SDMB's Meet the Board: Mike Mucker

Welcome back to a SDMB's Meet the Board, where we introduce our current board members and give them an opportunity to talk about what motivates them to volunteer their time with SDMB. Fourth up, board member and mountain bike extraordinaire, Mike Mucker!

1. How long have you been involved with SDMB?

We did our first rides with SDMB in December of 2005 on a section of the Arizona Trail at Pistol Hill (which SDMB helped build) and for a photo shoot for Bike Magazine on the Arizona Trail at Kentucky Camp. We took part in various SDMB events over the next 10 years and I was invited to become a board member in June of 2015.

2. What about SDMB’s mission and work really motivates you?

I have a passion for cycling. I want to share that passion with others and create opportunities by increasing access for mountain bicyclists, building new sustainable trails, and improving existing trails.

3. What is one personal/professional asset you bring to SDMB?

I am also the founder of a bicycling organization in Pennsylvania, LHORBA (Laurel Highlands On & Off Road Bicycling Association), and served as president for the first 16 years. There I worked with eight different State Forest, State Park, and Regional Park land managers to help in new trail construction and trail maintenance. I made it a priority to teach trail advocacy to local cyclists. Through this I gained valuable experience in trail building, trail maintenance, trail advocacy, event planning, delegation and communication. I hope to use these skills to serve SDMB as a Board Member, Pima County Trails Program trail crew leader, Advocacy and Events committee member, and ride leader.

4. What do you want to accomplish with SDMB moving forward?

I would like to help build more trails in the Tucson region and improve the existing trails. I would also like to get more people on mountain bikes especially by helping to make the sport more inclusive and diverse.

5. What is your favorite trail to ride (local preferred, but anywhere works)?

There are too many great trails around Tucson to pick just one!

The 36 mile section of Arizona Trail from the Green Forest Gate south of Lakes Rd to the Hope Camp Trailhead.
Ridgeline and Wild Burro Trails in the Tortolita Mountains along with all of the trails in Honeybee for one big ride.
Tucson Mountain Park including the trails at Starr Pass, Robles Pass and Enchanted Hills.

Here are a few my favorite trails that are not in Tucson:

401 in Crested Butte, CO; McKenzie River near Bend, OR; South Boundary Trail in Taos, NM; Hurricane, Gould, Jem Loop in St. George, UT; Bear Gulch, Sun Valley, ID; Surveyors Ridge, Mt. Hood, OR

Thanks Mike! Be on the lookout for more bios coming soon!

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Mt Graham Article about SDMB Volunteers

By Michael Dematties • July 29, 2026

Local News Volunteers Partner with Forest Service to Restore Mount Graham’s Cunningham Loop Trail July 26, 2026 - by News Director Share Share Pin It Share Forest Service Photo: A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. Gila Herald Staff Reports MOUNT GRAHAM — A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. The workday—organized by the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)—brought together 23 volunteers, group members, and U.S. Forest Service personnel, including Safford District Ranger Voelker. The team focused efforts on the southeastern section and connector trail of the western loop. Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is a popular destination for both mountain bikers and hikers, utilizing a blend of historic roadways and singletrack to form an approximately 4.5-mile loop. Forest Service Photo: Volunteers use a crosscut saw to enable moving a large log out of the way. To carry out the restoration without disturbing local wildlife or disrupting the natural surroundings, volunteers relied on traditional, non-motorized hand tools—including crosscut saws, McLeods, pickaxes, and pulaskis. The use of these purpose-built tools allows trail maintenance and construction to proceed quietly year-round. Organizers noted that the volunteer crew represented a wide variety of backgrounds, united by a shared goal to improve outdoor access and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Pinaleños. Collaborative efforts between local organizations like SDMB and the Forest Service remain vital for keeping trails open and well-maintained across the district. Forest Service Photo: The trail has been restored. How the Public Can Help Community members looking to support the trail don’t necessarily need a shovel to contribute. Trail organizers encourage local hikers and mountain bikers to get out and explore the newly restored path. Regular foot and bicycle traffic plays an important role in trail maintenance by helping compact the soil and prevent future erosion. To learn more about local trail stewardship initiatives or get involved with future workdays, visit the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists website or check out details on the Cunningham Loop Trail #316 .