IMBA Turns 20 Protecting trails since 1988
Letter from the President
THE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
P
artnerships are the core of IMBA’s effectiveness, and this issue of Trail News celebrates many of the key alliances we have forged over the past 20 years. At the heart of our organization, thousands of individual members represent mountain biking on the trails and in the meeting halls of our local communities. A network of clubs provides opportunities for local and regional partnerships. Supporting these frameworks are our allegiances with land managing agencies and our allies in the bicycle industry.
Improving club resources is a key goal, and there is no better example of those efforts than our newly formed alliance with the Southern Off Road Bicycle Alliance (SORBA). Spanning seven Southeastern states packed with prime riding opportunities, SORBA has been a model of regional advocacy for years. Our new alliance will improve SORBA’s club capacity and trailbuilding programs by transferring operational functions — like membership services and some accounting tasks — to IMBA headquarters. This will enable SORBA to hire a full time executive director, build more trails and become an even more effective force.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
As many of you may know, IMBA has developed a strong relationship with the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS manages some of the most spectacular lands in the United States. We are working with leaders at the highest level to ensure these splendid places can be experienced from the best perspective: the seat of a bicycle. Mountain bikers can be a powerful constituency to improve national parks; as the NPS approaches its Centennial Anniversary in 2016 we will be an important contributor to brightening the future of America’s most treasured parks in their second century. IMBA staff members and a record number of volunteer advocates recently spent time in Washington, DC, at the 8th annual National Bike Summit. This year’s Summit was an exciting one, and everyone who walked the halls of Congress and visited federal agencies came away feeling like we have gained new respect for our contributions. Please consider joining us at next year’s summit: 2009 will be a critical year for cycling as we work to win a fair share of the reauthorization of the Transportation Enhancement Act. Last, but certainly not least, I want to recognize our partnerships with the corporate sponsors who have helped support IMBA’s growth for the past 20 years. We owe much of our success to the bicycle industry angels who have benefited us since our outset. “No sales without trails!” was our mantra to them in the early days. They embraced us whole-heartedly, helping IMBA build the trails that could attract customers to the sport. More recently, we have been fortunate to bring corporate supporters outside of the bike industry into the fold — they recognize the value of an engaged, active group of people with a passion for the joys of cycling. From corporate supporters to individual members, IMBA relies on partnerships to achieve its mission. I hope this season brings you many great rides with friends and family. Thanks for your support; we couldn’t do it without each and everyone of you.
2
— Hill Abell, President
IMBA Trail News IMBA Trail News Spring 2008, Volume 21, Number 1 IMBA creates, enhances and preserves great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. Board of Directors Ó Hill Abell Tom Clyde John Bliss Elayna Caldwell Blair Clark Steve Flagg Jay Franklin Krisztina Holly Woody Keen Chris Kegel Janet O’Connell
President/Austin, TX Vice Pres./Kamas, UT Boulder, CO Morgan Hill, CA Ketchum, ID Bloomington, MN Powder Springs, GA Los Angeles, CA Cedar Mountain, NC Hales Corner, WI Toronto, ON
hill@bicyclesportshop.com tclyde@allwest.net bliss.2000@gmail.com ecaldwellgrim@foxracingshox.com bclark@smithoptics.com sflagg@qbp.com jayfsorba@mindspring.com z@usc.edu ascentdesc@citcom.net chris.kegel@wheelandsprocket.net joconnell@btac.org
Staff Ó Patti Bonnet James Buratti Richard Cook Jenn Dice Tammy Donahugh Rich Edwards Mark Eller Scott Gordon Dan Hudson Joey Klein Scott Linnenburger Ryan Mauter Matt O’Connor Tim Peck Spencer Powlison Stefan Richarz Mark Schmidt Ryan Schutz Mike Van Abel Drew Vankat Tom Ward Pete Webber Lora Woolner Jill Van Winkle
Events Coordinator Webmaster Development Director Government Affairs Director Operations Manager Trail Specialist Communications Director Membership Manager Trail Specialist Trail Specialist Director of Field Programs Marketing Coordinator Development Coordinator Finance Director Trail Care Crew/Patrol Coordinator Member Services Canada Director Affiliate Programs Manager Executive Director Policy Analyst IMBA CA Policy Advisor Trail Specialist Canada Director Trail Specialist
patti@imba.com webmaster@imba.com rich.cook@imba.com jenn@imba.com tammy@imba.com rich@imba.com markeller@imba.com scottgordon@imba.com dan.hudson@imba.com joey@imba.com scott@imba.com ryan.mauter@imba.com matt.oconnor@imba.com tim.peck@imba.com spencer@imba.com stefan@imba.com mark@imba.com ryan.schutz@imba.com mike@imba.com drew@imba.com tom@imba.com pete@imba.com lora@imba.com jill@imba.com
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews Ó Kelly and Collins Bishop Anna Laxague & Jason Wells
kellyandcollins@imba.com annaandjason@imba.com
Correction: In Trail News Vol. 20, No. 4 incorrectly stated that the Linn Area Mountain Bike Association is in Indiana. It’s actually in Iowa. Also, they are using their CLIF Trail Preservation grant to remove bur, not scrub, oaks.
Cover photo by Bob Allen. Other contributors include BIKE magazine, Gary Boulanger, Dan Barnham, Russell Burton, Anne Keller, Rachael Lopes/Hilride, Seb Rogers, Russell Lee, Boone Speed and IMBA staff. Layout and design by Sugar Design Images and stories available for re-use by permission only.
REELING IN THE YEARS Last year was a busy and successful one for IMBA — so much so that I almost failed to notice that 2008 marks our 20th anniversary! An email from past-president Jim Hasenauer prevented me from making an embarrassing oversight. b Hasenauer wrote, “It dawned on me that March 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the meeting at Gibson Anderson’s house that created IMBA. Representatives from the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin, the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers, The Sacramento Rough Riders and the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association met to form a confederacy of local clubs. Anderson was named executive director and Don Douglass was named president. It’s remarkable to see what we have accomplished and how far we have come. I’m very, very proud of IMBA.” b The message gave me cause to ponder IMBA’s accomplished over the past 20 years. Here are a few of the milestones: b 1988: Unified a movement of conservation-minded advocates that without a collective voice would have lost access to singletrack trails on a massive scale. b 1994: Built a member-supported organization with paid professional staff. IMBA’s first executive director, Tim Blumenthal, was hired. Today, IMBA has 29 staff. b 1997: Launched the Subaru-sponsored Trail Care Crew program, taking a hands-on approach to trail education. This program has become the Johnny Appleseed of sustainable trailbuilding in North America. b 2000: IMBA president Ashley Korenblat met with President Clinton to discuss mountain biking rules in national monuments. IMBA signed a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management and a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Forest Service. b 2004: Individual membership hits an all-time high of 35,000. b 2007: Trek’s 1 World, 2 Wheels initiative ushers in a new era of corporate involvement. Other bicycle companies — including Shimano, Specialized, SRAM and QBP — introduce strong new commitments to IMBA. b These accomplishments have brought us closer to meeting our mission of creating, enhancing and protecting great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. I admire IMBA’s founders for having the vision and fortitude to create an effective organization to serve mountain biker’s needs. Like the rest of you, I look forward to finding out what we can accomplish in upcoming decades.
Ó IMBA PO Box 711 Boulder, CO 80306 USA ph 303-545-9011 fax 303-545-9026 info@imba.com
— Mike Van Abel, Executive Director
Mark Sept. 27 — U.S. National Public Lands Day — on your calendar. And don’t forget that IMBA clubs around the globe will celebrate Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Oct. 4, the first Saturday of the month.
3
The 8th Annual National Bike Summit convened in Washington, DC, March 4-6. With a recordbreaking turnout of 500 bicycling advocates — including 70 IMBA delegates — cyclists across the nation offered a unified voice on Capitol Hill. Attendees were trained in the fine art of lobbying with expert coaching from IMBA staff. Specifically, delegates learned firsthand about two major objectives: the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Initiative and a proposed congressional resolution on bicycling. b Jenn Dice, IMBA’s government affairs director, spoke to attendees about the importance of supporting the NPS in their campaign to improve parks and increase visitation. The NPS is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2016, and President Bush and Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne have proposed massive funding increases to restore parks to their former glory. The initiative would dedicate $100 million a year for 10 years to park operations, generating $1 billion. An additional $100 million a year would be allocated to special signature projects to go above and beyond general park maintenance. b Drew Vankat, IMBA’s policy analyst, provided delegates with insight on the pending congressional resolution. “This act could increase visibility and support for campaigns within Congress and prepare lawmakers for pertinent bicycling issues in the 2009 transportation bill,” said Vankat. “This is an achievable request and it will pay dividends when Congress debates funding levels for programs like transportation enhancements that will directly benefit mountain biking.” Vankat noted that with 391 NPS units across the country, each summit attendee might have a park service site in their congressional district that could become eligible for new or improved trails. b On the final day of the summit, delegates took their knowledge and passion to Capitol Hill. Lobbying the halls of Congress is the highlight of the summit and an enlightening experience for all attendees. In meetings with House and Senate offices, IMBA’s volunteer advocates spoke about the importance of mountain biking to their local communities and economies. b Other topics of interest included an update on Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s (D) bipartisan Congressional Bike Caucus. As on Feb. 12, 177 House members and 16 Senate members have worked to advance three objectives: encourage cycling as a valid means of transportation, improve cycling opportunities for people who commute to Capitol Hill, and organize recreational rides for members and their staffs. On the final evening, an energized crowd of bicycling advocates enthusiastically traded war stories over hors d’oeuvres and fizzy beverages. b What does the National Bike Summit mean for IMBA and its members? Making sure that members of Congress and their staffs are aware of the bicycle movement is a vital task. The unified voice of IMBA’s delegates made an impact on Capitol Hill in 2008, setting up an important effort in 2009 when major transportation initiatives are due for congressional action. Special thanks to Gary Boulanger, US editor of BikeRadar.com, for providing photos and text for this story.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
News Shorts
News Shorts Mountain Bikers Take Prominant Role 2008 National Bike Summit
4
Above: Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice addressed more than 500 attendees at the National Bike Summit. Below: Delegates prepare for the lobbying day on Captitol Hill.
National Bike Patrol Creates Educational Video IMBA has teamed with Hilride Progression Development Group to produce a dynamic video introduction to the National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) program. The video serves as a supplement to written materials about the NMBP. Local mountain bike clubs or patrols can use the video to recruit new members and educate land managers who may be considering the value of adding an NMBP chapter to their home area. b Divided into six segments, the video explains how the NMBP program works, describes the process of certification for aspiring patrollers, profiles three successful mountain bike patrol programs and provides information on how to join or start a NMBP unit. Inspiring riding footage shot on a variety of trails and terrain deftly illustrates the allure of mountain biking and the value of bike patrols. b “Producers Nat and Rachael Lopes and their company, Hilride Progression Development Group, were particularly well-suited to the task of conveying the value of the NMBP program,” says IMBA Communications Director Mark Eller. “Nat and Rachael were able to draw on their background with the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program to create a video that will appeal to current patrollers, mountain bikers considering joining a patrol, and to land managers who might be wondering what services a patrol unit can provide.” b Visit the NMBP’s website, imba.com/nmbp, to learn more about the new video. Also, visit Hildride at hilride.com for more about their services.
Shimano Brochure Illustrates Economic Impacts of Mountain Biking Mountain biking brings numerous positive economic and health benefits to communities, and Shimano, the bike components company, has partnered with IMBA to help communicate that message to policy makers and the public. b Shimano researched, designed and produced a glossy brochure that illustrates the benefits of mountain biking. In creating this eye-catching outreach piece, the company, which also sells fishing reels, rods and accessories, has applied its advocacy know-how from those activities to the mountain biking realm. b Entitled “Outdoor Freedom: The Economics & Benefits of Mountain Biking,” the publication is designed to persuade lawmakers and land managers to implement bike-friendly policies. It provides a raft of statistics emphasizing the popularity of mountain biking, the sport’s role in promoting both economic activity and public health across the U.S., the growing economic value of trail-based tourism, and the mountain biking community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
b Did you know, for instance, that the U.S.’s 50 million mountain bikers may outnumber U.S. golfers? That more than 30 percent of the residents of Alaska, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire and Vermont ride mountain bikes? That mountain biking pumps more money ($26 billion) into the American economy than does NASA ($16.1 billion)? Or that investments in trails have brought dramatic sales tax revenue increases across the country, or that mountain biking visits to National Forest Service lands generated $205 million in 2005 alone? b Last month, IMBA members distributed the brochure to Washington D.C. lawmakers when they traveled to the National Bicycle Summit, accentuating the benefits of trail-based recreation and encouraging their representatives in Congress to help preserve trails and trail funding for mountain biking. Copies are available at no cost by visiting the IMBA online store (shipping fees apply). You can also download a PDF copy from IMBA’s online resources.
News Shorts
The Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) join IMBA and SORBA in celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year.
5
News Shorts Ne News Shorts
News Shorts Registration Open, Speakers Announced for World Summit
Registration is now open for the 2008 IMBA World Summit in Park City, Utah. Visit IMBA’s website for full details on registration, lodging and all the great events on tap for the June 18-21 gathering. b Among the headline speakers scheduled thus far are Karen Taylor-Goodrich of the U.S. National Park Service, and Australia’s Glen Jacobs, founder of World Trail Inc., one the world’s premier trailbuilding design and construction firms. New speakers are still being added. Some of the luminaries scheduled thus far include:
• Bill Victor, Long Cane Trails LLC, South Carolina • Bob Ratcliffe, Chief of Recreation and Visitor Services Division, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C. • Carol Potter, Executive Director, Mountain Trails Foundation, Park City, Utah • Chris Bernhardt, Trail Specialist, Alta Planning and Design, Portland, Oregon • Garrett Villanueva, Trail Engineer, U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit • Jeremy Wimpey, Recreation Ecology Specialist, Virginia Tech, Park and Recreation Resource Management Program • Karl Bartlett, Cycling Project Officer, Forestry Commission Scotland; Chairman, IMBA U.K. • Tony Boone, Owner, Arrowhead Trails Inc. & Anasazi Trails Inc., Salida, Colorado • Woody Keen, Owner, Trail Dynamics, LLC; President, Professional Trailbuilders Association, Cedar, North Carolina • Zach Jarrett, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management, Salem, Oregon
Photo by Mark Maziarz.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Educational tracts at the World Summit will focus on three themes: Building a Mountain Bike Community, Managing Mountain Biking and Mountain Biking’s Value Proposition. Most of the sessions, speakers and workshops at the event will provide information relevant to one of these themes, with time allotted for breakout groups, roundtable discussions and social networking. b Additionally, the World Summit will offer a film festival, social events, organized rides and ample unstructured time to explore Park City, one of the nation’s model trails communities. The town is home to downhill, cross country, jump park and beginnerfriendly riding options. b The biggest outing will be Saturday’s Epic ride on the Mid-Mountain Trail. Join us on this classic Wasatch singletrack journey, which features lots of climbing, descending and ridge-top riding through aspen and pine forests. Intermediate and advanced riders will find this trail challenging and exciting. b Early-bird pricing on registration lasts until April 18, and late registration begins after June 1. Don’t hesitate — this is one event you won’t want to miss!
6
Are You a FOX/IMBA Hero? IMBA and corporate supporter FOX Racing Shox are pleased to announce the FOX/IMBA Heroes project. The program honors trail advocates who advance mountain bike access in their communities. All FOX/IMBA Heroes receive a new FOX Racing Shox fork of their choice, and an assortment of gear and clothing, courtesy of FOX.
FOX/IMBA HERO: Tim Wegner Ó Tim Wegner understands the power of partnerships, and for that reason is the most recent recipient of a FOX/IMBA Hero Award. The Twin Cities didn’t have much in the way of singletrack, so Wegner led the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC) to partnerships and new trails with multiple regional parks and municipalities. Today, the Twin Cities offer one of the country’s best metropolitan mountain biking scenes. But that didn’t improve the number of trails outside the metro area. As a volunteer IMBA rep, he reached out to help build new chapters around the state, thus creating new and improved riding opportunities. But even that didn’t result in a legitimate mountain bike destination. So Wegner snared a federal appropriation that will bring $500,000 to the state recreation program. IMBA, MORC, regional cycling advocates and bike industry supporters are now drawing on those funds to develop the Cuyuna Lakes Ride Center. A shiny new FOX fork is indeed a very small token of our appreciation.
s
IMBA 2007 Financial Report
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
2007 FINANCIAL REPORT
O
nce again, IMBA increased total expenditures for access, advocacy and trailbuilding efforts in 2007, a trend we have maintained for more than a decade. Our special funding drives — the Annual, Trailbuilding and Legal Funds — climbed to new heights. IMBA’s financial diversity is also impressive: Individual giving leads the way, but corporate support and trail consulting fees help broaden the base of support. In 2008, we will continue to deliver on our supporters’ investment by limiting expenses and focusing spending on areas that further our strategic goals. Allow me close by tipping my hat to my predecessor, Erik Esborg — his steady hand guided IMBA’s finances for many years; we all wish him well in his next endeavors.
Annual IMBA Access, Advocacy & Trailbuilding Spending $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500 $'94
'95
'96
'97
'98
'99
'00
'01
'02
'03
'04
'05
'06
'07
Year figures in thousands
— Tim Peck, Finance Director Trail Consulting
Revenue Growth in Major Categories 2005-2007
Grants & Corporate
2007 Special Campaigns: $134,748
Individual Support
$1,000,000 $60,000
$900,000
$50,000
$800,000 $700,000
$40,000
$42,319
$45,720
$600,000
$46,709
$30,000 $500,000 $20,000 $400,000 $10,000
$300,000
$-
$200,000
Annual Fund
$100,000
Trail Building Fund
$0 2005
2006
Legal Fund
2007
2007 Total Expenditures: $2,590,836
2007 Total Income: $2,838,934 1% 7%
3%
5%
Programs 82%
33%
22%
Fundraising 15% 29%
Individual Support Grants & Corporate Trail Consulting Product Sales In-kinds Club/Dealer/Patrol Members Royalties & Interest
Administration 3%
Financial data for 2007 has yet to be independently audited as of press time.
7
Thanks to Supporters and Donors
TAKE A BOW Hearty Thanks to IMBA’s Corporate Supporters and Individual Donors!
T
he generous support of IMBA’s corporate supporters and individual donors this past year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2007)has helped significantly advance our mission to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. b With your tenacious commitment to research, trailbuilding and conservation efforts, IMBA will seek to leverage your contributions on an unprecedented scale in 2008. We expect to accomplish great things: Our reach is global, and our mission is compelling. b We hope we have recognized all of our supporters and donors on these pages — please notify us by sending a message to info@imba.com if we have overlooked your contribution.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Corporate Partnerships Our corporate partners come from diverse fields but they all have at least two things in common: a commitment to creating exceptional riding experiences, and a strong desire to support the mountain biking community. Corporate supporters express their commitment with a variety of programs, including: • • • • •
Educational grants Event sponsorships Percent of sale programs Research grants Trailbuilding and conservation initiatives
From fundraising events like TEAM IMBA and the IMBA Summits, to grants supporting research and resources, corporations make a huge contribution to the mountain biking community. To find out more about how your company can help build and enhance great trails, please contact development director Rich Cook: rich.cook@imba.com. Individual Support Riding a mountain bike improves the wellbeing of millions of people — in the U.S. alone there are at least six million enthusiasts that ride trails over 30 times per year. Many (but not enough!) of them are individual IMBA supporters. b One of the most important things you can do to support the mountain bike movement is to maintain your individual IMBA membership. Simply visit imba.com and click the Join or Renew buttons. Or, call us toll free at 888-442-4622.
8
Take a Bow
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
$20,000 AND ABOVE
Recreational Equipment Incorporated Subaru Of America Shimano America Corp Specialized Bicycles Trek/Gary Fisher Bicycles $10,000 AND ABOVE
Ann Williams Bell Sports/Giro Bikes Belong Bureau of Land Management CLIF Bar Kona Bicycles Pacific Cycles: GT, Mongoose, Schwinn Santa Cruz Bicycles $5,000-$9,999
CamelBak Daniel Gold Eric Johnson Giant Bicycles Interbike Jay Doub III Joe Cote Pearl Izumi Quality Bicycle Products Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Smartwool SRAM Thomas Kempner Yakima
$3,000-$4,999
Bicycle Technologies International Bicycling/Mountain Bike Cane Creek Cycling Components Crank Brothers DT Swiss Ed Rounds Fuji America Haro Bikes Hayes Disc Brake Jamis Bicycles/G. Joannou Cycle Jeff Light Jenson USA Kenda USA Michelin Tire, Cycle Department Norco Products Ltd Outdoor Gear Canada Robert & Joni Smith Rocky Mountain Bicycles Steve Flagg Walt Miller
IMBA and Subaru IMBA would like to recognize Subaru of America for their ongoing support of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. Our two teams of trainers traveled 69,000 miles in their Subaru Outbacks and led sessions enhancing or building more than 249 miles of trail. All told, they conducted Trailbuilding schools in 36 states with over 90 multi-media presentations. More than 4,000 land managers, advocates, students, public officials and others attended Trail Care Crew events in 2007. Subaru also donates an additional $125 for every IMBA member that purchases a car through the Subaru VIP program. Subaru’s generous commitment to IMBA trailbuilding and educational efforts is accelerating the development of trail systems nationwide, including IMBA Ride Centers. Thank you Subaru of America!
$1,000-$2,999
Alan Cannon Annette And Mark Graff Bicycle Sport Shop BIKE Bob Forster Bob Trailers Ryders Eyewear Catalyst Communications Cateye Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Chip Duckett Chris Ohrstrom Christopher Johnson
CLIF Bar Trail Preservation Grants Thanks to CLIF Bar for supporting six $1,000 Trail Preservation Grants in 2007. One typical recipient, The Outback Trail Commission (OTC), will use the funds to build a new 30-foot bridge in Imagination Glen Park in Portage, Indiana. The current bridge is in serious disrepair, and presents a serious obstacle for emergency access. The new bridge, built by volunteers, will create a more user-friendly trail system for runners, hikers and cyclists. In addition, it will allow for clearing of the waterway that will maintain viable breeding grounds for local populations of Steelhead and other salmon species. Now that’s what we call a multi-use trail project. Look for Clif Bar IMBA grants again in 2008.
9
Take a Bow WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
$1,000-$2,999 Continued
10
Clark Wilkins Competitive Cyclist Curtis Kimble Dave Albertalli David Adler David Palmer Downeast Bicycle Specialists Ergon USA Eugene Weymouth FOX Racing Shox Fred Reynolds Gary & Kirsten, Klein Geomatics Data Management Inc Gregory Sherman Hans Johnsen Company Hill Abell Howard Fischer Hutchinson Industries International Cycle Works, Inc J. Allard Joel & Shannon Bruggen Jon Kruljac Julie Taylor Kathleen Sigurdson Kevin Mcgeehan Kryptonite Lawrence Evans Lighthouse Brewing Company Mark Gatehouse Matt Allaire Maverick Maxxis Tires Mick & Sabrina Hellman Mike Tabaczynski Moots Cycles New Belgium Brewery
Outdoor Industry Association Patrick Mcmullan Paul Rosica Paul Turner Planet Bike Primal Wear Randy Myers Richard Sertich & Marte Lightstone Ritchey Design Inc Rocky Mounts Ron Gutfleis Ryan Kubly Scott Scudamore Shimano Canada Smith Optics Sock Guy Specialized Canada Specialty Sports Venture-Bicycle Village Steve Varga Stewart Willason & Elizabeth Kirsch Susan Williams Thomas Ritter Tom Hertenstein Tony Apuzzo Trails.com Transrockies Inc USA Cycling Velonews Voler Team Apparel Western Spirit Whistler Mountain Bike Park William Starr Yeti Cycles
REI Volunteer Stewardship Challenge IMBA’s affiliates had an awesome year of volunteer stewardship of trails and other recreation facilities. Through the support of REI we have been able to assist clubs with cash grants, resources and tools, as well as surveys to measure and track all our clubs volunteer work. Thanks to REI we’ll be back with new surveys and support in 2008 to improve volunteerism throughout the IMBA network with a goal to support and quantify your efforts. The data collected through this program is used by IMBA when speaking with land managers and government decision makers, helping us bring more resources to the trails. Accomplishments include: • 40,600 volunteers participating from IMBA’s network of affiliate clubs • 450,000 total volunteer hours • 36,540 adult and 4,060 youth participants • Estimated economic value of volunteer service to be $8,110,000 • $2,503,020 raised by IMBA clubs for trails REI Boulder store manager Ali Bennett presents a check to IMBA’s Mike Van Abel.
$500-$999 Altitude Coffee, LLC Arrowhead Trails Blue Mt. Arts Community Boulder Business Products Chris Kegel Christopher Wagner Dave Brown David Adams David Harding Deuter USA Dirt Rag Magazine Don Seagren Elke Macgregor Eric Christo Etienne Bouckaert Excel Sports Boulder Geoffrey Rogers George & Dale Maier Granny Gear Productions Irvin Smith Jack R Ladue Jake Kolojejchick James Crompton James Deer James Kovaly Jared Repka Jeff & Hilary Warner Jeffrey Smith Jim Backhus Joe Foley Joe Paduda John Salmon Iii Jon & Shauna Stanley Ken Davies Ken Dowling Malcolm Heppenstall Mark & Suzanne Gagnon Mark Suri Michael & Eleanor Pinkert Mike & Paula Sandige Nicholas Burke Nuun And Company Park Tool Paul Tongsuthi Peter Mangravite Push Industries Richard Erickson Rick Werner Robert Krenz Ryeka Sport Scott Duffens Scott Rocklage Seven Cycles Shane Kinkennon Steve Lacher Susan Kolbush
Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association The Hawley Company Town Of Tillsonburg Turner Suspension Bicycles, INC Twenty4 Sports William Schmitt $250-$499 5-hour Energy Adventure Advocates Ahrens Bicycles Allen Nafziger Anasazi Trails, Inc Andrew Escoll & Tina Snider Avid4 Adventure, Inc Axis Gear Company LTD Big Bear Lake Camplands Bill Devendorf Blue Dog Sports LLC/ Pedro’s Festival Boa Construction Bruce County Capilano College-mountain Bike Operations Program Chico Racing Clearwater Trail Centre Correct Building Products LLC Crested Butte Mtn. Resort Desert Sports Dirt Camp/the Mountain Workshop Dirt Series Eric Bourbonniere Fred Mirell Hardwood Hills Mtb Center Hilride Idaho Resort Rentals LLC Inter-mtn Enterprises Inc Jeff Freidus John Boxall Kinetic Koffee Company Kirkwood Mountain Resort Loeka Clothing Long Cane Trails, LLC Michael Anciaux Michael Worley Midwest Cycling National Bicycle Dealers Assn National Tennis School Olympic Spine And Sports Therapy Panorama Mountain Village Perimeter Bicycling Association Of America Professional Trail Builders Assoc. Rocky Branch Resort& Lodging Roger Mcgehee Single Track Mind Cycles Singletrack Jungle Source Endurance Stephen Clark Talon Trail Systems
Please support IMBA’s special funds, the Annual, Legal and Trailbuilding drives.
Teton Mountain Bike Tours The Canyons Resort Township Of King Trail Solutions Australia Valhalla Trails Ltd Vista Verde Ranch W.O.W Wizard Of Wheels LTD Wend Winter Park Ski Area World Trail Pty LTD Yourmtb.com Zeptechniques Mountain Bike Coaching and Instructor Training Zogics, LLC
Going Above and Beyond for IMBA Here’s a special acknowledgement of the companies who went above and beyond their cash membership dues in 2007. This includes support of IMBA California, in-kind donations, grant-making efforts, collaborative marketing and more. Bravo! Arrowhead Trails Bicycling/Mountain Bike BIKE CamelBak Cateye CLIF Bar Crank Brothers Dirt Rag FOX Racing Shox Gary Fisher Bicycles Interbike Kona Mountain Bikes Norco Products Ltd Pacific Cycle (GT, Mongoose and Schwinn) Pearl Izumi Planet Bike Quality Bicycle Products Santa Cruz Bicycles Shimano American Corporation Smith Optics Specialized Bicycles SRAM Subaru Of America Trek Bicycle Corp Voler Team Apparel Yakima
11
1 World, 2 Wheels
1 WORLD, 2 WHEELS
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Trek and IMBA Partner to Dramatically Improve Mountain Biking Resources
12
It’s just like riding a bike. b It’s a phrase that gets invoked when someone tries to do something that should be easy, or innate. It’s a cliché, and for good reason — riding a bike is one of life’s simplest pleasures. b So, why aren’t more people actually riding their bikes? It’s a question that most of us have pondered at trailheads, in brewpubs or leaning on the counter of the local bike shop. Now, it’s a question Trek is trying to answer with more than just words. b “The research shows that people don’t feel comfortable riding on the roads. The way America has grown hasn’t always been with bikes in mind,” says Trek’s director of advocacy, Rebecca Anderson. “People have just gotten out of the habit.” b Trek introduced their 1 World, 2 Wheels program to a standing ovation
At least $600,000 from Trek’s new 1 World, 2 Wheels program will be directed to IMBA over the next three years at the 2007 Trek World gathering in Madison, Wisc. With the vision that bicycles have the power to solve many of the world’s problems — from transportation, to health, to simple and pure recreation — Trek has set out to change the world, thousands of bike rides at a time. b A key goal of this program is to increase the number of trips taken by bicycle by 500 percent over the next 10 years. By committing an unprecedented 1.6 million dollars toward getting people off their couches and on their bikes, Trek has provided cycling with the proverbial first push needed to get the wheels turning. Luckily for those of us with dirty shins and knobby tires, at least $600,000 from Trek’s 1 World, 2 Wheels program will be
directed to IMBA over the next three years for developing trails, and consequently, trail communities. b “Trails play a huge role in getting people on bikes,” Anderson explains. “For many kids, their first exposure to a bike is on a trail, which goes along with the fact that parents feel more comfortable showing kids how to ride in a safe atmosphere. It’s a chance for a family to be outside enjoying the outdoors in a fun and healthy activity.” b Like everything else in bicycling, this is all about momentum: It builds one pedal stroke after another. IMBA’s goal is bring high-quality singletrack opportunities to as many people as possible. In addition to building trails, we also plan to create and enhance mountain biking communities around those trails. b Anderson acknowledges the roles that accessibility and community play in getting more people on bikes, noting that, “When people see others in their communities riding bikes, they get the message that a healthy, active lifestyle is achievable.” b Whether on the road or in the woods, one of biking’s most remarkable qualities is that it can accommodate almost anyone. In places that offer a diversity of well-built trails, mountain biking can be a leisurely pedal in the woods with the whole family, a tree-flanked avenue of transportation, or a demanding two-wheeled escape to wherever your legs can take you. b Trek’s remarkable commitment provides a launching point. Now it is up to all of us to keep the movement going forward. We each have our roles to play, and together, we can create a two-wheeled revolution. Take a friend riding. Write a check. Teach a group of Girl Scouts how to ride a trail, or teach an army of Girl Scouts how to build a trail. Renew that IMBA membership that’s been sitting on your table for weeks. Get dirty doing trail work with your local club, or just drop off some bagels and a word of thanks. Keep the wheels turning. b It’s just like riding a bike.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
1 World, 2 Wheels
Trail Partnership Will Add Trails to Teton Pass
W
hile a few calloused hands can create a new segment of trail in a weekend, the Friends of Pathways (FOP) in the Wyoming’s Teton Pass area has shown that when those hands are used to reach out into the community, the results can grow exponentially. By raising both private funds and applying for public grants, including $5,000 in matching funds from Trek’s donation to IMBA, the Friends group has garnered community support around a lofty and inspiring goal. If you’ve ever wondered how much trail you could build with a legion of Boy Scouts, the Friends of Pathways are planning to find out. In July, nearly 1,000 Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts will gather to build and improve more than 11 miles of trail in a single week. What makes this project so remarkable is that they aren’t just using money to build trails — instead, the partnership will leverage those funds to inspire the entire community.
Cycle Stats From 1World2Wheels.org • • • • • • • •
The average person loses 13 pounds in their first year of commuting by bike. In 1964, 50 percent of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12 percent. In 2004, 3 percent rode to school and the obesity rate was 45 percent. More than half of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively. About 40 percent of all auto trips are made within 2 miles of home. A 140-pound person burns 476 calories per hour while mountain biking. If you’re 195 pounds you’ll burn a whopping 664 calories. More Americans work in bicycle-based recreation than are employed as lawyers. In Fruita, Colorado, mountain bike tourism pumps 1.5 million dollars into the local economy annually. Trails systems that are designed to offer varied challenge and that adopt best management practices are vastly more popular than poorly designed trails.
In the U.S., Trek hopes to inspire an increase from today’s 1 percent of trips taken by bike to 5 percent by 2017.
13
Affiliates Partnership Update
STRONGER TOGETHER
Ryan Schutz, Affiliates Program Manager, Discusses the IMBA/SORBA Partnership
IMBA
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
and SORBA enter their 20th years of existence as two of the most effective mountain bike advocacy organizations in the world. Their early histories are similar: each was spurred into existence by shrinking access to singletrack trails for mountain bikers, but they have matured to become dynamically different organizations. b
14
SORBA is a testament to the power of community. The SORBA network cultivates new riders and bonds them through fun events, strong advocacy and by developing an amazing variety of trails where once there were few. The group’s greatest strength is its close ties to chapter clubs throughout the Southeast. This integration between regional and local advocacy organizations allows SORBA chapters to develop a tight relationship with decision makers and stakeholders on a local level, as well as create a support network between advocates across the region. Resources, ideas and volunteer efforts are multiplied by the chapter network and deployed for the betterment of mountain bikers throughout the Southeast. Similarly, IMBA demonstrates the value of building respect for the mountain bike community on the regional, national and even the international scale. IMBA began in California, but today its roots extend to form a worldwide advocacy support and education system. IMBA’s greatest assets are its broad base of support, direct connection to the world’s best mountain bike advocates and hard-earned reputation for developing quality programs that benefit mountain bikers around the world. Partnerships developed with state and federal land managers, high quality trails made possible by innovative programs like Trail Solutions or the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews, and educational resources such as the original “Rules of the Trail” or the recently released Managing Mountain Biking have placed IMBA as the international standard-bearer for shared-use trail design and management. b Both IMBA and SORBA leadership recognize the unique roles that each organization plays in mountain bike advocacy, from the local to the national level, and they see many duplications in administrative work that too often lead to economic inefficiencies. More importantly, they know that many mountain bikers in the Southeast have decided to either join SORBA or IMBA, and the result is that of the thousands of individuals in the Southeast that support IMBA or SORBA, only about 10 percent support both associations. b With these factors in mind, and with a strong desire to continue raising the bar in mountain bike advocacy, SORBA and IMBA have agreed to join forces by combining membership in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “It just made sense to work more
closely together,” says Tom Sauret, SORBA executive director. “In many cases SORBA and IMBA were duplicating services and mountain bikers in some parts of the South had to make a choice of which organization to join. This merger will tie us all together much more closely.” b “There are economies of scale that we can realize by working together,” says Scott Gordon, IMBA’s membership manager. “Funds that currently go to sustain organizational infrastructure can now go back into programs and trails.” IMBA will be handling membership services for SORBA, and the associations will work together in the Southeast to coordinate programs such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and club capacity building. Current members of both organizations will receive an automatic upgrade to joint membership, while new and renewing members will gain membership in both SORBA and IMBA for an additional $5 over the cost of a single membership. b While achieving economies of scale and overcoming economic efficiencies are important goals, the IMBA/SORBA agreement has a much greater significance. The partnership means that two of the most effective mountain bike advocacy organizations in the world are working together to combine their unique assets for the good of mountain bikers across the Southeast. Together, IMBA and SORBA will celebrate their twentieth years of existence as a united force, forming one of the most powerful mountain bike advocacy organization in the world. We’ll celebrate the best way that mountain bikers know how, with more events, more trails and more friends to bring along for the ride. Let’s Ride,
— Ryan Schutz Affiliates Program Manager
20 Years of SORBA Trails SORBA has grown on the strength of creating great trails where once there were few. The following timeline* represents only a portion of the trails that SORBA has opened to mountain bikers. 1988: Lost access at Kennesaw Mountain National Park spurs creation of SORBA. 1988: First work party at Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Marietta, GA. 1989: Trails built at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Ellijay, GA. 1993: Opening of Bear Creek trail system outside of Ellijay, GA. 1995: SORBA gains official access and begins trailbuilding efforts in Chicopee Woods, Gainesville, GA. 20TH ANNIVERSARY 1996: Olympic mountain bike races held in Conyers, GA; SORBA preserves access to trails. 1998: Trails open in Fort Mountain State Park, GA. 1999: Army Corps of Engineers property around Lake Altoona hosts new trails, SORBA starts building Blankets Creek near Woodstock, GA. 2000: Trails open in Baker Creek and Hickory Knob state parks, McCormick, SC. 2001: Mt. Adams trails open in Alpharetta, GA. 2002: Arrowhead Park trail system, Macon, GA. 2003: Big Creek trail system opens; RAMBO chapter manages 2,224 volunteer hours over 3 days. 2004: Chapter forms in Huntsville, AL, takes Monte Sano State Park trails to a higher level. 2005: Grand opening for Forks Area Trail System (FATS) and an IMBA Epic is born in Sumter National Forest, SC. 2006: Raccoon Mountain trail system opens in Chattanooga, TN. 2007: Yellow River Park opens outside of Atlanta, GA. 2008: SORBA expects to open even more trail, including 6 new miles in Chicopee Woods, 9 new miles at FATS, Area 51 at Blankets Creek, and 6 new miles at Raccoon Mountain. You can be sure that they will also have a lot of fun in the process! * Source: SORBA’s 20th anniversary issue of the Fat Tire Times.
Get to Know SORBA The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) is the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast. SORBA members work with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy. Through advocacy, education and recreational opportunities, SORBA carries out its mission to promote land access, trail preservation and new trail development in order to enhance mountain bike touring, racing, fun and fellowship. b Our members help steward miles and miles of great trails in our seven-state area. The best riding in the Southeast is found on trails maintained by our volunteers. SORBA members love singletrack, rocks, roots and logs, and we employ IMBA’s trailbuilding practices to ensure that our trails are sustainable and challenging. b SORBA relies on our wonderful members to carry out our mission. Our volunteers donate thousands of hours each year to advocate for trail access, build trails and maintain trails. We take pride in this work, and it shows in the trails that we build. Our news magazine, the Fat Tire Times, showcases member involvement, advocacy issues, trail information and much more. Visit SORBA.org to learn more.
IMBA field staff trained 3,200 people, built 11 bike parks and constructed more than 70 miles of trail in 2007.
15
Affiliates Partnership Update WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
16
RIDING FOR THE ECONOMY Central North Carolina Eyes Investment in Trails
P
lans have been hatched for a regional trails destination in the Uwharrie Mountains of North Carolina. IMBA and SORBA (including the developing SORBA-Uwharrie chapter) are working in partnership with the Uwharrie National Forest, Morrow Mountain State Park, regional economic development groups and local businesses, to develop the Uwharrie Mountain Ride Center. This is large-scale, multi-year regional trail master plan and implementation project will help achieve the region’s economic redevelopment goals by focusing on recreation development and cultural/natural resource conservation. b An advocate for Uwharriearea redevelopment and bike shop owner, Brian Bristol, knows the idea has legs. “We’ve got great terrain with huge potential, motivated partners, and a ready-made market in the hundreds of thousands of North Carolina mountain bikers, but currently it’s a single-visit locale for trail users,” says Bristol. “We just don’t have the quality trails necessary to drive tourism. As I understand it trails aren’t expensive, but they don’t exactly build themselves either. We’re building the coalition to get those trails built so that these small towns can take advantage of the increased visitation that comes with a true mountain bike destination.” b The Uwharrie Mountains are some of the oldest in the nation and contain some of the earliest signs of human habitation in the United States. However, the region is one of the poorest in the state, having suffered from the collapse of the textile industry. Still, the region has immense wealth in beautiful public lands and cultural history. New development based on these resources has the potential to positively affect the economies of surrounding communities, while retaining a healthy and natural environment. b According to a recent Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte economic study, if this region capitalizes on tourism, employment growth could increase by nearly one third before 2025 (source: Central Park NC). Capitalizing on greater visitation and economic inputs from the six million residents of the growing “urban crescent” from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham could be a huge boon to the region, and the possibility of a new trail facility is part of the reason for optimism.
SRAM Supports IMBA Trailbuilding Fund SRAM president Stan Day recently announced a new initiative directed toward IMBA’s Trailbuilding Fund. SRAM will contribute $25,000 in 2008, beyond their annual dues, to support IMBA’s advocacy and trailbuilding efforts. SRAM is a longtime Above and Beyond IMBA supporter. “This outstanding level of commitment will allow IMBA to further leverage public and private funds for new trails,” said Rich Cook, IMBA’s development director. b Day’s decision was inspired in part by Trek president John Burke’s 1 World, 2 Wheels initiative to support IMBA, and by Burke’s recent speech on bicycle advocacy at the Bicycle Leadership Conference. “It’s clear that the path to growing mountain biking is through advocacy, preservation and trailbuilding,” said Day. “IMBA has been effective at preserving great trails and is continuing to build new trails to bring more riders to the sport. SRAM wants to support those efforts.” b IMBA’s Trailbuilding Fund is used to enable every aspect of a trail project, from initial scoping and design, to getting volunteer groups involved and actual construction and signage. The fund is driven by member donations, with gifts from corporate partners used to leverage partnerships with agencies such as the National Park Service, the Forest Service and state governments. Additionally, SRAM’s support will be used to further trail projects at five IMBA Ride Center locations. Ride Centers are model trail systems that form the apex of IMBA’s strategy to bring new riders to the sport and showcase the state of the art in sustainable trail design and mountain biking experience.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Field Programs Build Partnerships
FROM THE FIELD IMBA Programs Spread Know-How and Increase Local Resources
I
f you’re a mountain biker in, say, Long Island, is the success of a group like Trails 2000 in Durango, Colorado, relevant to your riding? Should a project like Seattle’s Colonnade Park matter to you? b If you’re a member of CLIMB — the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers — you’ll find the stories from Colorado and Seattle are extremely useful to what you hope to achieve at home. Like your Western counterparts, you’re hoping to build an incredible trails community that crosses multiple land management agencies. You’re interested in developing bike skills areas within city parks. Taking the significant lessons learned elsewhere will shorten the learning curve. b IMBA’s field programs — the acclaimed Subaru/ IMBA Trail Care Crews, Trail Solutions and the National Bike Patrol — are the Johnny Appleseeds of great trail ideas, helping spread the success stories and practical knowledge that our clubs and advocates amass. The Trail Care Crews are legendary with mountain bikers everywhere. The Trail Solutions program has set the bar high for professional shared-use trail design and purpose-built mountain bike facilities, and in so doing they’ve also helped disseminate professional field-based knowledge. The National Mountain Bike Patrol — the newest of IMBA’s field units — is quickly becoming the citizenbased solution to a variety of land managers headaches. b In each case, IMBA’s goal is to spread mountain bike successes around the world. By telling the stories, building the model trail systems and helping volunteers help themselves, our on-the-ground programs help create a more sustainable sport. Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that every region can boast a multi-use trail group as incredible as Trails 2000, a park project as innovative as Colonnade or a mountain bike club as dynamic as CLIMB. Success Breeds Success in Sun Valley The Big Wood Backcountry Trails (BWBT) group of Sun Valley, Idaho, is getting used to the smell of success. By partnering with IMBA, other non-profit organizations, private landowners, municipalities, and federal agencies, the multi-user coalition has used quick successes on the ground to build support for larger, long-term trail projects. “We’ve got to be in this for the long haul,” says Chris Leman, Executive Director of BWBT. “By promising a little and providing a lot, we’ve been able to help our partners become confident in what we can bring to the table.” b When another non-profit group, Sun Valley Road and Dirt, acquired a lease from the county for a piece of property for the purpose of creating the Hailey Community Bike Park, BWBT offered their financial support. IMBA’s Trail Solutions was hired to design a jump park and XC trails. Having extensive experience working with hybrid contractor and volunteer crews, Trail Solutions also helped cultivate and educate the community who would bear the responsibility of maintaining the trails. b “Kids from the area came out and contributed significantly,” notes Jill Van Winkle, an IMBA trail specialist. “It was a community bike park, and the community was involved throughout the entire process.” BWBT is now working on securing 18 miles of land (owned by the Bureau of Land Management) adjacent to the bike park, thus creating the capacity for multiple in-town trail experiences. b Other doors to trail access have begun to open for BWBT. When a residential development was proposed by the Sun Valley Company, BWBT was invited to provide information on incorporating trails as an amenity. b At the nearby Galena Lodge, the potential exists to turn a successful ski destination into a world class summer trail destination.
Field Programs Build Partnerships WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
18
Eric Rector, Director of Trails, Facilities and Operations for the Blaine County Recreation District, sees both the potential and the complexity of the upcoming projects, “There was no question when we started to look at it; we knew we needed to get IMBA’s professional staff involved. They really care about all the pieces of the puzzle.” b By setting goals, both big and small, and building valuable partnerships throughout the community, BWBT keeps its volunteers enthusiastic and ready to take on the next task. Nothing breeds big success like small success. Leman notes, “We’ve got to be in this for the long haul.” Singletrack Oasis in an Asphalt Jungle In the middle of Philadelphia’s 1.5 million residents lies the 1800-acre Wissahickon Valley, a natural area that has been preserved by the city for over 150 years. Housing much of the city’s water supply as well as a crucial connection to nature in an urban environment, the Wissahickon Valley is a vital resource for the entire metro area. b The Friends of Wissahickon (FOW) formed in 1924 with a mission to preserve Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. A century and a half of use, coupled with severe flooding, have left trails throughout the valley so severely eroded that they threaten the very waters meant to be protected. In 2004, the FOW hired independent consultants to evaluate the trail erosion issues. b “The consultants recommended IMBA’s Trail Solutions,” says Maura McCarthy, the Executive Director of FOW. “This is really an environmental restoration project for FOW and we want to do it in a way that all users feel welcome. It means a lot to us to have a partner that understands our needs.” b As the Trail Solutions staff evaluated the trails and met with various stakeholder groups, something was noticeably lacking in the user community: There was no organized mountain biking group, making it difficult to engage local riders. b “You would ride the Wissahickon, and if you saw someone you’d say, “Hi,” but there was no real gathering place,” said Lou Harris, a local mountain biker. b In 2006, Trails Solutions staff and a Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew worked with local mountain bikers to discuss the creation of a mountain bike advocacy organization in Philadelphia. Within weeks, the Philadelphia Mountain Bike Association (PMBA) had formed, with Lou Harris as its newly elected President. b “We’ve all been using the park for so long,” Harris said of the club’s formation, adding, “It was time to help out.” By engaging the mountain bike community through inclusive social rides, the new group parlayed their support into large trail work efforts with the FOW. Now, almost two years later, PMBA has become an official IMBA chapter, hosts their own monthly work days, and will soon hold their second-annual Rally in the Valley community event. b Building on the successes of the past, the bar has been set even higher for the Wissahickon Valley with the Sustainable Trails Initiative — a massive undertaking aimed at improving the watershed, restoring the habitat, and enhancing user experiences in the Valley. With the FOW leading the way, IMBA field staff providing trail expertise, and PMBA rallying mountain biker support, the entire community is working together to make sure these lofty goals become an impressive reality.
The Wissihickon Valley is a vital resource for mountain bikers in metro Philadelphia.
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew 2008 Schedule The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews have criss-crossed North America for a decade, teaching sustainable trailbuilding techniques to IMBA clubs, land managers and anyone who loves trails. Here’s their tenative 2008 schedule:
Jan. 23-28 Feb. 2 Feb. 14-18 Feb. 20-27 Feb. 21-24 Mar. 6-9 Mar. 12-16 Mar. 12-13 Mar. 27-30 Mar. 27-30 Apr. 3-6 Apr. 3-13 Apr. 10-14 Apr. 17-20 Apr. 17-20 Apr. 24-27 May 1-4 May 1-4
Page, AZ Phoenix, AZ Terlingua, TX Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago Houston, TX Alpine, CA Ocala, FL San Diego, CA Cupertino, CA Charleston, SC Auburn, CA Albemarle, FL Fairfield, CA Napa, CA New Harmonie, IN Salt Lake City, UT Flagstaff, AZ Peoria, IL
May 15-18 May 15-18 May 22-25 May 22-25 May 29-Jun. 1 May 31-Jun. 1 Jun. 7-8 Jun. 7-8 Jun. 18-21 Jul. 17-27 Jul. 24-27 Aug. 1-3 Jul. 31-Aug. 3 Aug. 7-10 Aug. 14-24 Aug. 14-24 Aug. 28-31 Sep. 11-14 Sep. 11-14
Frankfort, KY Durango/Silverton, CO Albuquerque, NM Knoxville, TN Aspen, CO Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Golden, CO Park City, UT Winter Park, CO Minneapolis, MN Winter Park, CO Copper Harbor, MI Madison, WI Long Valley, ID Cuyuna Lakes, MN Tamarack, ID Toronto, ON Helena, MT
Sep. 18-21 Sep. 25-28 Sep. 25-28 Oct. 2-5 Oct. 2-5 Oct. 9-12 Oct. 9-12 Oct. 16-19 Oct. 16-19 Oct. 23-26 Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Nov. 6-9 Nov. 6-9 Nov. 15-18 Nov. 13-16 Nov. 20-23 Nov. 20-23 Dec. 4-7 Dec. 11-14
Edmundston, NB Quebec City, QC Salida, CO Boise, ID Boston, MA Sisters, OR Washington Valley Park, NJ Olympia, WA Ringwood, NJ Duncan, BC Huntsville, AL Charlotte, NC Portland, OR Little Rock, AR Lost Coast, CA Starkville, MS Grass Valley, CA Pensacola, FL Lake Hartwell, FL
Crew Visits National Recreation Area in Tennessee After quite a bit of time spent in some very flat terrain, we were in awe as we plunged into the canyons of Big South Fork National Recreation Area in Tennessee. The canyon walls seemed to extend forever and we were thrilled to spot a ribbon of singletrack rolling along the top of them. Not knowing if the trail was open to bikes or if we would have time to check it out we drove on to meet Joe Cross, the mountain bike trail guru of Oneida and local coordinator for our Subaru/IMBA Trailbuilding School. b Saturday brought a crew of enthusiastic trail builders and National Park representatives. IMBA’s newest IMBA Trail Care Crew, Kelly and Collins Bishop, drove up from their home in Chattanooga to join in the fun. The conditions were prime for putting new trail on the ground and we all had a great time working together. Our project consisted of rerouting a fall line segment to the contour of the hill. As soon as the work was done the enthused volunteer builders hopped on their bikes and gave it the stamp of approval. b Big South Fork offers some of the most scenic singletrack we have ridden in quite a while. Linking the Grand Gap Loop and John Muir Trail creates an amazing ride — the clifftop ribbon we’d spied earlier. Better yet, we got to ride with a great crew of locals and two National Park Rangers. The fact that these trails are in a National Park, they are open to mountain biking, and are hands down some of the best trails we’ve seen combined for a thrilling experience. — Anna Laxague and Jason Wells
Considering a car purchase? IMBA members can snare great deals on Subarus. Visit the member benefits pages at imba.com. 19
IMBA Canada
New IMBA staffer James Brown is poised for action in BC.
IMBA Canada Adds Regional Staff Position British Columbia Representative James Brown Joins Staff
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
James Brown of Victoria, British Columbia, became an advocate for mountain bicycling when an IMBA Trail Care Crew visit convinced him to volunteer with his local club. He now joins IMBA Canada as our first paid, part-time regional staffer. Plans are in the works to add similar positions in Ontario and Quebec later this year. b In the summer of 2001, Brown joined the South Island Mountain Bike Society’s (SIMBS) board of directors. He took on a number of tasks, including fundraising, insurance, trail signage and eventually club president, stepping down in 2007 to focus on his new role as IMBA Canada’s first paid region staffer. b When IMBA Canada opened its national office in 2004, Brown volunteered to assist in their expansion into BC. He eventually received a FOX/IMBA Hero Award for his work in advancing trail advocacy in his home province. Brown was asked to represent mountain bicycle interests for IMBA Canada on the BC Trails Strategy Committee. This group of interested stakeholders — including First Nations and the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts (MTSA) — is tasked with developing recreational opportunities on provincial land. b In his new role with IMBA Canada, Brown has met with the Trails Strategy Committee in Vancouver to work through management strategies for mountain biking. Their task is to address issues such as insurance, liability and risk management to quantify and qualify the myriad trails throughout the region. Brown is optimistic that a progressive policy will be put in place, though a firm timeline has yet to be established. b Some of the other responsibilities Brown will undertake include furthering IMBA Canada membership and assisting affiliated clubs. He can be reached by sending messages to james.brown@imba.com. Check out his blog at bcimbarep.imbatools.com
24 Hours of Adrenalin to Partner with IMBA Canada
Trek Extends ‘1 World, 2 Wheels’ Program to Canada
Twenty4 Sports, organizers of the 24 Hours of Adrenalin, will partner with IMBA Canada in 2008 to raise funds and recruit new members. This multi-faceted partnership will be focussed on the 10th Anniversary World Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships, to be held in Canmore, Alberta, on July 26-27. b The 2008 Canmore 24 Hours of Adrenalin team event sold out in record time. However, Twenty4 Sports held back five spots which will be auctioned in the next weeks with all funds to be directed to IMBA Canada, specifically earmarked for projects and activities in Alberta. These coveted spots represent the only way that teams can join the 1,450 team riders and 200 solo competitors for this awesome weekend of racing. The normal price for team entries is $750, but given the huge demand, quick sell-out and great cause, the opening bid for these IMBA Canada Entries will be $1000. That means they’re guaranteed to raise at least $5,000 for trail advocacy, education and construction. b “There’s a really great fit between Twenty4 Sports and IMBA and we’re really pleased to announce this partnership,” said Twenty4 Sports Director Stuart Dorland. “We’ve raised over $21,000 through our Canmore events for the Isabel Dube legacy fund, and we’re looking forward to using these events as a platform to support IMBA Canada this year and in the future.” b Full details on the auction will be released soon — stay tuned to IMBA Canada’s website!
Trek Bicycle Corporation delivered good news for Canadian mountain bikers at the Toronto International Bicycle show. Janet O’Connell, an IMBA board member and the executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC), announced that Trek Bicycle Corporation will extended its 1 World, 2 Wheels program into Canada. The funding will be used for bike-related advocacy efforts in Canada. b Trek will contribute $1 to from every helmet they ship to Canada to BTAC, and $10 for every full suspension mountain bike will go to IMBA Canada. The program is expected to raise $100,000 over the next three years. Many individual Trek dealers in Canada are also participating with comparable contributions. b “There has been phenomenal support and enthusiasm by the Canadian bicycling community about the extension of 1 World, 2 Wheels program into Canada,” says Trek Advocacy Director, Rebecca Anderson. “We’re thrilled that we have an outlet for supporting a bike friendly Canada through the BTAC and IMBA-Canada. Both organizations are working really hard and could use a little more help, which we’re happy to give.”
New ball caps $20
Black or Brown. Available at the IMBA Canada online store.
20
IMBA Canada
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Thanks to Our 2008 Corporate Supporters! Axis Gear Company Bicycle Trade Association Of Canada Bruce County Bugaboos Eyewear Capilano College: Mountain Bike Operations Program Chico Racing Cobequid Trail Consultants Creative Wheel/la Rocca XC MTB School Dirt Series Geomatics Data Management Hardwood Hills MTB Center Inter-Mtn Enterprises Inc. Lighthouse Brewing Company Loeka Clothing National Tennis School Norco Products Ltd. Outdoor Gear Canada Panorama Mountain Village Rocky Mountain Bicycles Ryeka Sport Shimano Canada Single Track Mind Cycles Sustainable Trails Town Of Tillsonburg Township Of King Transrockies Inc. Twenty4 Sports Valhalla Trails Ltd. Whistler Mountain Bike Park W.O.W Wizard Of Wheels Ltd Zeptechniques Coaching and Instructor Training
James Brown can’t be stopped!
Toronto to Host Sustainable Trailbuilding Workshops 2008 marks another year in IMBA’s ongoing efforts in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. IMBA Canada, in partnership with the City of Toronto, will be conducting four sustainable trailbuilding workshops, including a visit from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. The city will begin to implement the recommendations in the Crothers’ Woods master plan, which IMBA Canada had a major role in creating, resulting in new singletrack opportunities. IMBA Canada is working with local riders and mountain bike organizations to support proposals for mountain bike-specific skills parks within the city, including partnering with and supporting Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation in the development of their Mountain Biking and Trails Strategy plan — a strategy that will look at all mountain bike opportunities within the city, and find ways to balance recreation and environmental protection. All of this is thanks to the ongoing efforts of Toronto area mountain bikers, and the support of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada.
Save the Date! Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits Set for 2008 Dates have now been set for the Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to attend an IMBA Trailbuilding School, make sure to mark your calendars and register with the appropriate contact below: • • • •
Toronto, ON. Sept. 11-14; Contact Jason Murray jmurray@disillusion.ca Edmundston, NB. Sept. 18-21; Contact Luc Michaud lucmicha@nbed.nb.ca Quebec City, QC. Sept. 25-28; Contact Jerome Pelland jerome@adsvmq.org Duncan, BC. October 23-26; Contact Brian Kuhn brian@experiencecycling.ca
Get great IMBA Canada gear — including mountain bike DVDs — at imbacanada.com.
21
10 Things IMBA Did for You
I 10 THINGS IMBA DID FOR YOU IN 2007 1 INTRODUCED RIDE CENTERS Our boldest initiative was to introduce IMBA Ride Centers. These model trail facilities will be masterfully designed for mountain bikers of every skill level, and built by professional trailbuilders working alongside volunteer stewards. The first five Ride Centers projects are already in development. Visit imba.com/ridecenters to learn more.
6 PARTNERED WITH SKI RESORTS
2 BUILT TRAILS IN THE BIG APPLE
7 HOSTED WOMEN’S RIDING CAMPS
IMBA and the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) created a unique, urban trail project in New York City. The new trails are located in Manhattan’s Highbridge Park; more projects in metro New York are on tap for 2008.
Teaming with the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles, IMBA hosted women’s riding camps in Hood River, Oregon and Park City, Utah. The camps offered professional, enthusiastic and supportive instruction to participants of all ability levels.
3 RAISED FUNDS THROUGH TEAM IMBA
8 MADE OUR PRESENCE FELT IN D.C.
IMBA’s new fundraising program made a successful debut at the 24 Hours of Moab. After months of arduous training leading up to the event, participants formed four- and five-person squads (plus two solo entries) and tested themselves by riding laps on a demanding 15-mile course, raising more than $15,000 in the process.
At the National Bike Summit, IMBA delegates took part in nearly 200 meetings on Capitol Hill, sharing important access and partnership messages with congressional offices. Summit attendees asked for bicyclefriendly land preservation and increased funding for National Parks.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
4 INSPIRED YOUNG RIDERS The fourth edition of IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day continued the program’s tradition of getting young riders outdoors on bikes. The 2007 celebration was held in locations around the globe, including events in Chiba City, Japan; Melbourne, Australia; and Chiluca, Mexico. More than 100 groups registered their rides on IMBA’s website.
5 ADDED PATROL CERTIFICATIONS The National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) introduced a uniform certification standard, thereby enhancing our reputation with key partners like the National Ski Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and National Park Service.
9 LOBBIED FOR LAND PROTECTION Executive director Mike Van Abel testified before the U.S. Congress on federal appropriations for public lands. Because federally defined Wilderness bans bicycles, IMBA worked with policymakers in several states to suggest boundary adjustments and alternative land protections where significant trails exist in proposed Wilderness.
10
THREW GREAT PARTIES From California’s Sea Otter gathering to Colorado’s Crested Butte Fat Tire Festival and the Virginia Mountain Bike Festival, IMBA was on hand for some of mountain biking’s best parties. In several cases we pitched in with support for online registration, making the events easier to manage.
2007 SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW VISITS BY THE NUMBERS States/Provinces visited Miles traveled Days on the road Bike clubs visited Trails visited Trailbuilding schools People trained People contacted
22
Ski resort representatives from across North America gathered in Vermont for a two-day conference on purpose-built mountain bike trails and bicycle-friendly facilities. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of bicycling to Vermont’s economy.
36 69,000 600 45 216 53 1,684 3,975
Trail constructed Trail designed Trail assessed Trail maintained Total trailwork Volunteer hours Multi-media presentations eMail invitation recipients
56,923 feet 122,250 feet 107,680 feet 11,395 feet 249 miles 6,360 90 81,673
IMBA Store
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
IMBA Store Women’s Urban Jersey Great fit and styling. Ride icon on both sleeves. Ó $50
Track Jacket An instant classic. Ó $44
El Jefe Cap Fidel has stepped down, but there’s no reason you can’t step out in this radically chic lid. Ó $25
Classic Icons Jersey Clean look with inspired icon graphics. Features a hidden zip in the front and three standard pockets in the back. Available in XS - XXL. Ó $60
GET IT Ordered by
Ways to order: 1. Visit www.IMBA.com/store 2. Call 1.888.442.IMBA 3. Send this form to IMBA, PO Box 711, Boulder, CO 80306
Membership select a level ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °
$25 $40 $55 $75 $100 $250 $500 $1000 $50 _____________
Contributors of $40 or more receive IMBA socks
basic member supporting member big wheel family fat-tire friend trailbuilder silver saddle singletrack society bicycle retailer other
Sock size ° M ° L ° XL
° Keep the socks. Use all of my money for trails.
Ship to (if different) Merchandise Item & Color
Size
Qty
Price
° I’ve included a check payable to: IMBA ° Bill my Mastercard or Visa ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
_________ /__________
card number
exp. date
International Orders $10 Shipping
U.S. Shipping & Handling:
TOTAL
Do you receive our electronic newsletters? Sign up for a free monthly delivery by visiting imba.com.
$5 ____________
23
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?
Raise money for trails by doing what you love — riding! In 2008, there are two ways to get involved: 1) TEAM IMBA AT 24 HOURS OF MOAB - Join us for the world’s most prestigious 24 hour race, Oct. 11-12. - Flagship event is fully supported. - Teams receive meals, mechanics, massages and more. 2) REGIONAL TEAM IMBA EVENTS - Turn any individual or team event into an IMBA fundraiser. - Tools and techniques to raise money for regional trails. - Fantastic product and prizes for reaching fundraising goals. Both programs include personalized websites, training programs and fundraising strategies. Visit imba.com/teamimba for complete information.
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOULDER, CO PERMIT NO. 924
PO Box 711 Boulder, Colorado 80306 USA