If you have ever ridden a trail on the North Shore, or even one inspired by the riding here, you should thank the knobby gods that the folks who run the nsmba exist. In case you are under the misapprehension that we here at nsmb are the same as the nsmbA, let me take a moment to clear that up. The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) is a non-profit advocacy group, dedicated to preserving and maintaining the trails on the Shore. These folks dedicate their time to keep the trails you ride in fine shape and they work with landowners so we have continued access. We here at nsmb (North Shore Mountain Biking) are an online magazine, ostensibly for profit (ha!) and while we do work together we are entirely separate enterprises. You can get to the nsmbA website by punching in http://www.nsmba.bc.ca to further clarify this distinction.


Photo David Ferguson

This was a banner year for the lads and lasses who organize the trail days, entice sponsors, negotiate with landowners and bust their asses doing maintenance. One ride down Espresso or CBC should be enough to convince you of that. If you aren't a member then join up, no matter where it is you ride. The successes here will help you in your own backyard as well.

Now on to the report.
Cam McRae

This season saw some amazing work on the trails by our members. Espresso on Fromme was resurrected into a flowing ripper run. CBC received huge upgrades. Corkscrew, Pingu and Empress were also buffed up. Thanks to all the volunteers that continue to support work on the trails. Our numbers and experience is growing and so are the great results.

This season was made possible by a lot of effort by the NSMBA executive, especially Sharon Bader and Dave Ferguson who kept the gears running on the inside. Jeremy Powers and Jim 'PD' Pavilla were also key in transporting all the equipment to the trail days and put in huge individual efforts on the trails throughout the season. Kudos also go to members Lester Cho, Chris Barker, Jared Norman, Peter Morin, and John Lennig who made it out to six or more trail days.

Our shop sponsors came through big again this year. On Top Bike Shop continues to throw the best BBQ on the North Shore with help from Sailor Hagar's. John Henry the Bicycle Man and the Maplewood Pub came through again with phat pancakes to feed the trail building troops. The folks at Dizzy Cycles were instrumental in making the Twoonie races a big success - way to go James and co! Thanks also to Cove Bike Shop who got in on the action this year with two trail days. NSMB.com e-zine was key again this season in spreading the gospel to all the riders out there. Thanks NSMB.

In addition to the shops we had some great support from industry with swag for the crew. Thanks to .243 Racing, HOOTs, North Shore Pathway Society, Bonz, Envy, Deuter, 180 Magazine and Zeal Optics. The local manufacturers continue to be the ones to support us the most as they care the most about what goes on in their backyard, so given the chance return the favour and support them back. Most of these guys are small shops and their support comes right out of their own pocket - thanks for the support! It's guys like Eric Fox from .243 and Hoots Jay Krantz that keep the North Shore dream alive.

This week we had the grand prize draw for those volunteers that came out to build at the trail days. And the winners are...

.243 Racing Frame: Nigel Whitehead
Hoots Armour: Robert Zanatta
1 Year Free Maintenance at Pathways: Dirk van der Walt
Zeal Optics Glasses: Jack Rach
Deuter Backpack: Jared Norman
180 Magazine - 1 year subscription: Peter Morin, John Lennig, Keith Mewis, Ted Molyneux, Hiroshi Kubota

Happy trails and see you next season,
Dave Diplock
NSMBA, Director at large.

Thanks to you too Dave. Great work. - cm