A sit down with SAMBA
Over the years Lititz Bikeworks has collaborated with some truly wonderful people who lift up our community and have a lasting impact in the bike-o-sphere. Even the smallest projects can change lives and create an even bigger space for new ideas. A person worth mentioning is Nick Loftus, the Vice President of SAMBA.
SAMBA stands for Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association, and their mission is to protect and encourage mountain bike trail access by creating positive working relationships with area land management agencies. I’ve known Nick since long before his SAMBA days, and worked with him to create the bike trails at Rock Lititz, which led to us hosting the PA State Championship Cyclocross race for two consecutive years.
I sat down with Nick to learn more about SAMBA and give Lititz Outsider subscribers a glimpse into the organization that keeps Central PA so bike and hike friendly.
Can you tell us about the latest project SAMBA is doing in Lancaster?
Nick: “This project is still pending approvals from the Land Manager, but SAMBA has partnered with a coalition of local bike shops and businesses to lobby for re-establishing a cohesive and safe trail system for hikers and bikers in Lancaster County Central Park on the south side of the city after a local petition gathered nearly 1000 signatures. We have submitted a trail design plan and have met multiple times with local officials at the site. The County is currently reviewing SAMBA’s Memorandum of Understanding that would need to be approved before any trail work can begin. We hope to be able to announce the project officially and potentially begin work on the first pilot trail in the coming months if all goes well.”
Without grassroots advocacy work from organizations like SAMBA, would we even have mountain bike trails?
Nick: “Without SAMBA’s advocacy efforts, it’s very possible that mountain bike access would have been restricted at both Camp Mack and Governor Dick and that the Parkway Trail system, Heatherwood Bike Park, Coleman Park Bicycle Playground, Trees and Trails, and other locations may not exist at all. It’s also safe to say that the trail system in Rattling Creek may not have been expanded and the Hershey Medical Center trails may not exist as we know them today. A trail advocacy organization is essential to help build a strong mountain biking community and provide trail riding opportunities close to home.”
Is there an economic benefit to communities and towns that have mountain bike trail systems nearby?
Nick: “We know through data provided by IMBA that property values typically rise by 10+% when there is a recreational trail system or similar amenities nearby. Residents no longer have to travel to trail destinations and visitors tend to spend a considerable amount of money at local restaurants, pubs, grocery stores and gas stations etc.”
“In October 2020 SAMBA performed a trail study at Hershey Medical Center Trail System, including counts and a survey. Key takeaways from the study published in 2022 include: Over 21,000 users annually, approximately 20,200 mountain bikers and more than 800 hikers. Although the trails draw mostly local visitors, outdoor enthusiasts have visited from as far as Hawaii. Many users hike or run the Hershey trails as well as mountain bike with over 42% of all users doing something other than biking. In excess of $550,000.00 dollars annually are brought into Derry Township due to the trails.”
“Health and wellness benefits are also substantial but difficult to measure.”
How did you become involved in SAMBA?
Nick: “I was directed to SAMBA after contacting IMBA for guidance when I was looking to develop the Parkway Trail System in Harrisburg. SAMBA made me a Board member and Trail Director so I could pursue the project. After the trails were completed in Harrisburg, I became involved with trail development in other areas and many other projects, which led to me being elected President and then completing three terms. I’m still active in trail development projects as the current Vice President and remain as Trail Director for the Parkway Trails System as well. “
How can someone get involved and help out?
Nick: Follow us on social media here OR join our meetup group and stay up to date on rides, events and trail work sessions.
