It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Philip Keyes’ passing. He passed on November 16, surrounded by loved ones, listening to some of his favorite music.
Philip served as Executive Director of NEMBA for 26 years from 1994-2020. He was a national leader in mountain bike advocacy and was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2008. During his tenure, he grew the organization from a grassroots club to one of the largest mountain bike organizations in the country. Membership increased more than 10-fold to nearly 8,000 members and expanded from 5 chapters, mostly in or near Massachusetts, to 30 chapters throughout New England.
“Philip was a great friend of mountain biking in New England and all over the USA. Many years ago, Kona helped NEMBA make the final push at our Interbike Bowling Funraiser to become the first advocacy group in the world to make a land purchase that preserved the “Vietnam” area in Massachusetts for the use of mountain bikers and walkers.” – Jake Heilbron, Kona Bikes
Under Philip’s leadership NEMBA achieved numerous significant milestones. He shepherded the purchase of the treasured “Vietnam” property, a 47-acre open space parcel in Milford, MA, to preserve the land from development. He oversaw fundraising for the project, raising nearly $300,000 and making NEMBA the first mountain bike club in the world to own land. The organization launched NEMBAfest, the largest mountain bike festival in the northeast, that draws riders from across the region, and allows mountain bikers of all abilities to participate in the community. Championing the chapter system, he empowered enthusiasts to improve their own local riding opportunities. The chapter system has created a culture of volunteerism which today defines the organization. In 2022, volunteers contributed 16,000 hours to building trails, leading rides, teaching clinics, and hosting events. A prolific writer, Philip guided hundreds of state and local grant proposals, which have funded many of the nearly 25,000+ trails that have been built in New England. He was the creative force and editor of Singletracks for his entire tenure. He also wrote an access column in Dirt Rag magazine for many years. Philip was a collaborator and natural leader. He inspired so many to step up and accomplish things that were bigger than any one person.
Philip’s leadership is defined by passion, perseverance, and positivity. A fixture at events and on the trails, so many of us came to know Philip over the years. We will forever remember our long-time leader and friend, Philip Keyes.
Thank you, Philip, for the gift of mountain biking that you have given to us all.
