NMMBA Annual Membership Meeting
Date and location: Sunday, January 11th, 2026 Timber Ridge Resort
Board present: Tim Reicha, Mike Walters, Kim White, Chad Jordan, Chad Schut, Tim Jenema, Tom White, Brian Pugh and Steve Mentzer
Board absent: Heath Day
Guests: Active NMMBA membership
Mission statement —----> It is our mission to Envision, Build and Protect the mountain bike experience while respecting all forest users and uses.
Mike called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
Mike started out by giving a brief history of his time on the board, the accomplishments the organization had achieved in 2025 and a look ahead to the coming year.
Some of those accomplishments were the pavilion, new restrooms, changing rooms among others.
He emphasized that a strong board health was important to achieving the goals set for 2026.
He termed the coming year and beyond as “Focusing on the Future”.
With that he introduced the current board as well as two new additions to the executive committee. Margarete Wanley and Chuck Hathaway.
Adhering to our bylaws, Mike called for a vote from the attending members to confirm this board for another year. The vote was unanimous.
Dan Morley Volunteer of the year award:
Each year we present this award to the person most deserving. This person has put in countless hours attending scheduled work bees as well as lending other talents they possess.
This year's award was given to Shane Wyatt. Shane displayed the kind of commitment that this award is based on.
Unfortunately, Shane was not in attendance to receive the award but will be given the award at the first available opportunity.
TCTF:
This year's edition of the TCTF was once again held at Timber Ridge.
Also this year, NMMBA was part of the MORC, Michigan Off Road Championship series. This affiliation will continue for this year’s race.
Total entrants numbered 425.
And this is NMMBA’s biggest fundraiser. Net proceeds came in at $26,541.37!
2026’s date has been set for Saturday, September 26th.
Commons Bike Park:
Andrew Farron, representing the Commons Bike Park was in attendance to lead this discussion.
Andrew, a Traverse City native grew up using these trails. He is the lead person in getting this project developed at The Commons.
Some injuries to riders in past years has led to developing safer and segregated trails. Along with Andrew, Tim Pulliam, Chris Remy and Levi Kyser have been very instrumental in getting all the proper documents, permits, etc in order to move forward. NMMBA remains very involved in this process as well.
Andrew has retained Rock Solid to develop a masterplan for the property. These, being on county and township property, will be machine built trails.
They would like to break ground in the Spring but maybe Fall may be more accurate. The 1st phase should encompass a 3 mile trail.
Andrew also mentioned that he would like to eventually see The Commons and Hickory Hills trails be connected.
Financials:
Kim led this discussion.
She had some of the year end financials displayed for the attendees.
She explained that all donations that come in are earmarked for specific projects.
She also made note that our general fund stood at $35,511.44 dollars.
She also went over how our dollars are spent. Pointing out that all trail work is classified as an expense.
Our only assets are the pump track in Suttons Bay and our tools and grooming equipment.
TCTN:
Brian led this discussion.
He started out naming the individuals that comprise this committee.
Mike Walters
Tom White
Duane Archambo
Joe Wendel
Amy Kennedy
Dan Ellis
Doug Schultz
Steve Mentzer
John Roe
The newest addition to the committee is Tim Pulliam.
Brian went through all the improvements and additions that have occurred at the VST trailhead on Supply road.
From the parking lot(2022) to the pavilion(2024).
The additions for 2025 were a new kiosk with a larger trail map to the recently added water well pump. Also noted was the fire pit, concrete work and new trail crossing signs. In all, the additions through 2025 had a cost of $225,401.57! The two largest expenditures were the parking lot expansion at a little over $68,000.00 and the pavilion which came in at a bit over $71,000.00.
On the docket for 2026: installing benches around the fire pit, general landscaping, informational signs and solar powered lighting system for the pavilion and fire pit. These are estimated to be budgeted at $12,500.00.
VST Backcountry:
Brian also led this discussion.
A couple of days prior to the Iceman expo, Brian received a letter from the DNR informing NMMBA that the trail proposal covering 65 additional trail miles had been approved! All non-motorized.
This was the largest trail proposal approved by the DNR and was several years in the making.
A timeline:
The trail was first proposed in February of 2023. This would add connectors to Muncie Lakes, Bartlett trailhead, Sand Lakes and Supply road. A total of 65 miles.
In October of 2023 the trail was officially identified as VST- Backcountry.
In January of 2024 it was put into the DNR sign-off process.
In November of 2025 the DNR approved the proposal.
All 65 additional miles are now under a protected status.
And now funding for wayfinding and signage begins.
A breakdown of anticipated costs, donations and match programs:
Corbin Design: $33K for design/development of the entire
wayfinding development and design.
$50K estimated cost for purchasing all signage, posts, and
hardware.
“The Neithercut Family” has donated $40K towards this
wayfinding project.
NMMBA is applying for a ”DNR Partnership Match Program
Application” for $20K.
NMMBA has earmarked $20K to go towards this project.
Greilick Property:
Tom led this discussion.
Planning update and considerations for the future.
He outlined what has been and what might be next.
The whole property measures around 573 total acres. 200+ of which is owned by Grand Traverse county.
A planning overview of uses would encompass hiking, biking and disc golf.
All planning and vision would emphasize user safety and environmental sustainability.
The remaining 300+ acres is owned by the city of Traverse City.
The ultimate goal would be to tie the city and county parcels to the Brown Bridge quiet area.
Again, utilizing separate trails for hiking and biking.
The next step will be to discuss the “hits” and “misses”. Then finding solutions using maps and finally pin flagging potential routes.
VST- Trailblazing Tomorrow:
John Roe led this discussion.
Trailblazing Tomorrow is a joint fundraising effort between TART and NMMBA.
John gave a brief history of the NMMBA grooming program. It began about 11 years ago. He outlined how grooming equipment was stored, both in the winter and the off-season as well. As well as how tools were stored at multiple locations.
The fundraising will not only make improvements to the Bartlett road trailhead but establish a maintenance facility, located at Timber Ridge, to be shared by both organizations.
There will be a 100 year lease on the Timber Ridge property and all winter grooming equipment and other tools will be stored onsite.
It is a 1.9 million dollar undertaking. Current funding shows about $250,000 is needed to reach that goal. Hoping to break ground in the spring.
Grooming:
John also led this discussion on the grooming program.
Weather has certainly presented some challenges to the grooming crew.
But, they have met these challenges.
Lots of man hours have been expended in order to give riders the very best trails in northern Michigan. Other trails that are groomed are Palmer Woods, Glacial Hills, Cadillac Pathway and hopefully in the future, Sugar Loaf.
He did note that the DNR had stated that Yeti’s Revenge and Skyline, two winter-only trails, will not be allowed for use next winter.
However, with the VST- Backcountry trails approved, there is hope to add up to 6-8 miles of additional winter trails.
Mike then took the mic and asked if there was any other business. Hearing none, he thanked all for coming and adjourned the meeting at 7:00pm
Submitted by
Steve Mentzer, secretary