NMMBA Board of Directors Meeting
Date and location: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, Acme Twp Hall
Board present: Tim Reicha, Brian Pugh, Margarete Wanley, Chuck Hathaway, Heath Day, Chad Jordan, Tom White and Steve Mentzer
Board absent: Chad Schut, Tim Jenema, Kim White, and Mike Walters(called in).
Guests: Alex Primeau(called in)
Mission statement —-----> It is our mission to Envision, Build and Protect the mountain bike experience while respecting all forest users and uses.
Brian called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
April meeting minutes were approved online.
Merch update:
Chad J led this discussion. Chad has been in discussion with Daylight Brand on creating new merch opportunities.
Chad discussed their initial costs for new setups, etc.
$50.00 for 1st design fee and $30.00 for each subsequent design.
Multi colored designs would carry a $30.00 fee for each color.
Chad stated that we would be looking at a minimum initial cost of $500.00 to get things rolling.
With that Chad made a motion to spend up to $500.00 to initiate design work with Daylight Brand.
Brian provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s position:
-
Exec Committee to discuss refinement of future Treasurer responsibilities vs engaging in paid accountant services (e.g. payroll administration, tax filing, monthly balance sheet reviews, periodic financial audits and annual budgets.
This agenda item was tabled.
NMMBA PT position:
The Position has been posted and a few resumes have been submitted.
Subsequent discussion centered around role prioritization and interview talking points.
Looking at early June for interviews to start.
Tim Jenema announced he will be stepping down from the NMMBA board but will continue as director of the Acme Bike Park.
Public comment:
As noted earlier, Alex was in attendance via a call in.
There were no reports submitted for either Financials or Grants.
Chapter Updates:
TCTN:
Discussion centered around the pros/cons of making the current VST loop a bi-directional trail.
We currently have 17 miles of marked trail. With the new VST- Backcountry trail proposal, we will eventually have some 85 miles of marked trail to the Bartlett Road trailhead. More access will happen as we continue to mark and lay it out.
Further discussion as to future trail sections and what names may be attached to designate what's inclusive.
This will aid in race directing.
Will also have about 60 trail intersections when all completed.
For this reason we will defer to Corbin Design to offer choices that we can then vote on.
The MIDNR will be meeting with Corbin on Friday, May 22nd.
Our committee will be meeting with Corbin at the Keen workshop on Aero-Park court on Wednesday, May 27th beginning at 6 pm.
Brian also discussed what projects at the VST will be on tap for 2026.
-
Supply Rd VST Trailhead: 2026 projects: fire pit bench seating installation, stone pathway to fire pit, misc. landscaping projects, solar LED lighting system in pavilion and fire pit seating areas status.
-
When weather gets a little warmer Brian will coordinate a work day to install fire pit benches and install the fire pit ring.
-
Is there anyone that would like to coordinate the installation of the stone pathway to the fire pit? A work bee was suggested.
Trail Development Proposals:
Tom will author the Sand Lakes to Kalkaska trail proposal. This will be used for the Iceman Cometh.
Tom also discussed the Vasa Network to Greilick Trail proposal and the potential pass through connector that will allow connectivity to Muncie Lake and the Boardman River Trail systems. The pass through connector will require permission from the Brownbridge Advisory Committee. Once the City of TC closes on the property (May), the committee will vote to allow bicycle passage through the edge of the property (vote in June).
Tom also mentioned the positive feedback neighbors had for the Greilick Park fall and winter programming. So far activities at the park have been harmonious with neighbors and park users.
Membership bands are in and Tim R will look into distribution plans.
Cadillac Pathway:
Michele Andrews submitted this update.
-
A new trail build project managed by the DNR is nearing completion. All bandit trails not used in the existing new trail will be obliterated. The next step is for the DNR to GPS the entire trail network and establish new signage out on the trail. Bear Claw Epic Mountain bike race profits will be used to purchase a sign for the trailhead as soon as the markers are done on the trail.
-
Missaukee County, the applicant of the DNR Trust Fund grant, is working on finalizing the accounting. NMMBA will be working with them to get a sign made to recognize all the donors for this project which completed our paved parking lot, built ADA accessible trail to the river, new kiosk and installed bollards in front of the pavilion.
-
Working with a contractor and DNR to get the pavilion stained. We have accepted a bid and now await the project to start.
-
Bi-weekly maintenance is being done on the pathway. Some new pieces of electrical equipment have helped with this maintenance.
-
We have had a volunteer, Michelle Modders, step forward and take on social media posts. She took care of the winter grooming reports to the website and social media during the winter and did an excellent job. She will start to do weekly posts at a minimum.
No new updates for either Glacial Hills nor Bike Leelanau.
TimBarn:
TART and NMMBA held a joint groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 14th for the new maintenance facility located at Timber Ridge.
Brian and Chuck were there representing NMMBA.
On that note the board voted on the joint MOU with TART.
Brian made a motion to accept the joint MOU with TART in regards to the TimBarn facility.
Heath provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
TCTF:
The event will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at Timber Ridge.
With that Tim R made a motion to apply with the MLCC for the TCTF event to sell beer.
Chuck provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
DNR event permit submitted & paid
Winter Trails:
John Roe provided this update.
2017 Snowmobile is in for repair. I am working on a new structure to the grooming program in which the part-time coordinator will take over management of the outlying winter trails.
Shop/Community Rides:
•First Community Ride was kicked off on 5/4. Despite the rain, turnout was around 26 riders. We split up the ridership amount into three groups: Tom led out the advanced group at 2 hours, Chuck led out the intermediate group at 1.5 hours and Josh Scott had the beginner group at 1 hour.
•For the 5/11 Community Ride, the following is the report from Doug Schultz: There were a lot of people there. Probably around 45. Tom led a fast group, Bobby Flake led the medium group, and I led the short group. I took the riders on about a 10 mile ride and averaged about 8 mph. We made frequent stops and everyone seemed very happy at the end. I took Red Line out to the unmarked, went up Bear Tunnels, went down Nolasco, came back in on F Bomb/Das Boot, and then Zoutendams back to the trailhead.
•Overall, The Community Ride is popular. I would like to start infusing post-ride snacks and beverages. Something to discuss……
•In addition, Tom/Chuck/Chad are working on permanent names for the ability rider groups. Need suggestions/ ideas
Commons Bike Park:
-
Had a meeting with Garfield Twp. Mgr. & Supervisor about proposed MOU revisions by Rachel Roe with the subcommittee in attendance.
-
The RFP that was originally drafted for Hickory was provided to Garfield Twp for review, along with a design-build scoring rubric that Andrew generated. If acceptable, the RFP will be edited for the Commons Phase I project.
Hickory Hills:
Tim Pulliam is working with the city to finalize the RFP for design-build approach.
LMB/MMBA:
John Roe also submitted this update on LMB/MMBA.
A few key themes and takeaways from the conversation included:
• Continued collaboration with land managers and partner organizations to improve communication and consistency around trail access and trail classifications.
• The importance of aligning messaging and education efforts related to e-bike access, e moto regulations, trail etiquette, and user expectations.
• Opportunities for the statewide summit and the confirmation of Oct 1 and Oct 2, 2026 as the dates for MMBA state trails summit at Timber Ridge RV resort in Traverse city MI. Registration and more detail to be shared at the July meeting
• Lodging details and discounts and access to the other items occurring during the statewide trails summit will be forthcoming through July.
• The need to continue building positive relationships with the Michigan DNR and other stakeholders while advocating for sustainable and responsible trail access.
New Business:
With a vacancy now on the board, Tim R invited Alex Primeau to fill that board seat. Alex was happy with the offer and excited to be on board.
Tim R made a motion to add Alex Primeau to the NMMBA board.
Mike added the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
Welcome Alex!
An idea Alex has proposed is getting our message, etc out via podcasts.
Costs associated with these podcasts range from $100.00 to $200.00 per episode. More to follow.
Ambassador Days at the VST:
As noted in earlier minutes, Amy and Mario Kennedy have offered to host Ambassador days at the VST. These have been done in the past with good results. Amy and Mario have agreed to host these and have emailed the board with slots to be filled.
Chuck will attend one on Sunday, May 17th Margarete will attend Saturday or Sunday, June 13th or 14th.
Board Meeting Space:
Certain factors have our organization looking at alternate meeting spaces.
Moving from the Acme Twp hall to a more centrally located spot would be more beneficial.
One alternative was using the community space located above Oryana West Food Coop. They are located at 3587 Marketplace Circle in Traverse City.
Another option was using a new space at the Norte offices located at the Civic center. However, this space will not be available for at least a year.
Announcement forthcoming.
With that the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Submitted by
Steve Mentzer, secretary