CT NEMBA Trail Ambassador Program

The Trail Ambassador Program is administered by CT NEMBA whereby trained volunteers on mountain bikes would ride on trails through out Connecticut for the purpose of educating, informing, and assisting other trail users. CT NEMBA trains each volunteer in trail etiquette, public relations, basic bicycle repair, and in emergency response (not first aid). Program participants focus on riding from May - September, and although it is not required, Ambassadors are encouraged to patrol in the "off-season". Volunteers also serve as liaisons between trail users and Land Managers. They provide feedback to land managers about trail conditions, trail maintenance needs, and unauthorized activity.

The goal of the Trail Ambassador program is to provide an advocate presence on the trail systems open to mountain biking across Connecticut by serving as overall trail guides.

The spirit of the Trail Ambassador Program aims to educate, inform, and guide mountain bikers out on the trail. Ambassadors assist other by directing those that may be lost, performing minor bike repairs for trail riders, suggesting points of interest, doing minor trail maintenance such as removing trash or debris from the trails, going for help in an emergency, and educating fellow mountain bikers on how to ride sensitively and responsibly.

Orientation and training are done on an annual basis, but if there is enough interest, a Trail Ambassador orientation and training session can be organized. If you are interested in joining this dedicated program, please contact Eric Mayhew.

Ambassadors are issued uniform cycling jerseys, folding saws, bike mulit-tools, and other relevant gear at the end of the training session. Current Trail Ambassadors are not required to attend the annual training, but are encouraged to participate by assisting in the training and orientation of new volunteers. It's a great experience to have newly trained volunteers get to know and interact with the seasoned Trail Ambassadors.

As volunteer advocates, Trail Ambassadors serve as liasons back to the land managers of each trail system we are presently riding. Part of this web based tracking system willl allow you to enter in comments, observations, and issues that you encountered during your ride. A new feature to the program is email tracking of your hours. Each Ambassador will be sent an address and electronic format in which they will fill out and will be posted directly to the CTNEMBA website. This serves as an excellent form of communication to the Chapter and Land Managers who are looking for the latest information on their areas and what's happening in them.

On a final note, if you are ambitious and energetic enough to join in and help foster the growth of this great program, please contact Eric Mayhew or Mark Lurie. Your ideas, creativity, and feedback are all welcomed at any time.