What we’re about
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: We are Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA), "Working to Protect and encourage Mountain Bike trail access in Central Pennsylvania." Join us for a group mountain bike ride in the surrounding Harrisburg area, see SAMBA TRAILS. To ensure a seamless experience, kindly RSVP for the rides, as we may consider cancellation if there is insufficient interest or poor weather intrudes. Please be sure that when you RSVP for a ride that you also acknowledge the ONLINE WAIVER (must be done once annually). Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It's important to note that SAMBA MEMBERSHIP is not mandatory for participation, although we would be thrilled if you would consider becoming a member and supporting our cause. Our goal is to offer a group ride the first Saturday of every month, as long as the weather permits.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RIDE LEADERS:
We're always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of ride leaders so that we can offer more rides. If you're interested in becoming a ride leader, please see the instructions below.
RIDE LEVELS:
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Novice riders typically maintain an average speed of 4-6 mph and possess limited technical skills and physical conditioning. Their rides may include Blue/Intermediate trails, which feature steeper sections, tighter turns, and occasional roots and rocks in comparison to Green/Easy trails. Log overs, with heights reaching up to 8 inches, can be easily overcome using basic riding techniques, and riders at this level should be capable of clearing most of these smaller obstacles without needing to stop.
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Intermediate riders typically maintain an average speed of 6+ mph and possess fundamental technical skills along with a certain level of physical conditioning. Their rides often involve tackling more advanced Black/Difficult trails, characterized by steep and technical sections, tight switchbacks, larger rocks, and frequent roots. Log overs on these trails can reach heights up to 18 inches, necessitating riders to execute front-wheel lifts or wheelie techniques. Riders at this level should be capable of clearing most of these medium-sized obstacles without needing to come to a stop.
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Advanced riders typically maintain an average speed of 8+ mph and demonstrate either advanced technical skills or exceptional physical conditioning. Their rides often encompass highly demanding Double Black/Expert trails, characterized by steep descents, substantial rocks, roots, and challenging features. Log overs on these trails can reach heights of 18+ inches, necessitating the use of advanced techniques such as bunny hops or manuals to successfully clear them. These skilled riders are capable of clearing most of these taller obstacles without the need to come to a stop.
Note: If you attend a ride that is advertised above your ability level, we'll try our best to accommodate, but may ask you to drop to avoid excessive waiting.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Women's MTB Day - Mt Gretna RideMount Gretna Hideaway, Mt Gretna, PA
International Women's Mountain Biking Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May. It's a day for riders who identify as women to gather, experience, and share their stoke for mountain biking! Tag your rides with #WomensMTBDay! https://www.imba.com/ride/for-women
In celebration of Women's MTB Day, SAMBA will be hosting a ride for the ladies in Mt Gretna. Kindly secure your spot by RSVPing, as the event may be canceled if interest is low or poor weather intrudes. Take a moment to review the ride level descriptions in the "about us" section on our main Meetup page. Remember to return to this page on the event day to confirm details and ensure it remains on schedule. If you can no longer find/see the event on Meetup, it has been canceled.
- Important Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver and click on the "Sign Up" button to proceed. Please note that you must acknowledge this waiver in advance, and it must be done once annually.
- Meeting Location: HAW parking lot
- Rolling time: 9a
- Rider ability: any, newer riders welcome as long as they can manage a 10ish mile ride
- Approx. Distance: 10ish miles
- Approx. Speed: Casual
- Helmets required: yes
- Water needed: yes
- E-MTB’s permitted: See https://sambabiker.com/rules-of-the-trail/
- No drop ride: Yes, we re-group at the intersections
- Ride leader: Kristin
- Women's MTB Day - Michaux RideCenterville Road, Newville, PA
International Women's Mountain Biking Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May. It's a day for riders who identify as women to gather, experience, and share their stoke for mountain biking! Tag your rides with #WomensMTBDay! https://www.imba.com/ride/for-women
In celebration of Women's MTB Day, SAMBA will be hosting a ride for the ladies in Northern Michaux State Forest. Kindly secure your spot by RSVPing, as the event may be canceled if interest is low or poor weather intrudes. Take a moment to review the ride level descriptions in the "about us" section on our main Meetup page. Remember to return to this page on the event day to confirm details and ensure it remains on schedule. If you can no longer find/see the event on Meetup, it has been canceled.
- Important Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver and click on the "Sign Up" button to proceed. Please note that you must acknowledge this waiver in advance, and it must be done once annually.
- Meeting Location: Top of 233 & Ridge, Google Maps Pin
- Rolling time: 930a
- Rider Ability: Intermediate, expect roots and rocks
- Approx. Distance: 5-7miles
- Helmets required: yes
- Water needed: yes
- No drop ride: yes, we re-group at the intersections. If you attend a ride that is advertised above your ability level, we'll try our best to accommodate, but may ask you to drop to avoid excessive waiting.
- Ride leaders: Ali & Jill
- SAMBA "First Saturday" MTB Ride - Rocky RidgeRocky Ridge Park, York, PA
Join us for a group ride at Rocky Ridge! Kindly secure your spot by RSVPing, as the event may be canceled if interest is low or poor weather intrudes. Take a moment to review the ride level descriptions in the "about us" section on our main Meetup page. Remember to return to this page on the event day to confirm details and ensure it remains on schedule. If you can no longer find/see the event on Meetup, it has been canceled.
- Important Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver and click on the "Sign Up" button to proceed. Please note that you must acknowledge this waiver in advance, and it must be done once annually.
- Meeting location: Rocky Ridge Parking Area, Google Maps Pin
- Rolling time: 10a
- Rider ability: Intermediate
- Approx distance: 10miles
- Approx avg speed: Casual
- Helmets required: Yes
- Water needed: Yes
- No drop ride: Yes, we re-group at the intersections. If you attend a ride that is advertised above your ability level, we'll try our best to accommodate, but may ask you to drop to avoid excessive waiting.
- Ride leader: Mark
- Important Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver and click on the "Sign Up" button to proceed. Please note that you must acknowledge this waiver in advance, and it must be done once annually.