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 or trail work in the surrounding Harrisburg area, see SAMBA TRAILS.
- To ensure a seamless experience, kindly RSVP for events, 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. You must acknowledge this waiver in advance, and it must be done once annually, it renews every year on June 1. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian of the minor must sign the Online Waiver in advance.
- 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.
Featured event
SAMBA Gnome Challenge & Annual Meeting
GNOME Challenge
Pregame the Annual Meeting with a ride and prizes. The Gnome Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM to 4:00pm at HMC, inviting bikers and hikers to join a fun scavenger hunt for hidden gnomes in the woods. Open to all skill levels, participants will compete to find the most gnomes and take creative photos, with prizes for the top entries. Mark your calendars and make it your pregame before the Annual Meeting! Important Online Waiver Notice: Complete our annual online waiver at https://bit.ly/sambawaiverjune2025-june2026 before participating. Click "Sign Up" to begin. Renews June 1 yearly. For minors under age 18, a parent/guardian must sign and accompany them. This step is required for all participants.
Annual Meeting
Troegs, Food, Free Bike, $1000 Scholarship = More Trails
SAMBA is excited to invite you to our Annual Meeting — a night to celebrate trails, community, and the people who make it all happen! This year, we’re thrilled to partner with Tröegs Independent Brewing, who crafted a special Scratch Dark Lager just for this event. Even better, proceeds from all food and drink purchased that evening will go directly toward supporting local trail projects with the voucher below— so every pint poured helps build and maintain the trails you love.
Hear about SAMBA’s exciting plans for 2026, including new trail initiatives and advocacy efforts across the region. Also, learn about the new PICL Student Board position and how to apply. We’ll also feature a panel discussion with local bike shops, where you’ll get an inside look at their services, stories, and what keeps them passionate about supporting our local cycling community.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, PA
Admission: Free & open to the public
IMPORTANT: You must download or print the RaiseTwenty coupon below to ensure your purchases are directed towards trail preservation.
Upcoming events
9
NOW WEDNESDAY- SAMBA HMC Night Ride
Hershey Medical SAMBA MTB Trail System, Reservoir Road, Hummelstown, PA, USJoin us for a weekly group ride at HMC (Hershey Medical Center Trails)! 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.
Important Online Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver2024-2025 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, it renews every year on June 1. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian of the minor must sign the Online Waiver in advance.
- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
Roll out time: 6 pm - Rider ability: Intermediate
- Distance: 7-10miles
- Average Speed: Based on the group
- Helmets required: Yes
- Water needed: Yes
- No drop ride: Yes, with re-group after each segment
- Lights required: YES
- Ride leader: Dave Pugh, Jesse Williams & Cat Ryan
3 attendees- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
SAMBA Gnome Challenge & Annual Meeting
Hershey Medical SAMBA MTB Trail System, Reservoir Road, Hummelstown, PA, USGNOME Challenge
Pregame the Annual Meeting with a ride and prizes. The Gnome Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM to 4:00pm at HMC, inviting bikers and hikers to join a fun scavenger hunt for hidden gnomes in the woods. Open to all skill levels, participants will compete to find the most gnomes and take creative photos, with prizes for the top entries. Mark your calendars and make it your pregame before the Annual Meeting! Important Online Waiver Notice: Complete our annual online waiver at https://bit.ly/sambawaiverjune2025-june2026 before participating. Click "Sign Up" to begin. Renews June 1 yearly. For minors under age 18, a parent/guardian must sign and accompany them. This step is required for all participants.Annual Meeting
Troegs, Food, Free Bike, $1000 Scholarship = More Trails
SAMBA is excited to invite you to our Annual Meeting — a night to celebrate trails, community, and the people who make it all happen! This year, we’re thrilled to partner with Tröegs Independent Brewing, who crafted a special Scratch Dark Lager just for this event. Even better, proceeds from all food and drink purchased that evening will go directly toward supporting local trail projects with the voucher below— so every pint poured helps build and maintain the trails you love.
Hear about SAMBA’s exciting plans for 2026, including new trail initiatives and advocacy efforts across the region. Also, learn about the new PICL Student Board position and how to apply. We’ll also feature a panel discussion with local bike shops, where you’ll get an inside look at their services, stories, and what keeps them passionate about supporting our local cycling community.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, PA
Admission: Free & open to the public
IMPORTANT: You must download or print the RaiseTwenty coupon below to ensure your purchases are directed towards trail preservation.5 attendeesNOW WEDNESDAY- SAMBA HMC Night Ride
Hershey Medical SAMBA MTB Trail System, Reservoir Road, Hummelstown, PA, USJoin us for a weekly group ride at HMC (Hershey Medical Center Trails)! 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.
Important Online Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver2024-2025 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, it renews every year on June 1. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian of the minor must sign the Online Waiver in advance.
- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
Roll out time: 6 pm - Rider ability: Intermediate
- Distance: 7-10miles
- Average Speed: Based on the group
- Helmets required: Yes
- Water needed: Yes
- No drop ride: Yes, with re-group after each segment
- Lights required: YES
- Ride leader: Dave Pugh, Jesse Williams & Cat Ryan
3 attendees- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
NOW WEDNESDAY- SAMBA HMC Night Ride
Hershey Medical SAMBA MTB Trail System, Reservoir Road, Hummelstown, PA, USJoin us for a weekly group ride at HMC (Hershey Medical Center Trails)! 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.
Important Online Waiver Notice: Visit https://bit.ly/sambawaiver2024-2025 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, it renews every year on June 1. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian of the minor must sign the Online Waiver in advance.
- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
Roll out time: 6 pm - Rider ability: Intermediate
- Distance: 7-10miles
- Average Speed: Based on the group
- Helmets required: Yes
- Water needed: Yes
- No drop ride: Yes, with re-group after each segment
- Lights required: YES
- Ride leader: Dave Pugh, Jesse Williams & Cat Ryan
4 attendees- Meeting location: HMC Trailhead, 40.260431501149455, -76.67820772883624
Past events
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