Nick Bennette – Executive Director for the Vermont Mountain Bike Association #121

Nick is a dad, environmentalist, recovering consultant, and passionate mountain biker. He’s most happy out in the woods, popping off roots and rocks and searching for fun lines. Outside of work, Nick is either keeping up with his 9-year old or out on the trail, typically combining those things as much as possible. Once the weather turns,
Nick tries to get in as much skiing and fat biking as he can, and his family has (mostly) converted him into a cozy-weather board gamer. Nick’s favorite thing about working for VMBA is the people. “Every single person in our organization is passionate about strengthening access and sustainable stewardship. It’s awesome to work so closely with Chapter leadership, partners, and volunteers rooted in that same passion.” Most importantly, favorite trail snack. There’s no one answer for Nick, regardless, he strongly prefers ‘real’ food and the default is to whip together a ‘mega sandwich’ – peanut butter, banana, honey, and chia seeds.

(Bio via the VMBA Website)

Topics:

Nick Bennette Intro and backstory
- Working professionally for a consulting firm that worked with mission driven organizations and non-profits
Coming from the Pacific Northwest to Vermont & seeing how successful mountain biking and access works
Filming the 25th Anniversary Video about VMBA, and how getting protection for private land owners who allow mountain biking on their property
- Working with the State of Vermont and the U.S. Forest Service for trails and access
VMBA and the birth of the Chapter Model for mountain bike clubs around the state
The importance of riding to ride (not having to drive for trail access) in Vermont
The VMBA 5 Year Strategic Plan
- Trails
- Advocacy
- Community
- Organization
The importance of Partners with the 5 Year Plan
Access in Vermont on Private land for public trail use
- Use Value Appraisal Program
You get what you plan for and the VMBA
Nick on Bike Parks – Gravity Based Bike Parks
- How local bike parks partner with and support VMBA
Nick’s favorite places to ride around North America
- Hopping the border to ride in Canada
Closing Comments and how to become a VMBA Member
- Annual Meeting Information (recording available below)

Links:

VMBA: https://vmba.org/

VMBA 2022 / 2023 Annual Meeting Recording: https://youtu.be/zSvcW6WTy-c

VMBA 25th Anniversary Movie: https://youtu.be/cIhbYZkdSFU

VMBA 5 Year Strategic Plan: https://vmba.org/vmbas-new-strategic-plan/

Vermont Trails and Greenways Council: https://vermonttgc.org/

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This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services