Cannondale Becomes KT's First Corporate Sponsor
Cannondale Dirt Party a Success
Do you remember the Cannondale Beast of the East? This early 1990s mountain bike from the Connecticut company was built specifically for East Coast riders, high bottom brackets and quick handling matched with a stiff frame to tackle the technical, root-infested climbs that defined our riding back then.
You know what else was launching in the early 1990s? Kingdom Trails.
Fast forward three decades, and both have become New England legends in their own right. Cannondale evolved into a global innovator, while Kingdom Trails grew into one of the East Coast's premier mountain bike destinations. So when these two titans of singletrack finally joined forces in 2025, it felt like a sponsorship that was always meant to happen.
A Sponsorship Built on Shared Values
"For more than 50 years, we've always looked to cut our own path to make bike riding better," said Mike Marro, Cannondale's Mountain Bike Category Marketing Manager. "From our east-coast-optimized Beast of the East mountain bike that bucked all the trends, to developing some of the first e-bike systems in partnership with Bosch, Cannondale has been committed to innovation and pushing the limits of what's possible on two wheels. We're excited to partner with Kingdom Trails because they share that same mindset; we both lead by example, blaze our own path and invite the community to come ride with us."
Beyond Sponsorship: Real Impact
This sponsorship goes deeper than logos and marketing. Cannondale's first move was practical, equipping Kingdom Trails' Trail Crew with eMTBs that let the team reach remote sections quickly while hauling tools. Now the crew can access and maintain trails with minimal impact while actually testing their handiwork on two wheels.
"Cannondale has proven to be an exceptional sponsor who truly understands the heart of Kingdom Trails and the community that makes this place special," said Jodi Flanagan, KT's Director of Development. “Their support goes beyond typical sponsorship, from equipping our Trail Crew with eMTBs that enhance our maintenance capabilities to creating the Cannondale Dirt Party that brings our community together. What stands out most is how they've approached this relationship with authenticity and a genuine commitment to the trails."
The Dirt Party: Partnership in Action
The sponsorship spirit came alive during the maiden Cannondale Dirt Party, when a crew from Connecticut headquarters joined Kingdom Trails volunteers for a morning of serious trail work. Together, they tackled significant improvements on Martha's Pines, Connector, and Widow Maker, plus helped VAST volunteers complete the final touches on the Village Trails bridge, the crucial link between downtown East Burke and the trail system that flooding had damaged the previous year.
But this wasn't all work and no play. After the morning's efforts, Cannondale brought out eMTB demos and the real fun began. KT local and longtime Cannondale rider Knight Ide gave the visiting crew a proper tour, including sessions at one of his masterpieces, the Kitchel Zone.
Community Celebration
As afternoon turned to evening, the party shifted to Mike's Tiki Bar, where Nobby Reed's music provided the soundtrack for good food, cold drinks, and even better company. The highlight came when Jodi Flanagan and Brendan Mulrooney, Cannondale Marketing Manager, presented an eMTB to the East Burke Fire Brigade, a gesture that perfectly captured how this partnership extends beyond just the trails to support the entire community.
The celebration continued late into the night, embodying everything that makes the mountain bike community special: shared passion, mutual support, and the pure joy of being part of something bigger than any single ride.
What This Means
This collaboration represents something bigger than business; it's about two organizations that grew up with East Coast mountain biking coming together to ensure its future. With Cannondale's innovation and Kingdom Trails' community focus, this promises to set new standards for how the industry can support not just riding, but the places and people that make riding meaningful.
Here's to many more years of blazing trails together.
Kingdom Trails depends on support from local and industry sponsors. We offer numerous opportunities for collaboration and value building lasting relationships with businesses that share similar goals. If interested in Kingdom Trail sponsorship opportunities please reach out to Jodi Flanagan at jodi@kingdomtrails.org
