All are welcome.
Minority focused
Riding with Minority Mountain Bikers (MMB)
By Harry Hill
My time in the sport started in the summer of 2016, when I joined local riding groups on their regular rides. Riding with others helped me gain experience and become familiar with the local trails, but what was missing from the experience was ethnic and gender diversity. Because of that, I started organizing local rides that were inclusive and open to all, but placed a priority on bringing people of color together. In March of 2021, with the help of some close friends, I started Minority Mountain Bikers (MMB).
Social media provided the platform to invite MMB members to upcoming rides, as well as a place for members to post pictures and videos of their rides and post-ride gatherings. Providing representation of people of color in mountain biking, which has long been absent, is a fundamental goal of MMB. People often don't know what is possible until they see someone else that looks like them doing that very thing.
In three years MMB has grown from 150 members to over 2500. We have people from around the country, and even a few from around the world. MMB has grown by providing a space where people of color can freely have a good time, while welcoming anyone from any background that wants to join in on the fun.
In three years MMB has grown from 150 members to over 2500…
In June 2021 we held our first event in Bentonville, AK. MMB Bentonville Bike Week brought 30 people together from 10 states for 5 days of mountain biking clinics, guided rides, fellowship, and fun. Over the last three years, in addition to group rides and a “Family Day at the Park” in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area (DMV), MMB has held 23 events in 11 states and Jamaica. The fellowship that has grown from these gatherings have led to individual biking relationships formed across the country. These connections provide opportunities to travel, ride bikes, and create meaningful friendships all while breaking down barriers, a core mission of MMB.
MMB has collaborated with local groups in the DMV like MVD Mountain Bikers, DMV Mountain Biking, M.O.R.E, Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, and others to bring together a larger community of riders, inclusive of everyone. The growth of mountain biking will continue to flourish as the number of riders increases, and MMB will continue to work to ensure that all voices are heard and everyone feels included when collaborating with these organizations.
MMB will continue to work to ensure that all voices are heard and everyone feels included…
MMB has been fortunate enough to be recognized for our work. MMB's Annual Bentonville Bike Week has been spotlighted on NBC's local news channel, KNWA for the last two years. We’re looking forward to our 4th Bentonville Bike Week in September 2024. Beyond that, MMB also has a documentary short film that has received several awards from multiple film festivals around the country and in Canada. This exposure has gone a long way to change the mindset of people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. The images of people of color recreating and having a great time on and off the bike, provide a positive impact and help make the sport more inclusive while opening minds and breaking down stereotypes.
Outdoor sports and experiencing nature is not something relegated to one community, it is for all of us. While this sport has a significant financial obstacle to entry, that is an obstacle seen by all, not just people of color. MMB has recently obtained non-profit status, and our future goal is to be able to provide equipment for children and adults to experience mountain biking. Introducing new people to the sport is something all of us that love mountain biking want to do.
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MMB's Annual Bentonville Bike Week has been spotlighted on NBC's local news channel, KNWA for the last two years. Photo: Korey Hopkins: KHop Shoots
While we have prioritized bringing people of color together on mountain bikes, our guiding principle is “All are welcome. Minority focused.” Society advances only with the understanding and cooperation of all, and that rings true for the sport of mountain biking. We all share these wonderful trails. We go to the same bike shops. We frequent the same stores and restaurants before and after rides. We are a community, and a community is best when it is diverse and welcoming.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Please accept this as your invitation to join our Minority Mountain Bikers Facebook group and follow us on Instagram and YouTube. Tell your family and friends to join as well. You can message MMB on these platforms if you have any questions or would like to partner in an activity.
We hope to see you on the trails!
