great night ride that will surely expand for next years 2011 NEMBA Fest.  Also, a BIG thanks to the NEMBA crew for all their effort on this event.  It was very well run, with lots of bike related activities for the whole family, not just Mom or Dad who are so rad, but we saw a lot of kids riding like chips off the old blocks. Bike riding truly is a great activity for everyone!

Here are a few more pics from the night ride, thanks to PK at Singlespeed Photo.

Fired up to ride!

NEMBA represent!

Happy Trails!