The Mountain Bike Association of Arizona has a new president. Mike Melley, owner of Hub Event Productions, was elected in October. He plans to throw himself at every angle of growing the sport of mountain biking in Arizona.
While the dearth of cross-country racers is a concern, Melley sees trail building and design as a strength statewide. The U.S. government named the Black Canyon Trail a National Recreation Trail in 2009, and the Sonoran Desert Bicyclists still bask in the glow of earning a $50,000 grant in May. Melley sees trail builders in the Pine/Strawberry area creating great new trails that bring riders and racers into the area. He also praises a new singletrack area near Snowbowl Ski Resort, which is the work of the Flagstaff Biking Organization led by Anthony Quintile.
“Trails, and giving back to the trails (advocacy or otherwise) is part of the basis of MBAA; we want to ensure we are doing what the board was set out to do,” Melley says.
On the racing side, Melley believes there are already some great races in Arizona. He’s playing the cards close to his vest on what he’d add.
“Let's just say that while there are a lot of mountain bike events, we could use a few more mtb events that are not for the faint of heart,” he says.
Brandee Schaffner-Leepak, owner of Global Bikes, says Melley will be a great leader for MBAA.
“While working with him last year, I realized how incredibly passionate he is about seeing the MBAA succeed.” she says. “He has competed in events all over the country is will help us incorporate the best practices into our series. Not only are we fortunate to have a cyclist of his caliber on the board but his passion and willingness to make the MBAA a success should lead us into a great season.”
Getting to Know Mike Melley
What’s your most embarrassing-ever moment on a bike?
Does knocking the wind out of yourself on a 1/4 pipe count? Or peeing on yourself in an Ironman (that was on purpose) or almost taking out about three girls at the Urban Dirt Triathlon when my chain came off?
Not sure I have had an "ugly" bike. I did have a stripped to-the-aluminum Cannondale in college. That way, no one knew what it was and the paint did not chip...my brother in law owns it now. I recall buying a Trek Y frame, never rode it, sold it … stupid bike with gears. Gears make a mountain bike ugly.
Who was your mountain bike mentor ... your personal Obi-Wan?
I ride with some buddies that are not only great friends, but great riders: Bryan Kollus, Kevin Trowbridge, Beto Villegas, Kimo Seymour, Brian Bennett, Mike Schell, Chris Jaeger, Travis McMaster. There are a ton more. I learn a little from each.
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