Philip Keyes Memorial Ride & Cornfield Relays event

A NEMBA Signature Event

A ride and celebration of life honoring our friend and longtime executive director Philip Keyes.

More than just a ride The Philip Keyes Memorial Ride is a celebration of the trails, friendships, and passion that Philip championed. Explore group rides catered to all levels, arrowed self-guided routes, the Cornfield Relays and beginner clinic, plus great food and vendors.


New in 2025: The NEMBA Cornfield Relays!
Round up your crew, buff up your shoes, and get ready to weave your way through a real cornfield in the first-ever NEMBA Cornfield Relays! This high-energy relay race is all about speed, spirit, and a little bit of corn-fed chaos.

How It Works
Teams of 4 riders
Diversity in motion: We encourage two women riders per team. Not mandatory.
Each rider tackles one lap of a flat, fast-paced 1-mile course
Tag your teammate in the transition zone and keep the momentum going!
NEMBA chapters are highly encouraged to bring their squad
Registration closes Wednesday 5/14 at noon.

Epic Awards Await
Fastest Team – Speed demons, this one's for you!
The Old Guard – Teams with a combined age of 250+ (celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, too!)
Most Spirited – Costumes are not just encouraged—they’re celebrated!
Lantern Rouge – Honoring the last-place finishers with style
The Next Gen – Teams with a combined age under 50, because the future of riding is bright!

Bring your A-game!
Whether you’re racing for glory, laughs, or just an excuse to wear a ridiculous costume, this is one relay you don’t want to miss. Are you in?

New in 2025: Beginner Clinic, 9:45 AM - 1:00 PM!
Learn the basics of mountain biking, taught by Skills with Wes, then head out for a short ride. This 2.5 hour course covers:

- body position
- bike body separation
- braking
- picking a line
- front tire lift
- turning
- and more...

Schedule
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Philip Remembrance
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM Cornfield Relays - Join or cheer on your favorite team!
9:45 AM - 2:00 PM Guided & Self-Guided Rides (Depart @ 9:45-10:00 AM)
9:45 AM - 1:00 PM Beginner Clinic & Ride
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Lunch

Cost
There is no fee for this event. A $35+ donation In Memory of Philip Keyes is recommended. Your contribution will support the incredible work around trails, advocacy and community that were close to Philip's heart.

What to Expect
A warm community celebration with fond memories, epic riding, delicious food, and good vibes - just the way Philip would like it!

Special Events

- NEMBA Cornfield Relays

- Beginner Women's Clinic, by Skills With Wes

- Guided rides

Beginner (4 miles)
Family ride, with kids (4 miles)

Intermediate & Intermellow (12 miles)

Advanced rides (29 miles - Intermediate loop+ extension)

Adaptive-Use Rides (by Knobby Tires)

Self Guided Rides

Arrowed 54 & 12 mi loops
Advanced route not arrowed, by GPS ot Trailforks only

Food & Vendors

Snacks provided by Public Lands
Lunch for purchase by ForzaG
Vendors

Tee Shirts
Pick up any pre-purchased tee shirts, or purchase a tee shirt at the NEMBA tent.

Parking
Parking is available at the Ski Touring Center Lot, 1018 Lowell Street, Carlisle, MA 01741. Overflow parking available in the paid parking lot on North Road

Thank you to our friends and supporters!