Join BATS as a Member and Volunteer
How Do I Join?
It is very important that we have active members and volunteers. The trails simply cannot maintain themselves without membership dollars and volunteer support and efforts!
BATS is a chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA). VMBA provides invaluable structural and administrative support to our board and volunteers. We would not be able to secure the land-access agreements for our trails without VMBA’s support. We encourage all trail users to join BATS, even if you are not a mountain biker. By selecting BATS as your primary VMBA chapter, a significant portion of your dues comes directly to BATS. Your BATS membership will also help VMBA continue to advocate for and support trail networks (bike and multi-use in our case) throughout the great state of Vermont.
There are two types of VMBA membership:
We recommend this option If you use the trails as a mountain biker. Normal membership comes with a full membership packet that includes several vouchers for lift-service mountain biking and coupons/discounts at numerous shops across Vermont.
This is a lower-cost option for trail users who want to be a supporting member of the BATS community, but who would not utilize the cycling-related benefits of a full VMBA membership. A community membership does NOT include the coupons/discounts of the full membership.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Why should I join BATS?
A: BATS is a chapter off the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. They provide our club with trail grants and a portion of membership fees. These funds help us build and maintain trails, trailhead interpretive signage, and trail signage. They also provide us important access to volunteer liability insurance, grants funding, resources and support in managing trails and working with partners and landowners, and so much more. They advocate for sustainable trail development, which is something we support 100%.
Q: How can I help? I would LOVE to be a volunteer!
A: There are many ways. Consider:
- Volunteering at a trail work day or two, adopt a section of trail, or work with another maintainer
- Attend Board Meetings, or consider a role on the board when a position is open
- Donate materials, hard skills, or equipment for maintenance or getting kids on bikes
- Lead a walk/hike/bike (contact us for brainstorming)
- Donate directly to the club (email batsvt @ gmail.com ) , via Paypal, or mail a check made out to “Bennington Area Trail System” to, 424 Dewey Street, Bennington, VT 05201
- Spread the word about BATS to your friends
- Take photos and tag #batsvt or email/FB message us your photos
- Be a good steward and follow our Trail Etiquette & Rules. Consider trail conditions before you go!
- Stick to established trails; don’t blaze or make your own, but instead participate in the conversations and planning
We need your help, skills, and enthusiasm to make the trails (old and new) on Mt. Anthony and beyond the best they’ve ever been!
