Kids Rides! MA DCR's "No Child Left Inside" with NEMBA Explorers:

Sponsored by the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, GBNEMBA presents an enhanced 2013 "No Child Left Inside" ride series. This year we are expanding the Kids Rides to include a teen-oriented "MTB Groms" ride series. (A "grom" is skate/surfer term for novice)

The Kids Rides are designed for children ages 6-10 who can ride without training wheels. These rides are a great intro to the basics of trail riding.

The Grom rides are designed for kids ages 11-15 and will work on bike handling and trail skills. Think of these rides as the next step if your child has participated in the Kids Ride series.

In 2007, the MA DCR created a program to provide outside, supervised activity for children: "No Child Left Inside" to give children an opportunity to get some exercise and experience being outside in a fun, safe healthy activity. NEMBA has been an annual particpant in providing our Kids Rides as part of it.

This year, the Kids Rides are being run by Andrea Jones and the Grom Rides by Izzy Montesi. Andrea has been an anchor of our Kids Rides programming and Izzy is jumping in as one of our new volunteers with the Grom Rides.

Here are the 2013 Kids and Grom Rides Schedules:

Kids Rides (for ages 6-10)

5/4/2013 - Opening Day at the Middlesex Fells (Stoneham) (11am ride)
6/8/2013 - Great Brook Farm (Carlisle) (10:30a - 12:30p)
7/13/2013 - Beaver Brook North (Belmont) (10:30a - 12:30p)
8/17/2013 - Landlocked Forest (Burlington) (10:30a - 12:30p)
10/5/2013 - International Take Your Kids Mountain Biking Day at the Middlesex Fells (Stoneham) (10:30a - 12:30p)

The 5/4/2013 ride is an open ride - no registration required. The other rides will have online registrations posted approximately 2 weeks in advance of the rides. Any questions about the Kids Rides please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grom Rides (for ages 11-15) REGISTER NOW!

5/11/2013 - Russell Mills (Chelmsford) (8:30a - 10:00a)
5/18/2013 - Russell Mills (Chelmsford) (8:30a - 10:00a)
5/25/2013 - Russell Mills (Chelmsford) (8:30a - 10:00a)
6/1/2013 - Russell Mills (Chelmsford) (8:30a - 10:00a)
6/8/2013 - Russell Mills (Chelmsford) (8:30a - 10:00a)

For all the Grom rides, meet up at the far end of the parking lot at the Murphy Soccer Fields in Chelmsford and then riding a short distance to the Pump Track where the groms will Play and develop Skills and Drills of the day and then into the woods to carve the trails. The hope is to have a consistent group of teens for the grom series. All participants should know how to ride a bike.

To sign up for the Grom Ride series, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note: there are approximately 8 slots for the ride series, so sign up soon! Any questions about the Grom Rides please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For all Kids & Grom Rides:
What: DCR / NEMBA No Child Left Inside
Skill Level: Kids - ages 6-10 and 11-15
Duration: about 1-1.5 hrs
Pace: all will be waited for

411: These rides are meant to introduce children to the fun, excitement and fitness benefits that come from riding bikes in the woods and to teach respect for the parks, trails, and other trail users. The ride will be well staffed and every safety precaution will be observed (we typically also have one of the MTB Patrol along if first aid is needed). Parents are welcome on the ride, but not required. Riders must have a serviceable bike, properly fitting helmet, and water for the ride. All riders must wear closed-toed shoes - no flip flops or sandals. Snacks will be provided!