Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association

Fort Custer Stampede
2025-05-04 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer Recreation Area, 5163 Fort Custer Drive, Augusta, MI, 49012, US
Fort Custer Stampede – Presented by Maple Hill Auto Group
The Kick-Off event of the mountain bike race season, fun at Fort Custer and now, the second race of the new Michigan Off Road Champion MTB Race Series! Our short course, multi-lap format is an excellent way to push yourself hard whether you are a beginner, sport or expert / elite. Not sure you have the fitness to race Sport. Do it anyway. You could bail after your first lap.. OR, you could take the training wheels off and get that last lap done.
To align with the MORC Race Series, we also brought back Elite/Expert Single Speed, Sport Single Speed, Sport Clydesdale and Sport Fat Bike.
Your entry fees assist SWMMBA in building and maintaining our amazing trails in southwest Michigan, including Maple Hill, Fort Custer Recreation Area, and the Warnaar Trail in Three Rivers.
Don’t want to race, but want to be involved? You can sign up to volunteer here: volunteersignup.org/QKB3T

*CANCELLED* Open Board Meeting and Membership Gathering
2025-02-02 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer MTB Trails, Augusta, MI, 49012
Because the trail is likely now 97% ice, we’re going to cancel our ride and meeting at the Fort scheduled for tomorrow. We’ll post a new date soon!
All cyclists are welcome to join us for the Open Board Meeting and Membership Gathering at Fort Custer on Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00. We’ll be meeting at the MTB parking lot, riding a loop and then hanging for a bonfire. Have some ideas that you’d like to share or are interested in being active in the mountain biking community? Here’s your chance! We hope you can join us!

Mike Needham Trail Appreciation Event
2024-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer MTB Trails, Augusta, MI, 49012
Mike is a steady presence at the Fort. The trail is quickly cleared of fallen trees, thanks in great part, to his tireless work! This event is being organized by friends of Mike to show him some gratitude.
Details:
– Thursday, 09 May
– 6-8 pm
– Ft. Custer mountain bike trailhead (rain location = the pavilion near Eagle Lake, where the Stampede is located)
– Burgers and dogs will be provided. Bring a side if you can (chips, cookies, etc). Bring a camp chair, your bike, and a Mike Needham story
Also….
Mike Needham’s own words that i found…. Started bicycling Fort Custer with my children in 1974. I’ve been there for every bit of bike specific trail development since the beginning. I served as president of SWMMBA for eighteen years. Most of the trees and large branches fallen on trails are removed by me. I’ll say the safest place to be for tree work is somewhere else.

2024 Fort Custer Stampede
2024-05-05 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer – Eagle Lake Pavilion, Augusta, MI, 49012, United States
Fort Custer Stampede – Presented by Maple Hill Auto Group
An awesome Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association (SWMMBA) event. Are you ready? We are! This year we are keeping the same shorter course and improved spectator experience from last year! Need more cowbell you say? We’ll have that too, and more! This race will meet you at your level so if you are thinking of doing your first race or want to throw down like a pro, get registered!
Your entry fees assist SWMMBA in building and maintaining our amazing trails in southwest Michigan, including Maple Hill, Fort Custer Recreation Area, and the Warnaar Trail in Three Rivers.
Race details page: https://www.swmmba.com/2024-fort-custer-stampede/
Sign up now at: https://www.bikereg.com/28th-fort-custer-stampede-swmmba
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1741214656364500

SWMMBA End of Year Party and Member Meeting
2024-01-12 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza, 7640 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
Let’s hang out and reflect on 2023 and plan 2024! Have dinner on SWMMBA and talk about what you’re looking for from us and our trail system(s) as a member.

This event is for individual SWMMBA members or Family Members, BUT we are allowing members to bring a non-member +1. So bring someone who is interested in local MTB

Tickets are free, and food is on us, but please RSVP here:

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdxDCobxIfzQM…/viewform

Custers Last Stand (Friends of SWMMBA Event)
2023-10-07 08:30 (America/Halifax) | Fort Custer Recreation Area, 5163 Fort Custer Drive, Augusta, MI, 49012, US
A rad time trial MTB Race at Fort Custer for a great cause: More information: https://www.facebook.com/LASTSTANDMTBTT

SWMMBA/Pedal Weekend in Brown County
2023-09-29 14:00 - 2023-10-01 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Brown County State Park, 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN, 47448, United States
Join us for a weekend of flowing trails, gorgeous views, and a ton of fun in Brown County, Indiana, hosted by SWMMBA and Pedal Bicycle!
Buffalo Ridge Campground Rally Site #1
This family-friendly event includes no-drop group rides accessible to all skill levels/ages and skill-building activities around the camp. Get ready to have a whole lot of fun and meet some cool people in the process!
BYO food and camping arrangements. Camping fees are covered.
We encourage less experienced riders to attend! We will help you improve your skills and gain confidence on an exciting trail network. Groups are led by experienced leaders/riders.
Fast? We want you to! Hang for the weekend and shred some trails!
Campground Check-in/Check-out times are 2:00 pm Friday and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Check it out at: mtbproject.com/trail/1002206/brown-county-state-park
Have questions? Please send us a message!

Fort Custer Trail Day
2023-09-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-04-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Fort Custer Recreation Area, 5163 Fort Custer Drive, Augusta, MI, 49012, US
Meet at the MTB trailhead at 9am. Projects to be announced.

SWMMBA Sub24
2023-08-11 17:00 - 2023-08-12 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Cranberry Lake Campground, MI, United States
Get ready for the SWMMBA Sub24 bikepacking trip!

Open to all riders who are up for something a little different, beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Bought the gear and haven’t used it, have the gear and want to use it? This is for you!

Leave from Schoolcraft after work on the 11th, ride to Cranberry Lake campground in Marcellus for a chill evening, and return by lunchtime on the 12th. The perfect getaway!

Details

Zoom meeting: 8/3 @ 5:30 pm.
Friday 8/11: Depart Schoolcraft at 5:30p – Expected arrival at Cranberry Lake Campground: 7:30 – 8:00 pm.
Saturday 8/12: Depart Cranberry Lake Campground 9:00 am – Expected arrival in Schoolcraft: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm.

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1860296731037699

Route files via Strava:

Day 1: https://www.strava.com/routes/3119671460801718490
Day 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/3119671186441714906
Zoom Meeting Details

Join Zoom Meeting 8/3 @5:30PM
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84906134496?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 849 0613 4496
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Planning 30-45 minutes, depending on questions.
Agenda:

General timelines
Route Review, fitness/speed expectations, etc..
General discussion about gear & food
Questions

BIKE RACE! (Pedal Bicycles Event)
2023-08-06 08:00 (America/Halifax) | Meyer Broadway Park, 59475 County Park Dr., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, US
Race by our friends at Pedal Bicycles. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/709748397409804

2023 Fort Custer Stampede
2023-05-14 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Fort Custer Recreation Area, 5163 Fort Custer Drive, Augusta, MI, 49012, US
Online Registration Will Open
Friday, Feb 3, 2023 at 8:00 AM ET

SWMMBA Camping Trip - Brown County
2022-09-30 14:00 - 2022-10-02 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Brown County State Park, 1810 State Road 46 E, Nashville, IN, 47448, US
We have reserved Brown County Rally #4 group campsite for September 30th and October 1st. Camping fees are provided by SWMMBA for this event.
Campground Check-in/Check-out times are 2 PM Friday and 5 PM on Sundays.
No need to RSVP, just show up at the group site with your bike and camping gear on Friday. Night ride scheduled at 8 PM from camp on Friday, wheels roll at 10 AM from camp for Saturday ride.
Hope to see you there!

Sub-24 Overnight Bikepack (Trip Review & Gear Discussion)
2021-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Texas Corners Farmers Market Pavilion, 7110 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
On Friday, July 30th SWMMBA is hosting a Sub-24 Overnight Bikepack trip. Meet like-minded friends and be home the next day in time for lunch! The cost is free (campsites covered by SWMMBA) and space is limited. Spot preference will be given to current SWMMBA members.
On Wednesday, July 14th, we will kick things off with an information night to discuss gear, food, the route, etc.. Both activities will originate from Texas Corners.
Details:

July 14 – 6:00p – 8:00p – Trip review, gear discussion and other bikepacking topics – Texas Corners Farmers Market Pavilion, located behind Zebs restaurant.

July 30 – 5:00p – Depart Texas Corners to Cranberry Lake Campground in Marcellus, MI.
July 31 – 9:00a – Return trip to Texas Corners

All are welcome to the information night. If interested in one of the limited spots, please email Travis Bell, at vpresident@swmmba.com

Hair of The Dog Bike Ride
2020-01-01 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
When: Wheels Rolling at 1:00 PM, 1/1/2020
Where: Old Dog Tavern
Fee: $10 (Cash Only)
(50% to cover light snacks, 50% toward donation to Open Roads)
About this ride:
This is a celebration of the new year, cycling, and downtown Kalamazoo. The ride will take us through parks, parking ramps, campuses, and courtyards around the city. Ride length is typically less than 10 miles and is dictated by the weather and thirst of the riders. The ride will be led by the friendly folks from PEDAL. Amy, Shawn, and the ever-attentive staff at Old Dog will have a selection of food and beverages available for purchase for your pre and post ride pleasure.
Additional Donations:
Open Roads will make good use of your “gently used” bike parts within their in-shop programs (https://www.openroadsbike.org/). Any parts you can part with (😊) are greatly appreciated.
https://www.olddogtavern.com/
https://www.pedalbicycle.com/
https://www.openroadsbike.org/

PARTY at the FORT
2019-01-27 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer – Eagle Lake Pavilion, Augusta, MI, 49012, United States
Join us for our End of Year Party at Fort Custer!
We’ll have a bonfire, a big ol’ grill full of meat and meat like substitutes, do some riding if the conditions permit, vote on the upcoming board election, and generally enjoy each others company.
Bring something to drink and a dish or dessert to pass if you’d like (totally optional.)
This event will be on no matter what the conditions, so let’s bundle up and embrace our lovely Michigan weather. It would be amazing to do some groomed fat biking, but if the trails permit we’ll ride singletrack, or even roll on the park roads for a group spin.
Please RSVP via Facebook or e-mail so we know how much to buy for the grill 🥩

Hair of the Dog Ride
2019-01-01 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Rupert’s Brew House, 773 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Attention, this is a Non-SWMMBA Event – information here is provided for reference only. Please contact the race director with any questions.
Annual Hair of the Dog ride benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo.
Doors open at noon. Ride starts at 1.
8 -10 miles through downtown Kalamazoo … Candy Cane Lane, “top of the ramp” group photo, and a few hills to justify post-ride beer and food.
Bring a dish to pass.
A $5 donation is suggested for each participant.
Rupert’s Brew House will be donating $1 from each beer purchased.

Culver's Frozen Custer Fat Bike Race
2018-12-15 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer – Eagle Lake Pavilion, Augusta, MI, 49012, United States
The 2019 CULVER’S Frozen Custer Fat Bike Race presented by Culver’s
Dec 15th @ Fort Custer Rec. Area Augusta, Mich,
Event Description: 2019 Michigan Fat Bike Racing Series Opener
Course Description: approx 6.5 miles single & two track trails
Race will Start & Finish Eagle Lake Beach area @ Fort Custer Rec Area
Time Schedule: Saturday DEC 15TH The Culver’s Frozen Custer Fat Bike Race will Start & Finish Eagle Lake Beach area
9:00am – 10:30am Pre-Registration # Pickup Race #1
10:45am Mandatory riders meeting
11:00am Start Race #1 Open Mens, Jr 17 & under, Open Women & Master 45+, 2 laps approx 6.5 miles per
Noon Approx 1st race riders Finishing
12:30pm Start of Expert$, Expert 40+$, & Expert Women$ 3 laps approx 6.5 miles per
12:30pm – 3pm Racer post race chilli & Soup & Awards for The Culver’s Frozen Custer FatBike Race
Required Equipment: No License Required, ANSI Approved Helmet, Warm clothing,
No mountain OR half fat bikes, Fat Bike with both wheels @ a 3.7 inch mim.,
and a Competitive spirit. Fat Bikes ONLY!!!
General Information: Pre registration – Please, helps with post race food
$150 A$’s purse to top 3 in Three Expert$ classes ($450 total purse) Awards to top 3 in all other classes
Post race Culver’s Soup or Chili for all racers – SWMMBA is the Event charity/FatBike Grooming support – Donations to support the trails & FatBike Grooming @ Fort Custer
Event Sponsors: Culver’s, TP Logos, SWMMBA
Prize Drawings for all participants! Ideal Family fun, Spectators welcome!
Your best 3 races count for the 2019 Michigan FatBike Racing Series!
Contact & Additional Information: Fun Promotions LLC 616-453-4245 www.funpromotions.com
Event Fees & Classes: Open Expert$, Expert Women$, Experts 40+$, Open Men, Jr 17 & UNDER, Masters 45+, & Open Women
Awards to top 3 in all classes receive awards Pre-Reg $35 / $40 Day Of Jr 17 & UNDER $25 $30 day of
Please send Pre registration to: Fun Promotions LLC 2225 Lk Michigan Dr NW Grand Rapids, Mich 49504

Volunteer Opportunity: Culver's Frozen Custer Fat Bike Race
2018-12-15 07:30 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer – Eagle Lake Pavilion, Augusta, MI, 49012, United States
Everyone,
The Culver’s Frozen Custer fatbike race is this Saturday the 15th (Fun Promotions LLC). We need to assemble a group of about 7-8 total volunteers for the race. We are planning on marking the course very early Saturday morning and could use a hand or two for course setup. Then for the race, we will need some marshals out on the course to help direct racers and serve as somewhat of a safety post to help any riders that need it.
Course setup: Sat. 7:30am to 9:30am (2-3 people)
Putting up tape and flags to define the course.
We will have all tape/ flag supplies ready to go.

Course marshals: Sat. 10:00am to around 3:00pm (6 total, probably get done sooner than 3:00pm)
Set at a designated post for the entire race and have a mobile phone on hand for any emergencies
Let us know if you can help by emailing president@swmmba.com 🤟

Fort Custer Tree Cleanup
2018-12-02 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer – Eagle Lake Pavilion, Augusta, MI, 49012, United States
There are TONS of trees blocking the trails at the Fort, and if we want any chance of enjoying the trail system this winter we need to get them cleaned up ASAP.
We’ll be meeting at the Eagle Lake parking lot (upper lot), and will attack the green trail nearby. If we have enough volunteers, we can mobilize the two 6×6’s we have and split up the group into 2 crews.
There is some chance of rain, so please consider some rain gear in the event we get some precipitation.
The scope of this work day will be to cut and remove any tree/ brush damage that is blocking the trail. Please bring loppers and to be prepared to do a lot of work throwing sticks, branches, and logs off of the trail.
We will have volunteer waiver forms ready for newbies to sign.
Follow this event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2164597083585462

Swmmba Member Meeting
2018-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | To be Determined.
Bi-Montly Meeting for all SWMMBA members. Come give your input on your local trail systems!
Meeting location TBD
More Info…
https://www.facebook.com/events/167085683989626/

Meyer Broadway Trail Day and Ride
2018-10-14 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Meyer Broadway County Park, 59475 County Park Dr., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, United States
Trail work until 1pm, then we ride.
Park at PKG square, trail work in the red shaded area.
Map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/o3bv6s8v50qsivj/Meyer%20Broadway%20project%20map%20101218.pdf?dl=0
Parking lot on google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/YSXk8rthVy62
Follow this post for updates and weather issues:
https://www.facebook.com/events/166831064249672/

Lecture, Meet and Greet, and Ride with Sonya Looney
2018-10-10 13:30 - 18:30 (America/Detroit)
WMU’s College of Engineering Custer Lecture Series welcomes MTBer Sonya Looney on Wed., October 10 at the Parkview campus. She’ll give a talk about being an electrical engineer (BS & MS) and a professional mountain biker and entrepreneur. This is followed with a meet-and-greet at Pedal bike shop in downtown Kalamazoo and she’ll lead a group ride of Maple Hill Trail.
1:30p.m. Lecture
WMU Floyd Hall – D-132
4:00-4:30p.m. Meet and Greet
Pedal, 611 W. Michigan Ave.
5p.m. Group Ride
Maple Hill Trail

Custer's Last Stand MTB Time Trial race
2018-10-06 13:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer Recreation Area, Fort Custer Recreation Area
Attention, this is a Non-SWMMBA Event – information here is provided for reference only. Please contact the race director with any questions.
Mountain Bikers: A time trial is coming back to Fort Custer!!
A challenging, fast and fun 9 mile course using the RED and GREEN loops has been designed. Elite, Expert & Sport classes do 2 laps, and Beginner class does 1 lap.
Here’s what we’ve got in store for you:
– cash prizes for Elites
– awesome medals for the top 3 in each race class
– long sleeve technical shirt you’ll be proud to wear
– free lunch for every racer
You don’t wanna miss out on this amazing event…whether you’re staying in shape for Ice Man or entering your first Mountain Bike race, you’ll enjoy this event. We want to see you there.
REGISTER TODAY: https://www.victorylife.church/events
https://www.facebook.com/events/637814629936529/

SWMMBA Invades Brown County!
2018-10-05 14:00 - 2018-10-07 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Brown County State Park, 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN, 47448, United States
Let’s ride Brown County!
SWMMBA reserved Brown Country Rally Camp 4 for everyone (Friday and Sat night), so bring your gear and we’ll enjoy this amazing trail system and good company for a couple days.
Campground details are here:
https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/brown-county-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570043
Campground map:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/brownco_rally_youthtent_map.pdf
Trail details are here:
http://www.hmba.org/trail-guides/brown-county-state-park/

Fort Custer Xterra - Volunteers Needed
2018-09-30 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer Mtb Trails, Fort Custer Mtb Trails
Attention, this is a Non-SWMMBA Event – information here is provided for reference only. Please contact the race director John Ploeg with any questions.
In years past we have helped John with the MTB portion of the course. Lots of opportunities exist, course setup, tear down, course marshals, etc…
If you would like to volunteer please contact John directly using the contact form here:
http://xterrafortcuster.com/contact-us/
https://www.facebook.com/events/2648941278663584/

Fort Custer Trail Day #6
2018-09-30 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Fort Custer Mtb Trails, Fort Custer Mtb Trails
Meet-up at Trailhead location
Sunday’s work will entail building a rock crossing across the stream on Green in the Gullies section. Approaches will be modified as needed along with removal of the plastic mats.
https://www.facebook.com/events/165989094121508/

Swmmba Public Meeting and Group Ride
2018-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Meyer Broadway County Park, 59475 County Park Dr., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, United States
Moving this meeting to Meyer Broadway! Come preview the 4-5 miles of rough cut trail, fat/plus bikes recommended but not required.
This ride is open to SWMMBA members as well as non-members. Let’s have a short meeting about the state of local MTB, then ride our bikes!
We will provide pizza and beverages for after the ride.
More Info…
https://www.facebook.com/events/2056468718011393/

Meyer Broadway Trail Day
2018-09-15 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Meyer Broadway County Park, 59475 County Park Dr., Three Rivers, MI, 49093, United States
All hands on deck to do finishing work on the current 4-5 miles of rough cut trail!
Please bring drinking water, gloves, and a pair of loppers if you have them. Also, don’t forget your bike for “research” purposes. We hope to sneak a preview ride in after the work is done. Fat/plus preferred.
https://www.facebook.com/events/732496820431386/
