Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
About Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers (VMBAH) is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to improving outdoor recreation in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley. We work to increase access to high-quality, sustainable trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor users.
Our organization is built on volunteer energy, community partnerships, and a shared love of the outdoors.
Our Mission
VMBAH’s mission is to build, maintain, and advocate for sustainable trails and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Mat-Su Valley.
We believe that trails:
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Strengthen communities
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Improve physical and mental health
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Support youth development
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Connect people to the outdoors
What We Do
VMBAH supports trails and outdoor recreation through:
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Trail building and maintenance
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Volunteer trail work days
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Youth and community programs
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Trail advocacy and planning support
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Partnerships with land managers and local organizations
Our work focuses on collaboration and long-term stewardship.
Our Community
VMBAH is made up of riders, hikers, families, youth, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Mat-Su Valley. Our members and volunteers care deeply about access, sustainability, and shared-use recreation.
We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
Our Values
VMBAH is guided by the following values:
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Respect for land, wildlife, and community
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Inclusion and accessibility
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Collaboration and partnership
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Stewardship and responsibility
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Fun, adventure, and learning
These values shape how we build trails, work with partners, and engage the public.
Our Story
VMBAH was formed by local riders and hikers who wanted better trail access and a stronger outdoor community in the Mat-Su Valley. Over time, the organization has grown into a trusted partner for trail building, youth programs, and advocacy.
Today, VMBAH continues to grow through the dedication of volunteers, members, and supporters.
Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of VMBAH:
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Become a member
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Volunteer at trail work days
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Support youth programs
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Participate in events
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Donate to trail projects
Everyone has something to contribute.
Meet Our Board of Directors
VMBAH is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community members who care deeply about trails, outdoor recreation, and the Mat-Su Valley. The board provides leadership, financial oversight, and long-term vision for the organization.
Board members bring a range of skills and perspectives, including trail building, youth programs, nonprofit management, community organizing, and outdoor recreation.
Chairman: Larry Dreese
He has been a proud VMBaH volunteer for nearly five years and
currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. He is passionate about engaging more members
in trail projects and organizational efforts, strengthening both the trail system a
nd the broader community. His goal is to help create and maintain high-quality
trails that serve and connect all recreational users.
Co-Chairman: Lee Brian
Lee Brian is a newly elected board member.
He retired from the military in 2021 and returned to Alaska shortly thereafter.
He is married and has two boys—one an avid mountain biker and the other a
more casual rider. He does his best to keep up with them on a fat tire bike
and occasionally gets them out on hikes. On the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers board,
his focus areas include evaluating how e-bikes are used on local trails and
ensuring that trail maintenance and new trail development consider and support all user groups.
Secretary: Leah Jenski
Treasurer: Ian Ford
Ian Ford serves as Treasurer for Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
and proudly supports the trails that make the Mat-Su such a special place to live.
A local optometrist, he values helping people see clearly bothin the clinic and outdoors
and believes well-built, well-maintained trails strengthen community health.
He enjoys riding under big Alaska skies and exploring local trails with his family.
Bill Mohrwinkle
Bill has been on the board for many years.
He is an avid mountain and fat tire biker who loves to
advocate for building new trails as well as maintain existing trails.
He has been an instrumental member of the GPRA Grooming team and
has spend years maintaining trails all over the mat-su valley.
Kevin Murphy
Kevin loves everything with two wheels and handlebars that require pedaling.
He’s passionate about all things trails and can usually be found wherever dirt meets rubber.
Zoe Ash
Growing up in Eugene, known as Track Town USA, she fell in love with running in middle school.
Now based in Palmer, when she’s not roasting coffee,
she can most often be found out on the trails—trail running, skiing, or biking.
John Giraldo
John's happiest in the mountains, ripping single track or
exploring on an adventure hike a bike. Works hard, plays harder.
John Clark
John is a semi-retired engineer, devoted husband, dad, and proud grandpa.
He competes in many of the races in the Alaska Mountain Runners Grand Prix series
and stays deeply involved in the local trail community.
Beyond racing, John is active in trail maintenance and winter grooming efforts.
He also serves as race director for the Crazy Lazy and Veins of Gold races.
In addition, John is a member of the board of directors for Alaska Mountain Runners.
Non board Member - Administrative Director: Grace Bruno
Grace Bruno is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in the Mat-Su Valley.
She has been involved with Sprockidz since 2011, starting as a young rider learning to shred,
later meeting her husband through the program, and now serving as a head coach.
Over the years, she has become deeply connected to the local riding community.
Grace spends as much time outdoors as possible
riding, hiking, and capturing Alaska through photography.
Board Responsibilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for:
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Setting the organization’s vision and priorities
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Ensuring financial responsibility and transparency
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Supporting staff and volunteers
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Representing VMBAH in the community
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Upholding the mission and values of the organization
Board members serve as stewards of VMBAH’s mission and as advocates for trails and outdoor recreation.
Interested in Serving on the Board?
VMBAH periodically seeks new board members who are passionate about trails, community, and outdoor recreation. Experience in finance, fundraising, planning, education, or community leadership is especially valuable.
If you’re interested in learning more about board service, please contact us at Info@vmbah.org
Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers • PO Box 2867, Palmer, Alaska 99645 • info@vmbah.org