Introducing Our New Chapters for 2026
From that first pedal stroke nearly 20 years ago (!) until now, just under 100 programs around the country have helped empower girls through mountain biking. If 2026 is any proof of just how vital Little Bellas is for developing strong young women, this year we’re thrilled to welcome six new weekly chapters to the Little Bellas family. These are each Play & Explore programs, which blend the best of both our Play and our Explore programs.
Each new chapter represents a community that believes in the power of play, confidence-building, and connection on bikes. We can’t wait to see these riders discover new trails, new friendships, and new possibilities!
Let’s meet the newest members of our expanding community.
Bridgeport, W.Va.
Venue: Bridgeport City Park
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: April 13
Led by: Amanda George
Welcome Bridgeport! As our newest West Virginia chapter, this program will be a “sister chapter” to our Morgantown Weekly Play & Explore program. Several participants and even a junior mentor already travel from Bridgeport to join Morgantown sessions, so having a program right in their own backyard is a huge win for the community.
Register for the Bridgeport Little Bellas
North Shore, Mass.
Venue: Bradley Palmer State Park
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: May 17
Led by: Danielle Harlow-Rivas
Our presence in the Bay State continues to grow with the launch of the North Shore program, led by veteran mentor, Danielle Harlow-Rivas, who’s bringing her passion and experience to a new community. This chapter will help us serve more Massachusetts families and offer even more opportunities for girls to get on bikes and explore the outdoors.
Register for the North Shore Little Bellas
Lindstrom, Minn.
Venue: Ki-Chi-Saga County Park
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: May 18
Led by: Carissa Nielsen
Located just 35 minutes north of the Twin Cities, Lindstrom is a rapidly growing area with a vibrant outdoor community. This new program expands our Minnesota footprint and brings Little Bellas to even more families eager for connection, mentorship, and trail adventures for their girls.
Register for the Lindstrom Little Bellas
Palo Alto, Calif.
Venue: Arastradero Preserve
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: September 14
Led by: Elke MacGregor
Families from the Palo Alto area have participated in our Santa Cruz program for a while now; this year we’re thrilled to bring them their own local weekly program. With beautiful terrain and a strong cycling culture, Arastradero Preserve is the perfect home for this new "sister chapter."
Register for the Palo Alto Little Bellas
Newport, Vt.
Venue: Memphremagog Trails
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: May 26
Led by: Shelly Audette
We’re heading to a brand‑new corner of Vermont! After a hugely successful Give It a Whirl (GIAW) in Newport in 2025, the enthusiasm from families and community partners made it clear that a permanent program belonged here. We’re excited to introduce more girls to the beautiful Memphremagog Trails this spring.
Register for the Newport Little Bellas
Columbus, Ga.
Venue: Standing Boy Trails
Program Type: Weekly Play & Explore
Launching: August 10
Led by: Amy Way
(Program approved in late summer 2025)
Columbus quietly joined the Little Bellas family in late 2025, but now we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. With a massive and continually expanding trail system, Standing Boy Trails offers endless opportunities for exploration and skill‑building. We’re delighted to officially celebrate this chapter as part of our 2026 lineup.
Register for the Columbus Little Bellas
💫 What’s Ahead
Each new chapter represents a community with a will to support girls in discovering joy, confidence, and connection through mountain biking. It started with one person who saw a need in their area to get more girls on bikes. She rolled up her sleeves and did the essential work to bring Little Bellas to her community, and once she got that snowball rolling, we couldn’t imagine Little Bellas not having a presence there.
Here’s to an incredible 2026 rippling with more trails, more laughter, and more girls discovering what they’re capable of!