Is not owning a mountain bike keeping you from trying it? If so, then come out to MoMBA and borrow one of our bikes to ride, free, for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Toddler to adult sizes available.
Mountain Biking
Try Mountain Biking For Free
Is not owning a mountain bike keeping you from trying it? If so, then come out to MoMBA and borrow one of our bikes to ride, free, for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Toddler to adult sizes available.
Youth younger than 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Helmets are mandatory and proivided with bike.
Dayton’s Airborne Bicycles Back in Business
If you live in the Dayton Region and ride bikes then the probability of you riding with someone on an Airborne is pretty high. When I moved to Dayton a few years ago I kept seeing these beautifully crafted, simplistic natured, high end bikes all over and I had never heard of the company. Of course while riding downhill and free-ride in the Pacific Northwest one wouldn’t necessarily come across one anyways, regardless I was intrigued. What intrigued me was that Dayton had a hometown bike shop – Airborne – an authentic, real deal, small manufacturer that makes the bike industry so interesting to me, making me proud to live in this city.
I will be the first to admit I am not very familiar with their history, roots, or owners but I loved the fact that they were made in Dayton. When the time came that I was considering purchasing an Airborne, I got word from the bike community (I think on a forum or blog!) that they were no longer in existence. How did I not know about this? Why did this happen? I recently felt very similar when I heard Gem City Records was closing it’s doors, you know what I mean. No, I didn’t loose faith in the greatest outdoor/bike town in the Midwest but that blog post really burst my bubble (at least it wasn’t from DDN).
So, for anyone who also might have been affected by Airborne closing up shop, I am happy to announce that they are back in business. They have some seriously slick rides and word is they will be launching a Cyclo-Cross line, which is blowing up in the Midwest.
Not much is up on their website yet but you can find them on facebook to get updates on the companies progress and newest additions to this awesome bike fleet. www.airbornebicycles.com
2010 product launch is April 15th. Don’t miss it.
Get you butt in the saddle!
Future of Mountain Biking in Dayton
What are the first things that come to mind when you think of mountain biking? Is it teenagers with their hair on fire, X Games extreme athletes in motocross protective padding, or another great way to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors?
Just five to ten years ago most people in the Dayton region would have said flaming haired, pot smoking teenagers and extreme athletes. The culture has changed, for the better IMHO, so much that recreational activities like mountain biking are being included in regional master planning efforts by organizations such as Five Rivers MetroParks and incorporated into the strategy of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan.
In September, 2007, Five Rivers MetroParks opened up MoMBA, which stands for MetroParks Mountain Biking Area. This facility was envisioned as a sustainably designed trail system to attract a new user base to MetroParks and provide another way to connect people to nature, which is part of MetroParks’ mission.
According to my first hand observations, the facility has been a success. Yes, there are a few teenagers on bmx bikes with no helmets occasionally taking to the trailhead but the typical rider at MoMBA by no means fits that stereotype. On any given day you will see numerous cars in the parking lot, middle age professionals, college students, grey hairs on hybrid bikes, and families out riding the sweet single track. One could speculate why this is, I would suggest the proximity to local neighborhoods, wide variety of difficulty levels and experiences, and mountain biking is just fun.
Last fall MetroParks held a series of meetings to discuss future plans to expand the core area and develop a more comprehensive masterplan that provides the necessary amenities and increased riding opportunities for all ages to truly create a destination level facility. The link below details the plan and lists what each stage of the plan will entail. Word on the street is that the purchase of an adjacent quarry property is in discussion as we speak. The expansion of the facility would truly put MoMBAon the map and provide opportunities for advanced riders that cannot be found anywhere in the Midwest. Check out the plans for yourself and keep an eye out for updates on the quarry. http://www.metroparks.org/documents/recreation/2009-12-16_MoMBA_master_plan.pdf
Click here for more information about MoMBA. MetroParks hosts numerous programs, events, demos, and group rides throughout the year so Get Out and Ride!
