As more and more folks head out to enjoy southwest Montana’s trails by bike, we’re recognizing the need for more education and informational resources. Enter the Bike Ambassadors.

Bike Ambassadors are deployed throughout our public lands trails throughout the riding season to offer a hand to a friend in need, give directions if you get slightly turned around, help fix a flat to get you out of a pinch, and generally be of support to anyone looking for answers.

SWMMBA Bike Ambassadors are selfless volunteers who simply want to make sure you’re having a good time and staying safe on our area trails. The crew is led by co-coordinators Jeff Mazer and Josh Horstmann, but the program is highly flexible and adaptable to your schedule. Here’s how it works.

Once or twice a week, when you are out on a ride, you throw on a Bike Ambassador shirt and engage with the public as you encounter folks along the trail. Say hi. Offer to fix a mechanical if someone doesn’t have the necessary skills. See if you can be of help if someone looks like they need it.

As a Bike Ambassador, you will model good multi-use trail etiquette, yielding to other users as appropriate and generally being a good neighbor. SWMMBA Bike Ambassadors reflect the best things about local mountain biking and discourage poor etiquette through their actions.

You are not out there to police or patrol, but rather to promote positivity and provide information and assistance. Bike Ambassadors are key outreach volunteers and critical to SWMMBA’s advocacy work.

Required skills include but are not limited to:

• Strong interpersonal skills

• In-depth knowledge of local trails

• Basic bike mechanics and repair

• Understanding of multi-user trail etiquette

• Strong connection to SWMMBA’s mission

If this sounds like you, we would love for you to apply to the Bike Ambassador program at the link below. Happy trails!