Besides personal fitness goals and skills development, there’s one thing that keeps people hooked to their sports—good company. The same is valid for mountain biking. Rides indeed become more fun with great support from your squad members. Not only will like-minded people inspire you to improve at your sport, but they will also make the rides worthwhile and safer.

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If you’re new to mountain biking and are wondering how to join the MTB community in your city, follow our tips:

1. Look up local clubs.

You can’t join an MTB club or team if you don’t know any in the first place. Use your social media accounts to look up acquaintances and mutual friends in your circle who are into mountain biking just like you.

2. Talk to your local bike shop.

There’s nothing mountain bikers love more than bike shops. Not only is your local bike shop undoubtedly acquainted with some members of the local MTB community, but it’s also very likely they host free weekly events and workshops. Ask your store for details or have them introduce you to some club members.

3. Get on the trail more often.

The more you are seen on the trail by other local riders, they get more familiar you are as a fellow mountain biker. Eventually, small talks will begin, and long conversations will soon brew. Then, who knows, you might form your own MTB community.

4. Sign up for MTB events.

The best way to find your MTB tribe is to immerse yourself more often in events dedicated to the sport. There, you’ll get a chance to make connections and expand your network in the mountain biking community.

5. Learn to ride recreationally.

Not every ride has to be a competitive one. Take it easy once in a while and ride your bike to the grocery or the office. Eventually, you will be known as a biker in the area and get invited to join local MTB events, communities, and clubs.

6. Get involved with your local trail advocacy

Is it important for you to have well-maintained local trails and a fun community to recreate with? Do you know how your community maintains, builds, and plans future trail development? Mountain bike groups are mostly made up of passionate volunteers who drive local advocacy efforts and bring their communities together. They are just like the rest of us. They do not have extra time, but they are committed to making life better for all of us.

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Typically, the National Forest Service/BLM/City or State parks where most of our trails are located lack the resources to maintain them. Volunteer trail organizations are mainly responsible for maintaining them.

Rather than maintain and shape the future of local mountain bike access, we prefer to ride our bikes. Your current situation is easy to take for granted. Thank goodness for the dedicated volunteers that keep things going. Join your local organization and donate your time and money to get involved. It is much better to help shape things rather than just using them or complaining about them. If you have time to post on Facebook about how terrible a reroute or trail feature is, then you have time to contribute positively.

Getting the proper support for the sport you love is very fulfilling. Don’t worry if you find yourself alone when mountain biking today. You might find your gang on your very next trip to your local trail.

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