Spring 2011 (Annual Report)

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Annual Report: 2010 in Review Plus: IMBA-SORBA’s regional summit, Dave Wiens in Washington and more!

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HARD ROCK Overcoming the obstacles in IMBA’s path

oments ago, all that existed was the sound of wheels turning on dirt, but as the nemesis rock nears, the music of the tires slows. “Today is the day,” I decide, turning the bars to meet the craggy adversary. Flying through the air gives way to a sudden realization: Today is most definitely not the day. Sprawled clumsily across the rock, I’m reminded of how much is left to master.

Whether we’ve been riding since the dawn of mountain biking or for a matter of weeks, we all wind up in the same place: completely focused on the obstacle ahead, unable to maintain our precious forward momentum.

Featherweight components and miraculous suspension platforms can’t get you over the rock — only you can. Our sport has been about embracing challenge, and the dabs, dismounts and diggers that come with it, from the moment that someone pointed a fat-tired cruiser into the woods.

Mountain bike advocacy is filled with its own share of successes, stumbles and big scary rocks. The fast-paced growth of advocacy groups over the past two decades produced incredible success. But, even while the largely volunteer-led groups in the IMBA network are accomplishing more than ever, many of our most valuable club leaders are burning out or growing frustrated with their limited resources. Obstacles like conducting membership drives and putting together club bylaws have knocked many a leader to the dirt.

IMBA decided that, rather than just telling ourselves to pedal harder, a different angle of attack was needed.

Today, the chapter program provides resources like membership management, insurance and marketing tools. It’s all about progression.

Riders also lock eyes with the rock whenever an access battle threatens to close a trail. We recently lost some prime riding opportunities in Montana, but we’ve dusted ourselves off, and — with the Public Lands Initiative — taken on dozens of new campaigns, with the benefit of improved tactics. IMBA continues to maintain and renew important partnerships with federal agencies like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, while empowering local groups to effect change on their home fronts.

Since IMBA’s inception, we’ve made it our mission to demystify the art and science behind amazing trails. Over time, the sport of mountain biking has evolved to include nearly as many niches as there are mountain bikers. For each new take on mountain biking, there’s a land manger who wants to bring it to his area, or immediately looks for reasons to ban it, or just wonders what in the world an “epic cross-country flow trail” might be. It’s our job to explain these developments, and to demonstrate how to make them work. Together with local clubs, professional trail builders and supportive land managers, we’ve built everything from beginner-friendly gateway trails to experts-only gnar fests.

The big, bad rock isn’t going anywhere, but we are. This issue of the ITN isn’t just about looking at the issues ahead, but about the value of learning from the past and taking the time to appreciate IMBA’s passionate and hardworking staff. Above all else, we salute the riders and volunteers who turn their handlebars toward new challenges every day, and leave behind a string of successes in their dust.

– Kristin Butcher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Kristin Butcher (AKA “The Butcher”) contributes regularly to IMBA Trail News, and to a host of other publications. She is an alumnae of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program.

IMBA Trail News Spring 2011, Volume 24, Number 1

IMBA creates, enhances and preserves great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide.

Board of Directors Hill Abell, Austin, TX Elayna Caldwell, Santa Cruz, CA Blair Clark, Ketchum, ID Chris Conroy, Golden, CO Jay Franklin, Powder Springs, GA Chris Kegel, Hales Corner, WI David Treinis, Alta, WY Robert Winston, Carlsbad, CA David Zimberoff, Chicago, IL STaff Tiffanie Beal, Membership Services Coordinator, tiffanie.beal@imba.com Jason Bertolacci, Marketing/Database Manager, jason.bertolacci@imba.com Chris Bernhardt, Director of Consulting Services, chris.bernhardt@imba.com Tony Boone, Trail Specialist, tony.boone@imba.com Terry Breheny, Events Manager, terry.breheny@imba.com Richard Cook, Development Director, rich.cook@imba.com Jenn Dice, Government Affairs Director, jenn@imba.com Tammy Donahugh, Trail Specialist, tammy@imba.com Rich Edwards, Trail Solutions Manager, rich@imba.com Mark Eller, Communications Director, markeller@imba.com Jeremy Fancher, PLI Legal Advisor, jeremy.fancher@imba.com Katherine Fuller, Field Programs Coordinator, katherine.fuller@imba.com Dan Hudson, Trail Specialist, dan.hudson@imba.com David Janowiec, Team IMBA Manager, david.janowiec@imba.com Hansi Johnson, Midwest Regional Director, hansi.johnson@imba.com Rod Judd, Membership Manager, rod.judd@imba.com Wendy Kerr, Development Manager, wendy.kerr@imba.com Kristy Kibler, Government Affairs Coordinator, kristy@imba.com Joey Klein, Trail Specialist, joey@imba.com Ashley Korenblat, PLI Director, ashley.korenblat@imba.com Anna Laxague, Pacific Regional Director, anna.laxague@imba.com Chris Leman, Trail Specialist, chris.leman@imba.com Frank Maguire, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, frank.maguire@imba.com Stephen Mullins, Trail Specialist, stephen.mullins@imba.com Tim Peck, Finance Director, tim.peck@imba.com Rachael Raven, Canada Communications/Trail Care Crew, rachael.raven@imba.com Kerri Salazar, Operations Manager, kerri.salazar@imba.com Tom Sauret, Southeast/SORBARegional Director, tom.sauret@imba.com Ryan Schutz, Affiliate Programs/Rocky Mountain Region, ryan.schutz@imba.com Mike Van Abel, Executive Director, mike@imba.com Tom Ward, IMBA CA Policy Advisor, tom@imba.com Jason Wells, Trail Specialist, jason.wells@imba.com Shane Wilson, Trail Specialist, shane.wilson@imba.com Lora Woolner, Canada Director, lora@imba.com Jill Van Winkle, Trail Specialist, jill@imba.com Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews Leslie and Chris Kehmeier, chrisandleslie@imba.com Morgan and Steve Lommele, steveandmorgan@imba.com

Designed by Sugar Design, Inc. Images and stories available for re-use by permission only.

IMBA

PO Box 711 Boulder, CO 80306 USA ph 303-545-9011 fax 303-545-9026 info@imba.com

SORBA Hosts Regional Summit Event launches the new calendar of regional gatherings bout 200 mountain bike advocates, enthusiasts, industry insiders and land managers from IMBA-SORBA’s seven-state territory gathered March 25-27 for the Southern Mountain Bike Summit. Held in Brevard, NC, the successful gathering kicked off a full calendar of regional summits across the nation. Visit imba.com/ calendar to find a regional summit near you.

The IMBA-SORBA conference kicked off with a keynote address by Krista Rettig, the director of advocacy and governmental affairs for Trek Bicycles. Rettig emphasized the role of long-range planning, and of documenting the value of bike trails and paths. Other opening-day events included a presentation from the Subara/IMBA Trail Care Crew, and informative panel discussions led by representatives from the USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Forsyth County, Georgia Parks and Recreation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Tarheel TrailBlazers.

Day two kicked off with Sig Hutchinson, of the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, speaking to a packed house. Hutchinson stressed the power of building relationships. Next, Forest Service representatives Debbie Caffin, Randy Burgess, Michelle Mitchell and Jim Schmid spoke about the importance of volunteer partnerships and how to improve recreation opportunities. In the afternoon, the IMBA-SORBA Board of Directors and Regional Leadership Advisory Council held their business meeting, while IMBA representatives led a discussion about how to build stronger chapters.

Rain canceled Saturday’s rides and Sunday’s bike demos, but the weekend still ended on a high note, with an enjoyable and wellattended dinner hosted by New Belgium Brewery, and a silent auction fundraiser.

IMBA-SORBA Inducts New Chapters Please welcome the following chapters from Florida, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee into the IMBA-SORBA fold: • • • • • •

Flagler Area Biking–SORBA, Palm Coast, FL SORBA Jax, Jacksonville, FL Greensboro Fat Tire Society, Greensboro, NC Nantahala SORBA, Bryson City, NC Midlands SORBA, Columbia, SC Northeast Tennesse Mountain Biking Association (NTMBA), Johnson City, TN

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Dave Wiens Brings PLI Message to Elected Officials

Trail advocate and former pro mountain biker Dave Wiens joined Ashley Korenblat, director of IMBA’s Public Lands Initiative (PLI), at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC, in early March. Swapping their bike clothes for more formal attire, they met with Congressional representatives, including Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton, to discuss the PLI, which focuses on coordinating IMBA’s efforts with federal land managers on both building and protecting trails.

“Our mission at the Bike Summit this year was to tell Congress about the recreation economy and all the jobs it provides,” said Korenblat. “We wanted to talk about how recreation and land protection interests can be combined in ways that strengthen local communities.”

Five years ago, Wiens started the advocacy group Gunnison Trails to work with Colorado land managers on

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trail projects, help maintain trails, educate citizens on responsible trail use and host several annual events. One of the organization’s current projects is a trail that would travel through a proposed Wilderness area to connect Gunnison to nearby Crested Butte.

“This proposal is kind of a test case for the PLI,” explained Wiens. “We are hoping to set precedents that will help Wilderness advocates and trail builders find mutually agreed-on solutions.”

Several weeks after the Summit, Wiens had the opportunity to meet once again with Congressman Tipton in Gunnison. “What came out of it was they [Tipton and staff] will help facilitate the continued discussion about this trail,” said Wiens. “This raises an awareness because the Congressman certainly has an interest in seeing job creation and the economic impacts of trail-based tourism and what it can do for communities.”

Trails Boost Economic Growth in Rapid City, SD

Rapid City, South Dakota, is blessed with dense forests and the highest peaks east of the Rockies. It is also blessed with residents who embrace outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, and have translated it into an economic success story.

The Hansen-Larsen Memorial

Park (HLMP) has much to do with this — it’s a 300acre oasis with 10 miles of trails for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Trail development began in 2007, when the HLMP Foundation contracted the services of IMBA’s Trail Solutions and TrailArts, a trail consulting firm, to design and construct the trail system. Joey Klein, an IMBA trail specialist with 11 years of professional experience, was involved from the start.

percent each year for the past four years, this despite the recession,” said Cole.

The event attracts over 300 mountain bike racers, along with several thousand more people who enjoy non-race events and activities.

The city has secured another impressive round of funding for more trail projects. To start, there’s $1.8 million for expansion of trails and facilities at the base of HLMP; $150,000 for a connection trail through

“Rapid City is so fortunate that the foundation grabbed this hill and mountain, along with several other properties, before it could have taken another turn,” said Klein.

“We couldn’t have done the work without the support of the city and, in particular, Jerry Cole, the director of Parks and Recreation.”

Cole helped build community support for the trails, including encouraging the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival. Partnering with the IMBA-affiliated Black Hills Mountain Bike Association, Cole and the city secured a $246,000 grant. “The festival has grown 20

the city’s fairgrounds to an already existing 8-mile bike path; $982,000 for singletrack trails in the Skyline Wilderness Park; and $250,000 for a paved bike route to be called the Sweet Creek Trail.

This is all good news to local businesses, particularly the local bike shops. “We’re in our 11th year and just moved to a new location that is near two of the trail systems,” said Tim Rangitsch, owner of ACME Bicycles.

“The more trails, the better.

Trails equal sales for us.”

Trail Solutions Ventures Far East and Down Under

Last fall, IMBA partnered with Trek Bicycle Corporation to design and build the first purpose-built, mountain bike trail system in China.

Working with indigenous hand tools, 60 local farmers carved out a 12-mile stacked loop. The trails recently hosted three weekends of racing with hundreds of racers and thousands of spectators.

IMBA Trail Solutions and Trek China staff evaluated five additional sites for the potential development of sustainable, purpose-built, mountain bike trails and bike parks. These included Huashuiwan, Shuangliu and Jingxiucheng in the Sichuan Province and Langfang and Fragrant Hills outside of Beijing.

“The potential for epic riding in China is mindboggling. The topographic diversity, sheer beauty and immense vastness of the country could easily transform it into the mountain biking epicenter of Asia,” states Tony Boone, International Trail Specialist.

Trail Solutions staff also completed projects in

Hong Kong and the Philippines this winter, strengthening its global portfolio. Riding opportunities are evolving rapidly in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Not only is Asia blossoming, but Australia’s Cycling Promotion Fund reported that 2010’s imports down under were close to the record level reached back in 2007, with more than 1.3 million bikes hitting shores in 2010. Trail Solutions is currently working with IMBA Australia on several projects. A four-day, Master Trail Builders Course will be held in Bundanoon, and scouting for a bike park in Hornsby is underway.

Chris Conroy and David Zimberoff Appointed to IMBA Board

IMBA’s board of directors has approved two new members — Colorado’s Chris Conroy and Illinois’ David Zimberoff. “I’m excited that David and Chris have joined the IMBA board,”

said chairman Robert Winston.

“They each bring years of advocacy and industry experience, and their skills will directly benefit our organization. They are wonderful additions to the dedicated volunteer leaders that comprise the IMBA board of directors.”

Conroy is the president and general manager of Yeti Cycles, located in Golden, Colorado. He has been active in local advocacy for the last 10 years, having served in the past as president of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) and has been an active voice for mountain biker’s interests with local government and land managers. Yeti Cycles has been a long-time corporate member of IMBA and has provided support to key mountain bike initiatives including the Golden Bike Park. “I am honored to be on the IMBA board and look forward to working with the directors and staff,” Conroy said.

David Zimberoff is the global marketing director for SRAM, one of IMBA’s top-level sponsors, working at the company’s headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. He recently served as a board member of Chicago’s largest cycling advocacy group CBF, The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Having worked for SRAM for over 16 years, he’ll be a great asset to IMBA. “I’m eager to add my creative juices to the future growth of the organization,” said Zimberoff.

The appointments bring the number of IMBA’s board of directors to nine.

“I am grateful to David and Chris, and all IMBA board members, for their volunteer service in guiding IMBA and setting its strategic goals,” said Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s president and U.S. executive director.

“IMBA is fortunate and purposeful in its board make-up, with a good mix of captains of industry who are also enthusiasts and advocates.”

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them to improve their trail analysis procedures.” The Bill’s Trail effort is part of IMBA Public Lands Initiative campaign.

IMBA Events From Coast to Coast

Bill’s Trail Study Could Benefit California Access Efforts

After more than a decade of hard work, IMBA California — along with local advocacy groups such as Access 4 Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin — believe the California State Parks department will take an important step forward with their trail policies.

In April, the department released a long-awaited Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Bill’s Trail, in Marin’s Samuel P. Taylor State Park. If that EIR is approved, it could establish an important statewide precedent.

“The EIR is a tool used by land managers to help

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assess the environmental risks associated with any change in management or trail use,” explains Tom Ward, IMBA California’s policy analyst. “We hope to see the EIR for Bill’s Trail, which was done very well, move forward and allow for bike access.

That could be a game changer for California cycling advocates,” says Ward. Opposing groups have promised to block any policy changes that would make it easier to approve biking on singletrack trails, but Ward remains optimistic.

“We’ve done our best to act as good partners, helping California State Parks understand the lowimpact nature of mountain biking and encouraging

Look for IMBA at mountain biking events across the nation in 2011.

The year kicked off in Washington D.C. at the National Bike Summit, where close to 100 dirt-savvy volunteers urged elected officials to support trail projects. This spring and summer, IMBA advocates will attend gatherings ranging from the Sea Otter Classic (CA) bike festival to the Outdoor Retailer (UT) and Interbike (NV) tradeshows.

IMBA’s homegrown series of regional summits will be in full swing all summer. This fall, be sure to mark Oct. 1 on your calendar, and plan to participate in one of IMBA’s annual Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day rides.

Find info on these and other IMBA-affiliated events by visiting our website (imba.com/events).

- May 6-7, 18 Hours of Fruita - May 21, Ales and Trails - June 10-12, Cuyuna Trails Grand Opening - June 24-26, Midwest Regional Summit - July 22-24, Mid-Atlantic Regional Summit - Aug. 4-7, Outdoor Retailer tradeshow - Sept. 14-16, Interbike

tradeshow - Sept. 15-18, Rockies (North) Regional Summit - Oct. 1, Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day - Oct. 7-9, Rockies (South) Regional Summit - Oct. 21-22, Pacific Regional Summit Visit IMBA’s Online Store for Member Discounts and Great Gear

Last year, sales from the IMBA online store funded roughly 52,000 feet of singletrack across the globe. Check out imba. com/catalog for new IMBA-branded downhill, vintage and women’s jerseys. Plus, you’ll find socks, tees, hats, patches and other gear, including a sweet Osprey Raptor hydration pack with IMBA embroidery (see photo).

Don’t forget to log onto the website before you start shopping to enjoy your IMBA membership discount: a 10-percent discount on every store item, plus special members-only offers.

More Places to Ride IMBA’s progress can be expressed in a simple phrase

hen mountain bikers look back at the year 2010 it will be viewed as the year that the IMBA network reorganized and unified its local, regional and national efforts. It was the year when we fully embarked on a fundamental restructuring that will create new resources and ensure continued growth.

From nearly the beginning of mountain bike advocacy (circa 1987), IMBA and its local affiliates have been on parallel paths.

While our respective purposes typically align, our resources and capabilities to achieve those purposes were often in competition with each other.

At the 2010 IMBA World Summit in Augusta, Georgia, the first IMBA Congress convened to discuss the question of optimal organizational alignment. We asked ourselves, “What if we could go back and reconstitute the mountain bike advocacy movement — what would that look like?”

There was widespread agreement that a network of strong, well-organized and membership-funded local groups would strengthen the sport. Preferably, they would be organized by geographic regions to facilitate networking, training and developing best practices. They would be united under a national organizational umbrella. There would be a single point-ofpurchase membership, honored and recognized locally and nationally.

That was the seminal moment of 2010 — when the IMBA Congress decided to reconstitute our movement. The result is the new IMBA chapter program. At the time of this writing, we have 58 chapters, and about 30 more soon to come onboard. IMBA’s financial health, already strong as the accompanying charts demonstrate, will stay robust with this structure. So, too, will the health of our local affiliates. They are, increasingly, inseparable.

Implementing IMBA’s chapter program is a means to an end.

It’s the results that are rightfully expected by our members and supporters. Those results can be summed up in an easily remembered phrase: More places to ride.

Many thanks go to all of IMBA’s supporters, from individual donors to multi-national corporations. It’s an honor to recognize some of your contributions in this annual report issue of IMBA Trail News, and to serve you each day in our work.

Reflects monies received and promised

See You on the Trails!

Michael Van Abel Executive Director 7

IMBA/CLIF BAR TRAIL PRESERVATION GRANTS

Corporate, Organization and Foundation Members

In 2010, IMBA and CLIF Bar awarded 10 $500 grants to IMBA affiliated chapters and clubs to fund projects that promote environmental education and inspire conservation in the mountain biking community. A leading maker of all-natural energy and nutrition foods, CLIF Bar & Co. has been an Above-and-Beyond IMBA corporate member since 1995, and has donated nearly $200,000 and more than 100,000 CLIF Bars to support IMBA volunteer stewardship and environmental service projects.

“The CLIF Bar grant we received in 2010 helps us maintain New Jersey’s first publicly available pump track,” says Robert Adase of the Jersey OffRoad Bicycle Association (JORBA). Heading into its second year, the Alexandria Pump Track, located in Milford (NJ), plans to expand the pump track and add a school program for students in grades 4-8. “The CLIF Bar grant was really a huge help to us,” says Adase. The facility has already piqued interests in Philadelphia, inspiring the city to look into creating its own bike parks. “So many great things have stemmed from this one little pump track in rural New Jersey,” says Adase.

Visit imba.com for information on the 2011 IMBA/CLIF Bar grants.

These supporters provide ESSENTIAL FUNDING TO FUEL

REI AND IMBA: TEAMING FOR TRAILS With help from REI, IMBA introduces Teaming for Trails, a new resource for IMBA-affiliated clubs and chapters to earn rewards for volunteers and promote events through IMBA’s website. After a club registers for the Teaming for Trails program, club administrators will be able to easily create a landing page for club events, add dates to the community calendar and receive volunteer incentives through industry pro-deal partner ProMotive.com.

“Our club gets lots of chances to build and repair trails. It’s just a matter of getting enough volunteers to take advantage of those opportunities,” says Jason Bertolacci of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association, an IMBA chapter enrolled in the Teaming for Trails program.

Registered clubs and chapters will be eligible for scholarships to national and regional summits, and volunteers can earn pro-deal cards for specially priced gear. “Having a way for more people to find our events, along with the pro-deal carrot motivating them to come out, will help us with the continuing challenge of bringing in new volunteers,” says Bertolacci.

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IMBA’S WORK Our corporate supporters provide essential funding to fuel IMBA’s work. Please help us say thanks! Above and Beyond Supporters contribute a significant amount in addition to their annual dues and are listed below in bold type.

For information about how you or your organization can join in support of IMBA’s work, please contact Rich Cook, IMBA Development Director, by calling 303.545.9011 x104, or by sending a message to rich.cook@imba.com.

IMBA U.S. Corporate Members A-Z

3Point5 - Promotive Advanced Sports International/Fuji Adventure Advocates Adventure Travel Trade Association Airborne Bicycles Alchemist Threadworks Alchemy Goods Alpine Bike Parks, LLC A’me Grips Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Anthem Branding Arrowhead Trails Avid4 Adventure, Inc. Backcountry.com Bellfree Contractors Inc. Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau Bicycle Colorado Bicycle Sport Shop Bicycle Technologies International Bicycling / Mountain Bike Magazine Big Agnes Big Bear Cabins for Rent Big Bear Lake Camplands Bike Magazine Bikeflights.com Bikes Belong Coalition BikeTees.com BOB Trailers Boulder Bike Tours Boulder Business Products Camelbak Campagnolo/Fulcrum Cane Creek Cycling Components Cascade Huts Catalyst Communication, Inc. Cateye Center For Outdoor Experience Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Citizen Pictures Clif Bar COG Wild Mountain Bike Tours Colorado Backcountry Biker

Competitive Cyclist Crank Brothers Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce Cycling Sports Group Cygolite Defeet International Desert Sports Deuter USA Dirt Rag Magazine Downeast Bicycle Specialists DT Swiss, Inc Easton Bell Sports, Inc. Ecological Designs, Inc Ekko Bikes Epic Rides, Inc. Ergon USA Excel Sports Boulder Finish Line Technologies First Aid Supplies Plus FOX Racing Shox Fulcrum N.A. LLC Gates Carbon Drive Giant Bicycles Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce Gone Riding, Inc. Gore Bike Wear GU Energy Gel Hans Johnsen Company Hilride Honey Stinger Howell At The Moon Productions iBert, Inc. Hutchinson Industries Hydrapak, LLC iBert, Inc. Idaho Resort Rentals Llc Interbike IT-Clips, LLC Jamis Bicycles / G. Joannou Cycle Jenson USA Kenda USA Kinetic Koffee Company Kirkwood Mountain Resort Kona Mountain Bikes Lava Tours Costa Rica Lifeboat Solutions Long Cane Trails, LLC Marin Mountain Bikes, Inc. Maverick Maxxis International/CST MechaWear.com Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop Michelin North America Midwest Cycling Moots Cycles MountainBikeSkills.com Mountain Khakis Mt. Borah Designs Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way MyPOV360.com National Bicycle Dealers Assn National Parks Service RTCA National Ski Areas Association Native Eyewear Nema International New Belgium Brewery

NATIVE EYEWEAR BRINGS RIDING TO THE PEOPLE

Niner Bikes Oregon Adventures Osprey Packs, Inc Outdoor Industry Association Park Tool Pearl Izumi Pedal America Pedal Nation Events Pedros Performance, Inc. Planet Bike Plus 3 Network Powersupplements.com Primal Wear Professional Trailbuilders Association Quality Bicycle Products Recreational Equipment Inc. Red Agave Resort Red Cloud Productions, LLC Reineke Construction Resource Revival Ritchey Design Inc Rocky Mounts S & S Trails Services SBS - Seattle Bike Supply Scott USA Semper Technology, Inc Shenandoah Mountain Touring Shimano American Corporation SIDI America Single Track LLC Singletrack.com Singletracks.com Smith Optics Sock Guy Spadout.com Specialized Bicycles SRAM Corporation Strider Sports International, Inc. Subaru of America Sutter Equipment Company Swobo Teton Mountain Bike Tours Teva Deckers Outdoor Corporation Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association The Canyons Resort The Club at Crested Butte The Clymb The Hawley Company The North Face Thule Trail Dynamics TrailArts TrailFu.com (Totalsquare, LLC) Trek Bicycle Corporation Two Knobby Tires U.S. Bureau of Land Management Velonews Voler Team Apparel Western Spirit Cycling Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB) Winter Park Resort Yakima Yeti Cycles Zeal Optics Zoic Clothing

IMBA Canada Corporate Members A-Z

Axis Gear Company Ltd. Bruce County Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park Capilano University - Mountain Bike Operations Program Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort Chromag Bikes Cobequid Trail Consultants Community Futures Crowsnest Pass Conservation Halton - Kelso / Hilton Falls / Mountsberg Creative Wheel / La Rocca XC MTB School Cycle Ontario Dirt Series Mountain Bike Camps Ltd. Geomatics Data Management Inc. Hardwood Ski and Bike Inter-Mtn Enterprises Inc. Joyride 150 Mountain Equipment Co-op Norco Products, Ltd. Ontario Trails Council Origin Design + Communications Outdoor Gear Canada Northern Mountain Bike Adventures Renegade Cycle Solutions Rocky Mountain Bicycles Ryders Eyewear Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures Sentiers Boréals Inc. Sir Sam’s Resort Specialized Canada Subaru Canada Sustainable Trails Ltd. Thule Canada Township Of King TransRockies, Inc. Trek Canada Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Foundation Supporters

Clif Bar Family Foundation Mark Reynolds Memorial Bike Fund Ron and Stacey Gutfleish Foundation Michael And Eleanor Pinkert Foundation Richard E. And Nancy P. Marriott Foundation Cynthia and George P. Mitchell Foundation The Oreg Foundation Jewish Communal Fund Hellman Family Foundation Ruth H. Brown Foundation Turnip Top Foundation Walton Family Foundation

“Bring the Riding to the People” is a new documentary video, produced by Elastic Lab and sponsored by Native Eyewear in association with IMBA. Set in three different municipal bike parks in three very different communities—Colonnade in Seattle, WA; Highbridge in New York City, NY; and Golden Bike Park in Golden, CO—this film tells the story of what happens when volunteers, cities, land managers and private citizens come together.

Based in Denver, CO, Native Eyewear is a premier outdoor sunglass and goggle brand that believes in the notion of “more trails equal more sales.” Exemplifying their commitment to the outdoors, Native Eyewear is an IMBA corporate partner and helps support bike parks and trail projects across the country.

Visit bringtheriding.elasticlab.com for more information.

SRAM CYCLING FUND & REGIONAL DIRECTOR PROGRAM SRAM isn’t just one of the biggest companies in the cycling industry, it’s also one of the sport’s dynamic charitable supporters. Formed in 2008, the mission of the SRAM Cycling Fund is to grant $2 million dollars per year for 5 years to causes that promote cycling. In addition to other generous donations to IMBA, SRAM has committed $150,000 toward launching IMBA’s regional director and chapter programs, in an effort to help us bring IMBA closer to you.

There are currently five regions in the regional director program: Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, with plans to expand the program all across the country. Each region has a local director who enables IMBAaffiliate clubs and chapters by helping to grow club capacity, membership, attending events, and helping to develop, build and design trails.

Hansi Johnson, IMBA’s Midwest Regional Director, logged 49,000 miles on his car last year alone while traveling throughout his region.

“With IMBA based in Colorado, it used to feel like the Midwest would get lost in the shuffle in terms of advocacy,” says Johnson. “Now, there’s paid professional staff here linking advocates with the right politicians and businesses, attending important meetings and addressing local issues.”

When asked about what he’s most proud of, Johnson’s answer comes quickly, “We’re building world-class trails here, without the mountains.”

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Individual Supporters Big Thanks to Our Top-Level Donors, And Everyone Who Supports IMBA

$1000 PLUS Richard Sertich & Marte Lightstone Howard Fischer Joe Mihalka Tania Dyson Mark Evans Thomas Ritter Patrick Haines Adam Cramer Steve Flagg Felix Magowan Patrick Mcmullan Ken Davies Jeff Light

Mike Winn Donald Barnes Russell Asleson Curtis Kimble Fred Reynolds Randy Jackson Ron Gutfleish Paige Green John Gannon Randy Myers Lorenz Glaza Chip Duckett Dan Luebke Ed Price

Joe Cote Donna Buchholz Rebecca Rusch Mars Bonfire Dan Matthews Brian Berg Michael & Eleanor Pinkert Susan Williams Shlomo Freiman Andrew Combs Leland Turner Michael Gould Ed Rounds Robert Courtemanche

John “Austin” Barnhill Alison Montgomery Billy Moore Sherman Gregory Elizabeth Mitchell Ted Stroll Shana Chrisman Eugene Weymouth Joel Bingham Joel & Shannon Bruggen Jim Hasenauer

$500-$999 Anne Grofvert Wayne Lawton Jim Backhus Dan And Karen Hudson And Garnett Paul Rosica Elayna Caldwell Jim Crompton Rick Werner Rodney Brown And Catherine Conolly Leonard Stegman Robert Danielson David Harding Robert Krenz Harold Schmidt Charles Kim

Rahn Pitzer Alan Lindner Eugene Weymouth Gary & Kirsten Klein Tony Apuzzo Robert Forster Ed Rounds Alan Cannon Jeff & Hilary Warner Ryan Kubly Brad Allen John Ganahl Peter And Janet Tempest Irvin Smith Henry Simonds

Join People for Bikes Our friends at Bikes Belong, a non-profit serving bike industry, are gathering a million names of support in order to speak with a powerful voice about the importance of investing in bicycling. Visit peopleforbikes.org and join the movement.

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Paul Hardin Alex Mclean Shlomo Freiman Thomas Baxter Karen Tourian Bruce And Elke Macgregor Robert Zirl William Hoeg Gunnar Tande Honey Stinger Patrick Haines Edward Anderson Steven Conine Ray Wirta Neil Derryberry

Robert Winston David George Wayne Spencer Goodman Henry Simonds Paul Daniel Robert Makimoto Jeffrey Klisiewicz Hans Lellelid Clint Fowler Laurence Davidson Chuck Pruett Matthew Paradis K Dean Lucas

Successful Launch for Pedal-Driven Bike Film The long-awaited feature-length documentary “Pedal-Driven” debuted at the Sea Otter Classic this spring. IMBA, Shimano and Specialized helped sponsor the movie — it’s now available for screenings across the nation. Visit pedaldriven.howellatthemoon.com.

IMBA Retailers These bike shops and retail outfits support your hometown trails

Alaska Cycle Alaska Sockeye Cycle Co Alabama Velocity Pro Cycle Arkansas Arkansas Cycling & Fitness Highroller Cyclery Inc. Phat Tire Bike Shop The Bicycle Outfitter The Ride Abs Bicycle* The Bicycle Outfitter* Arizona Absolute Bikes Bike Barn Estrella Mountain Cyclery Fairwheel Bicycles Global Bikes Ironclad Bicycles Johnny Yuma’s Bicycles Sun N’ Spokes The Fat Tire Bike Shop Trisports.com Fairwheel* Landis Cyclery* California Adam’s Bicycles Alameda Bicycle Another Bike Shop Anthony’s Cyclery Bicycles! Pleasanton, Inc. Bob’s Cycle Center Caletti Cycles Calmar Bicycles Classcycle Cyclery USA Inc. Cynergy Cycles Family Cycling Center Kirk’s Bike Shop Lennox Harris Main Street Cycles Montrose Bike Shop Otis Guy Cycles Pasadena Cyclery Placerville Bike Shop Rock N’ Road Solano Avenue Cyclery

Sundance Cycles The Bicycle Trip The Bike Shop Thomas Latimer Topanga Creek Bicycles Tread Wrench On The Roll Campus Bicycles* Pasadena Cyclery* Colorado Absolute Bikes, Inc. Balle Racing Big Al’s Bicycles Heaven Breck Velo Criterium Bike Shops CS Bikes Golden Bear Bike Shop Christie Mtn Sports Mountain Bike Specialists Peloton Cycles Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop Tailwind Tours The Cycologist The Trailhead Westside Cycling Wheat Ridge Cyclery Lee’s Cyclery & Fitness Inc* Connecticut Pedal Power Scott’s Cyclery Storrs Center Cycle Washington, D.C. Revolution Cycles Inc.* Florida A1 Cycle Works American Classic Bent’s Schwinn Bike Werx Chainwheel Drive J&B Importers Mack Cycle And Fitness Orange Cycle Works Retro City Cycles Santos Trailhead Bicycle Shop Star Bikes Sunshine Cycles Trek Bicycle Stores Of Jacksonville

*

denotes Trek doubledown dealer

Bikes To Go* Pembroke Cycle* Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium* ABC Bicycles* Bicycle Outfitters* David’s World Cycle* Trek Store Of Tampa* Trek Store Of Clearwater* Trek Store Of St. Petersburg* Trek Store Of Jacksonville* Georgia Alpha Bikes Camden Bicycle Center Cycleworks Bicycles Free Flite Bicycles Georgia Cycle Sport Golden’s Bicycle Shop Outspokin Bicycles Perpetual Motion Bicycles Perry Rubber Bike Shop Ride On Bikes Roswell Bicycles, Inc Unicycle.com Golden’s Bicycle Shop* Trek Store Of Peachtree City* Trek Store Of McDonough* Hawaii The Bike Shop Iowa Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness Bike Tech Greg Rasmassen Iowa Fitness Northtowne Cycling & Fitness The Bicycle Station World Of Bikes World Of Bikes Of Iowa, Inc.* Hall Bicycle Co* Letsche’s Bike Shop* Wayne’s Ski And Cycle* Free Flight Bikes* Idaho Bicycle Sales And Service Brundage Mountain Co. Galena Lodge Spoke And Wheel Bike Shop Vertical Earth Continued to page 12

Kids! Get Ready to Ride on Oct. 1

Trek ‘DoubleDown’ Dealers

IMBA will celebrate its seventh annual International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. This is a great opportunity for you to pass your passion for pedaling on to kids! Visit imba.com/events to find more info, including advice on how to organize and promote a ride. Thanks to our many sponsors, including Specialized and CLIF Kids.

These Trek retailers have all “doubled-down” for IMBA, matching Trek president John Burke’s commitment of donating $10 to the IMBA Trail Building Fund from every full-suspension mountain bike sold. Dealer donations have exceeded $110,000 since the inception of the program. IMBA salutes Trek and these dealers for this exemplary show of support for new and sustainable trails.

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IMBA Retailers These bike shops and retail outfits support your hometown trails RIDE WITH TEAM IMBA AND EARN MATCHING GRANTS In 2010, Team IMBA riders tackled the 24 hours of Moab, Massanuten Hoo Ha, Dirt Sweat and Gears and other iconic events. Over four seasons, riders have raised over $100,000 for trails, with an additional $150,000 donated from industry sponsors. Team IMBA is powered

by SRAM, fueling $25K in matching challenge grants this season. Riders of all abilities can join regional teams in the South, Pacific, South East (SORBA), Mid-West, Mid Atlantic or Rocky Mountain regions. Learn more by visiting imba.com/ team-imba.

HUCK-N-ROLL AND FOX RACING SHOX GRANTS Two new IMBA grant programs kicked off in 2011. The IMBA/HucknRoll.com Trail Improvement Grants support projects that maintain and improve the sustainability of local trails, preserve the environment and enhance conservation the mountain bicycling community. IMBA and longstanding corporate member FOX Racing Shox offer the 2011 IMBA/FOX Racing Shox Pump Track Grants to support projects initiated by IMBA clubs and chapters. More info at imba.com/resources/grants.

continued

Illinois Bike Connection Bikeworks Champaign Cycle Main Street Bicycles Rudy’s The Bike Shop Kiddles, Inc.* On The Route On Lincoln Square* George Garner Cyclery* Libertyville Cyclery* The Cyclery* M & M Cyclery, Inc.* On The Route Bicycles* Village Cycle Center* Trek Bicycles On Michigan Ave* Goodspeed Cycles* Highland Park Trek* Decatur Bicycle Shoppe* R & M Cyclery* Bike & Hike* Carbondale Cycles* Champaign Cycle* Cycles Plus* Madison & Davis Bicycle Shop* Village Cyclery* Bike & Hike* Crystal Lake Ski & Bike* Vittesse Cycle Shop* Tern Of The Wheel* North Central Cyclery* Indiana Gray Goat Sports Summit City Bicycles And Fitness The Bicycle Shop The Bike Line, Inc.* Outpost Sports* Trek Store Of Schererville* Kansas Golden Belt Bicycle Company Trek Store Of Kansas City Bike Tek*

MAXXIS AND CST SUPPORT TRAIL BUILDING CST Tires, a division of Maxxis, joined IMBA as title sponsor of the 2011“CST Trail Builder Program.” Through the program IMBA is awarding dozens of CST tires to loyal members, trail builders and advocates. Look for CST tires at an IMBA regional summit or event near you, and join your IMBA club for a volunteer trail building day soon.

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Kentucky Bikes And Moore Gearupcycles LLC. Mountain Bike Depot Pedal Power Bike Shop Schellers Fitness & Cycling Inc. Danville Bike & Fitness* Bicycle Sport Inc.* Massachusetts Dieselbikes Harris Cyclery Landry’s Bicycles The Bicycle Shop Topsfield Cycle Loft*

Maryland Bike Doctor Of Linthicum - Mambo Bike Doctor Waldorf Cumberland Trail Connection The Bicycle Escape Twenty20 Cycling Co. Race Pace* Salisbury Cycles* Maine Ernie’s Cycle Shop Michigan Breakaway Bicycles Brick Wheels - B-Xtreme Denny’s Central Park Bicycles Hobby Wheel Holland Cycling And Fitness Touring Gear Village Bike Shop Chicago Drive Cycle & Fitness* Hamilton Bicycles* Kentwood Cycle & Fitness* North Country Cycle Sport* Holland Cycle & Fitness* North Country Cycle Sport* Minnesota Behind Bars Bicycle Shop Continental Ski And Bike Cycle Path & Paddle Freewheel Bike Sawtooth Outfitters Straight River Sports & Fitness* Adventure Cycle & Ski* County Cycles* Freewheel Bike* Gateway Cycle* Martin’s Cycling & Fitness* Mike’s Bicycle Shop* Penn Cycle* Ramsey Bicycle* Maple Grove Cycling* Rochester Cycling & Fitness* Rydjor Bike Shop* Penn Cycle - Blaine* Freewheel LLC.* The Bike & Fitness Company* Missouri Alpine Shop Ltd. Klunk Bicycles & Repair Mesa Cycles Outside Outfitters Walt’s Bicycle Fitness And Wilderness Leawood Bicycles* Biscari Brothers Bicycles* Cycles Unlimited* A&B Cycle* Momentum Cycles, LLC.* West Plains Cyclery* Momentum Cycles LLC.*

A-1 Bicycle Sales And Service* Country Cycles* CycleWerx* Route 66 Bicycles LLC.* Walt’s Bike Shop* Trek Store Of St Louis* Truman Lake Bikes* Mississippi Indian Cycle Fitness & Outdoor Montanta Bangtail Bikes Big Sky Bikes Freeheel And Wheel Great Divide Cyclery Great Northern Cycles Missoula Bicycle Works North Carolina Bluff Mtn Outfitters Cycles De Oro, Inc, J & L Bicycle Co. Liberty Bicycles Suspension Experts, Inc. The Clean Machine Two Wheeler Dealer Westside Pro Bikes Bicycle Toy & Hobby Sales* The Bicycle Shop* Rainbow Cycles Incorporatd* Two Wheeler Dealer* Trek Store Of Raleigh* Liberty Bicycles (Plt)* Highgear Bike Of Omaha Trek Store Of Omaha The Bike Rack* Trek Store Of St Louis* New Hampshire Claremont Cycle Depot Gus’ Bike Shop Likin’ Bikin’ Littleton Bike & Fitness New Jersey Campmor James Vincent Bicycles Marty’s Reliable Cycle Tenafly Bicycle Workshop Sussex Bike And Sport* Cosmic Wheel* Marty’s Reliable Cycle* High Gear Cyclery* New Mexico Spoke N Word Cycles Taos Cyclery Two Wheel Drive Nevada Bike Habitat Village Ski Loft Reno Cycling And Fitness* Peloton Sports*

New York Beacon Cycles Ltd. Bicycle Habitat Brands Cycle And Fitness Danny’s Cycles NYC Velo Park West Vision Rocky Point Cycles The Bike Rack Westchester Bicycle Pro Shop Wheels Unlimited Verrazano Bicycle Shop* Danny’s Cycles*

Bucks County Bicycle Company* Adventure Cycling & Fitness* Green Mountain Cyclery* Marty’s Bicycle Shop* Shirk’s Bike Shop* Big Earl’s*

Ohio Eddy’s Bike Shop Kettering Bike Shop Montgomery Cyclery Paradise Garage Veloshops Xsportsprotective Athens Bicycle* Bike Authority* Breakaway Cycling* Cycle Sales* Eddy’s Bike Shop - North Olmsted* Ernie’s Bicycles* Y-Not Cycling & Fitness, Inc.* Athens Bicycle Ltd.* Y-Not Cycling & Fitness, Inc.*

South Dakota Acme Bicycles Sioux River Bicycles & Fitness Two Wheeler Dealer Cycle & Fitness Ace Bike & Fitness* Sioux River Cyclery* Tennessee Cyclolgy Bicycles Harpers Bike Shop Mountain Skate And Bike Tennessee Valley Bicycles The Bike Zoo Trailhead Bicycle Company Trek Bicycle Store Chattanooga

Oklahoma 918xc Bicycles Adventure Bicycle Center Bike Shop Al’s Bicycles* Oregon Bike Gallery Bike Newport Hutch’s Bicycles Mountain Works Rogue Valley Cycle Sport Santiam Bikes Sunnyside Sports The Mountain Works* Pennsylvania Adventure Cycling Big Earl’s Bike Shop Bikesport Freeze Thaw Cycles Guy’s Bicycles Rothrock Outfitters Shirk’s Bike Shop West Chester Bicycle Center Big Bang Bicycles* The Bicycle Store* Competitive Gear* Dirty Harry’s Bicycles* Bikesport Inc.* Human Zoom Bikes & Boards*

TEVA BACKS BOULDER’S VALMONT BIKE PARK

PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERBIKE BENEFITS IMBA

South Carolina Lucky Bike Ride On Bicycles Sunrift Adventures, Inc. The Great Escape Bike Shop Trek Store Of Mt Pleasant*

Texas Aggieland Cycling Aj’s Cyclery Bicycle Sport Shop Bike Masters Bikesport Biketown Chain Reaction Cycling & Fitness City Cyclist Hill Country Bicycle Works Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop Ozone Bike Dept Ride Away Bikes Simpson’s Fitness And Adventure Sports Webster Bicycle Bike World* Bicycle Sport Shop* Mellow Johnny’s* Richardson Bike Mart* B&B Bicycles* Utah Biker’s Edge Downhill Cyclery Joyride Bikes Poison Spider Bikes Red Rock Bicycle Rim Tours Salt Lake City Bicycle Co. The Bike Shoppe Zion Cycles LLC.* Virginia Bikes Unlimited

Black Dog Bikes C’ville Bike & Tri East Coasters Bike Shop Pedal Power Bicycles Pibby’s Bicycle Repair Plum Grove Cyclery

The Bike Lane Trail’s End Cycling Co. The Bike Lane* East Coaster Bike Shop* East Coasters* Shenandoah Bicycle Company* Vermont Battenkill Sports Bike 29/Five Hills Bikes LLC. Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness Washington Bicycles West Burlington Custom Cyclery Classic Cycle Earl’s Bike Shop Gordon Leckie Gregg’s Greenlake Cyclery Kulshan Cycles Mike’s Bikes Montlake Bicycle Shop North Division Bicycle Shop Old Town Bicycle The Broken Spoke Wheel Sport Inc. Wildlife Cycles North Division Bicycle* Valley Cycling & Fitness* Wisconsin Emery’s Cycling Inc. New Moon Ski & Bike Racine Cyclery & Fitness LLC. Uphill Grind Bicycle & Coffee Emery’s Cyclery Inc* Middleton Cycle* Michael’s Cycles* Racine Cyclery* Rainbow Jersey Bicycle* Trek Store Of Madison* Wheel & Sprocket* Williamson Bicycle Works* Fond Du Lac Cyclery* Oshkosh Cyclery* Wheel & Sprocket* Smith’s Cycling & Fitness* West Virginia North Bend Outfitters Vienna Bicycle Shop Parkersburg Bicycle* Fat Tire Cycle* Wyoming Fitzgerald’s Bicycles

Teva joined IMBA in 2010 and stepped up to the “above and beyond” level to support IMBA’s work on the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colorado. They initiated an additional donation, made in conjunction with the Outdoor Foundation, to facilitate the grand opening of Valmont on June 11. The IMBA-designed bike park will feature cross-country trails, a pump track, skills areas, dirt jumps, dual slalom, cyclocross and kids gateway trails.

The Interbike tradeshow in Las Vegas is a major touchpoint for IMBA and our retail members, media and the bike industry. Interbike is a proud corporate member and provides additional support for IMBA at the show. In 2010, Interbike hosted the annual IMBA Leadership Breakfast, presented by The North Face, attended by hundreds of our loyal supporters. Interbike also hosts IMBA for a strong presence at the On-Dirt Demo, held on the Epic trails of Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City Nevada. Color Country, IMBA’s local National Mountain Bike Patrol, provides first aid and risk management services for the demo.

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The Faces of Advocacy The Crews PROFILE inspiring IMBA members

s they crisscross the nation, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews constantly meet and build trials with IMBA club leaders, dedicated members and progressive-minded land managers. Here’s a small sampling of the inspirational characters they’ve met on the road.

Luis Razo Store Manager for Jensen USA Riverside, California My top advocacy tip is to be thankful. It takes more than one person to get things done.

Don’t forget to thank those around you that are taking the time out of their work schedule, their family time, or their personal time to help you with your cause.

Nothing will earn you more respect than a sincere sign of appreciation.

Cory Caletti Transportation Planner Santa Cruz, California

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While some may think it’s a luxury to prioritize the mental well-being mountain biking generates, I think it’s a life necessity. I’m a fitness fanatic and I also work as a transportation planner (focusing on bike programs in particular), so when I ride on the road, which I do many hours a week, I’m consumed by thoughts of car-bike conflict due to poor infrastructure allocation to bikes, and the lack of understanding of the cyclists’ experience by folks who only view mobility in a car-centric

manner. I feel grateful that I get to live and ride in Santa Cruz County while also working towards treading lighter on the planet.

Kathy Muthig Medicine Bow Bike Patrol Laramie, Wyoming Before I became an advocate, I wish I had known that even when it feels like it is, rejection isn’t personal when working with land managers, but usually comes from a lack of understanding. The hardest part is giving people a little passion for mountain biking and trails so that they understand why you care.

Bicycles create opportunity to see new places, meet new people and challenge your self. I was new to mountain biking when I started volunteering with bike patrol. I have met so many people and became involved in events and with different volunteer groups. It’s nice to remember how much biking has given to me.

Gary Vernon Friends of Slaughter Pen Trail Bentonville, Arkansas I love trails because I enjoy the challenge of riding my bike on technical terrain, as well as getting out in nature. You meet the best people on the trail. I became an advocate to ensure our fantastic trails in North West Arkansas continue to expand and maintain their quality. I wish I had known about the Trail Care Crew program before I had children. It would

have been fun to do trail work around the country for a year or so. My number one advocacy tip is be a cheerleader; be that positive spark because no one wants to listen to your complaining if you’re not taking action to make things better.

SUBARU REWARDS IMBA MEMBERS WITH HASSLE-FREE VIP PURCHASES Subaru’s VIP Program allows IMBA individual/ family members and IMBA member clubs to purchase or lease any new Subaru saving $1,300-$3,000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, without haggling. Visit imba.com/tcc for details.

SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW SPONSORS

IMBA Canada New IMBACanada.com Website Goes Live

IMBA Canada is excited to announce the launch of a new website for the Canadian trail community. Located at imbacanada.com, the site boasts a new design and interface, along with added resources, stunning photos and Canada-specific news items.

Designed by Whistler-based Origin Design + Communications, the new site features a beautiful home page, integrated blog and an events calendar.

Another new feature is the Near You section, a one-stop-shop for members and website users to find news, events, staff and IMBA Canada-affiliated groups specific to their region.

“Our goal was to use imbacanada.com to bring the trail community together. With the Near You section, users can quickly learn about access issues, IMBA programs and volunteer trail building days in their communities,” says Rachael Raven, communications coordinator for IMBA Canada.

Hearty thanks to Mountain Equipment Co-op for providing a capacity-building grant, which helped to fund a portion of the website.

IMBA CANADA LAUNCHING NEW PRINT PUBLICATION FOR 2011 Starting this summer, IMBA Canada’s staff will be creating and publishing our very own full-colour print newsletter. The all-Canadian content will be mailed to members and supporters twice a year, and will replace subscriptions to the U.S.-created IMBA Trail News (ITN). Issues will also be available to the general public online.

“Since opening in 2004, IMBA’s Canadian office has shared resources — such as imba.com and the ITN —with the U.S. office, in Boulder, Colorado,” says executive director Lora Woolner. “We are thrilled to be able to step out on our own and offer members and supporters a Canadian-specific newsletter.”

The Canadian print newsletter will include feature articles, club and rider profiles, corporate member visibility and international content. Sponsorship opportunities start at $500 (CAN) and include a broad range of benefits. Contact Lora Woolner at 519-208-2820 for more information.

LAUNCH OF X-FUSION TRAIL AMBASSADOR AWARDS We’re teaming up with Renegade Cycle Solutions (RCS) to offer a new program. All summer long, IMBA Canada will be accepting online nominations for best trail advocate from Eastern Canada, and from the West.

Winners will be recognized with the title of “X-Fusion Trail Ambassador” and take home a sweet X-Fusion Velvet RL fork, courtesy of RCS. Do you know a deserving candidate? We’re looking for those unsung heroes who always go the extra mile. Nominate your trail maestro on imbacanada.com. Winners will be announced in Fall 2011.

2011 CANADIAN TRAIL CARE CREW SCHEDULE REVS UP The IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew kicked off the 2011 season with three awesome visits in Southern Ontario.

Congratulations to the Hamilton Cycling Club who hosted our largest Trail Building School yet! Over 80 volunteers pitched in, building 400 meters of new singletrack in Christie Lake Conservation Area.

Catch the Canadian Trail Care Crew when they visit your neck of the woods.

You can find more dates online, and follow the Crew’s blog, at imbacanada.com.

Upcoming Visits: May 5-8: Regina, SK May 12-15: Grasslands National Park (Val Marie), SK May 19-22: Hinton, AB May 26-29: Prince George, BC June 2-5: Wood Buffalo National Park (Fort Smith), NT June 16-19: Winnipeg, MB Jun 23-26: Dryden, ON June 28-3: Thunder Bay, ON July 15-16: Ontario Mountain Bike Festival, Milton, ON July 28-31: Mont-Tremblant, QC 15

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today for better trails tomorrow. Visit imba.com/taf