NEMBA's 20th Anniversary Awards Banquet

Twenty years may not seem like much compared to the century old histories of some of the traditional outdoor recreational organizations. However in mountain bike circles 20 years is huge, and it's remarkable how much we've grown and accomplished in two short decades.

When we sat down to discuss how to celebrate NEMBA's 20th, it became immediately apparent that what makes this organization is the people and thus we wanted to honor and thank the many folks across our 20 years that have given of themselves to do great things for the sport, for the trails, and for NEMBA. We've always been grassroots in the truest sense of the word. Everything that we've accomplished has been a result of individual action and it's the collection of these actions that has made NEMBA great.

With this in mind, we decided to hold a blowout bash. And what a party it was! The indoor garden patio of a Holiday Inn was lovely - water fountains, draping plants, gazebos and high ceilings gave a classy almost outdoors feel to the venue. The bar was well-stocked courtesy of Wachusett Brewery with its newest ale inspired by mountain biking, Ryde, and the room was also well-stocked with over 150 of NEMBA honorees, members and their spouses.

In many ways the evening was a reunion of friends, some of whom had not seen each other for years. For others, it was a chance to hear firsthand many of the projects, histories and successes of each of our chapters. It was the first time in our own brief history that such a broad spectrum of movers and shakers -past and present-gathered under one roof to share a nice meal, raise a glass together and listen to our collective stories. In the background, a running slideshow flashed photos gathered over the last couple of decades. Yes, some of us have gotten older … others better!

Personally, it was a pleasure for me to be in a room overflowing with NEMBA advocates and be able to thank them personally for all they've done.
It's only fitting that we mention the people we honored over the course of the evening, and my only regrets is not being able to speak individually to the accomplishments of each honoree.

Photography by Lee Hollenbeck

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