2025 Year in Review

It's that time again where we reflect back on what we all have done together in the last year.  And you sure have accomplished a lot.

Our role at Orange County Mountain Bike Associaton is to help organize the advocacy, trail work and events that make for the "awesome" that every one of you contributes.

As such, I hope you will allow us to brag a bit about what this amazing mountain bike community has done in 2025 - and to say THANK YOU!

David Browning, President

How about more places to ride?  Well, in case you didn't hear - we had a bit of a victory in April with the opening of the first pump track in Orange County...world champion Ryan Gilchrist made the initial run and the primary sponsor Shimano threw an awesome opening party for everyone. We're just getting started on that front with OC Parks setting a timeline for their 9.7 acre Craig Park Bike Park and Buena Park signing their pump track agreement at the end of this year   These are the results behind numerous ongoing advocacy efforts this year.  There are around two dozen riders now in the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Trail Guide/Docent program and in June we hosted our Open Space Explore (OSE) with our friends at OC MTB in the Fremont Canyon.  Heck, three of our core team are in program and have already served as Guides on over a half dozen activities this year.  All of this leans in to demonstrating that our community can be part of the solution for increased access in managed properties.  We also retain a seat on the OC Parks Trails Subcommittee to have direct input in relevant issues like Class 1 Pedal Assist bikes and Unauthorized Trails Closure procedures. As we march forward, we continue site identifications and government negotiations for pump tracks and bike skills parks with Irvine, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo and others.  And we're hoping to be a part of the implementation of a trail system in the upcoming 630 acre Gateway Preserve Irvine, the fourth new open space that will be opened in as many years.  

OCMTBA has been priviledged with the feedback from our own Advisory Council as well as to be participant in several similar partner groups. And we appreciate being included in a multitude of conversations with the USFS, CA State Parks, OC Parks and numerous Cities regarding protection of our access to their systems as well as growth of trail mileage to support the expansion of our community's and all outdoor recreation activity.

And did you know that your own community recorded 53 authorized trail work days this year?  A quarter of those were run by OCMTBA and we've supported lots of others.  Sharing the Yamaha Outdoor Access granted ebikes and trailers many groups scoped work locations and then returned there with the tools to get the work done.  And leveraging your contributions, we were able to donate tools to empower many of the great groups that take care of your favorite trails.   Over the course of the year our own team was involved in multiple work days at Aliso & Woods Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness, O'Neill, Whiting Ranch, San Onofre State Beach (Dog Park) and Crystal Cove.  And the trail organizations in our community took care of Cleveland National, Chino Hills, Ramblas and more.  We've even expanded to support the Troy Lee/Skyline system via our recent establishment of Corona MTB. Always at the forefront of our efforts is making sure to care for the trails you love.  And, returning to our roots, two of our core team became the first MTB CA State Parks certified Trail Assistance Volunteers in over five years.

Maintaining trails has always been a passion of mountain bikers, OCMTBA is honored to be a small part of supporting this the largest volunteer recreation group that is so committed to this key "give back".  The places you ride would not be the same were it not for the many that have grabbed a McLeod and "dug in" to make OC trails the best.

This was another great year for community gathering with over two dozen major events.  We enjoyed supporting activities like the Alta Dena Relief Ride in February , Rob Warner's Retro Ride preview in April, the Sprockids Shred Fest and Sports Basement Cyclefest in June, the Laguna Canyon Foundation's Ales & Trails and Xmas in July at Fullerton Loop...well, in July, The UCI Anti-Cancer Ride in October and The Laguna Beach Fondo in November.  And this month, we wrapped up with a number of awesome holiday celebrations, TLD Laguna's ride, the Selma's Christmas Light Ride, The Path Christmas Ride and the Generation MTB Toy Drive.  We had booth presence at the Sea Otter, Over the Hump races and the Coast Film Festival. We also were able to join and support many community rides, traditional events like the RocknRoad A1, Troy Lee athlete gatherings and so much more.  And, of course, we joined Team Africa Rising, Linked Cycling and thinkMTB in hosting the party of the year, the Good Dirt Ride!  What a great way to celebrate our MTB community with over 500 riders enjoying the ride, the fellowship, and the fun afterwards...and some of the proceeds even go to your own trails!  

OCMTBA had a blast working with the phenomenal industry supporters and partners and our many social ride clubs in providing events that brought all of us together to celebrate the joys of our sports, our friends and the opportunity to get outside.

We believe that communication is key.  Beyond the mixers, the events, and the consistent presence at venues, we also strive to keep everyone connected via our newsletters and social media presence.  We keep active in not only IMBA, but also CAMTB to make sure we track on all things mountain bike related from both a state and national perspective. OCMTBA understands that part of our role is to link not only our region's riders, but to also keep a pulse on all that is happening relevant to our sport and passion.

"It takes a village".  This statement could not apply more than it does for Orange County Mountain Biking.  As we look back on 2025, it is with great appreciation for the incredible support we have recieved from industry, influencers, local bike shops and most of all - YOU. REI participated in our Retailer program and hosted our advisory council meetings.  Folks like Richie Schley, Hans Rey, Cam Zink, Troy Lee and Brian Lopes contributed their insights and sports leadership.  And nearly 300 of you have chosen to support us with a membership contribution.  

We are blessed to have such a strong MTB community, it is our strength and OCMTBA is thrilled to have a small part in organizing, communicating and advocating for this group.

Thank You

n closing, please allow us to restate our gratitude to serve as your representatives.  The OCMTBA Executive Team has worked tirelessly for you because they are committed to making a difference, to being a part of protecting and expanding our trail access for this and future generations of MTB'rs.  It's been an awesome 2025, we can't wait to see what 2026 brings us!