IMBA Singletrack eNews, October, 2007 All of us at IMBA were greatly saddened to learn that Richard Juryn and Denis Fontaine perished last week in a boating accident on the Howe Sound. Juryn was a dedicated mountain bike activist, a driving force behind the Crankworx festival and a key partner for the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference. We send our heartfelt condolences to both families. Act Now! Commentary Period for Continental Divide Trail Ends Friday On Oct. 12, the US Forest Service will stop taking comments on a proposed directive to limit mountain bike access on the Continental Divide Trail. The trail includes the famous Monarch Crest, many sections of the Colorado Trail, well-known Steamboat Springs singletrack, important trails around Butte and Helena and much, much more. Please file your comments today. Tamarack Resort to Host 2008 U.S. Nationals Idaho's Tamarack Resort -- slated to become an IMBA Ride Center -- recently announced it will soon build new trails to prepare for the 2008 U.S. National Mountain Bike Championships. Scheduled for Aug. 28-Sept. 1, the races will be fully sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and will feature events in all mountain biking disciplines: cross-country, downhill, four-cross, marathon and relays."The trail building partnership with Tamarack Resort has been special," says IMBA Field Programs Manager Scott Linnenburger. "We're both in this to create a model trail-based resort, with plenty of progressive options for riders of every style." National Park Service Experiment With Shared-Use Trail Earns Praise "The National Park Service's experiment to permit mountain biking on a trail in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area previously designated as hiking-only has come to a close, and the result is good news for mountain bikers." So opens a recent story in the Knoxville News Sentinel. USA Cycling and IMBA Announce Trail Tune-Up Grants Seven $500 USA Cycling/IMBA Trail Tune-Up Grants are available to mountain biking groups seeking to jump-start trail improvement projects. The application deadline is November 15, 2007. Grant winners will be announced in late November. Trails Solutions Selected to Design Trails at Mammoth Resort IMBA's Trail Solutions has been selected as the consultant for natural-surface trails at Mammoth resort. Professionals on the Trail Solutions team will work closely with ALTA Planning and Design, who is providing planning services for paved pathways and road systems. According to IMBA's Cimarron Chacon, Mammoth has plans to become a "premier year-round resort community." The planning includes a multi-jurisdictional partnership with the town of Mammoth Lakes and the US Forest Service. Additional partners include Mammoth Mountain resort and the MLTPA, a local non-profit. End Singletrack Prohibition! Please donate to IMBA's Legal Fund today! Contributors of $35 or more will receive IMBA's solid-rubber Iconic Coaster Set (pictured above) in thanks for helping protect iconic trails. ************************************************************************************ IMBA Singletrack eNews, March 2007 Breaking News: National Park Service Listening Sessions As this edition of the Singletrack eNews was being prepared, IMBA learned that the National Park Service (NPS) will hold nationwide listening sessions March 13-29. IMBA and the NPS have partnered to create new mountain biking opportunities, these sessions will provide a great opportunity to strengthen that relationship, and to advocate for better bike access. IMBA's home page will be updated when a confirmed schedule, meeting agendas and talking points become available. A tentative schedule of meetings follows: March 13 - Knoxville March 14 - Anchorage March 15 - St. Louis and Boston March 20 - San Antonio March 22 - Seattle, San Francisco and Miami March 26 - Cleveland March 27 - Albuquerque and Hawaii March 29 - Los Angeles Advocates at National Bike Summit Will Ask for RTCA Funding Next week, mountain bikers and other cyclists will travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Bike Summit. One of the key "asks" will be for Congress to fund the Rivers and Trails Conservationon Assistance ( RTCA) program at $12 million in 2008. Part of the National Park Service, the RTCA brings communities together to build trail and greenway projects, restore rivers and wildlife habitat, preserve open space, and revitalize our public lands. A strong contingent of mountain bike advocates will attend this year's Summit, thanks in part to a generous grant from Bikes Belong. 2007 Kona Grants Announced In 2007, Kona Bicycle Company and IMBA will once again award cash grants to fund the development of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping projects. IMBA-affiliated clubs in North America are invited to apply for 13 $1,000 awards. The application deadline is May 15, 2007, and the grants will be awarded in June, 2007. Funding for the program comes from Kona and the Kona/IMBA Buck-A-Bowl bowling tournament, an annual Las Vegas fundraiser held during Interbike, the bicycle industry trade show. Kona also supports IMBA's online and print resources on sustainable freeriding, including the annual Freeride Guide edition of IMBA Trail News. Red Bull Holds Whacky Indoor Riding Contest (Video Link) On Monday Feb. 26th, riders from across the country competed in Red Bull Ride the Sky contest. Ride the Sky is a mountain biking race through the indoor skyways system of St. Paul, Minnesota. The skyways system connects all the buildings of downtown St. Paul, keeping people inside and away from the cold. Nat Lopes, fresh off his stint with the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program, competed in the event, and captured amazing rider-cam footage. Attention Women Riders IMBA is teaming with Rocky Mountain Bicycles' Dirt Series program to bring quality riding instruction and a friendly attitude to two women-only skills camps this summer. Register now for the IMBA-sponsored camps, held June 23-24 (Hood River, OR) and July 7-8 (Park City, UT). You'll receive great instruction, plus tips on how to start women-specific ride programs in your hometown. IMBA members who attend the camps will receive special gear and prizes. IMBA Tracking Wilderness Bills Before U.S. Congress 2007 promises to be an active year for Wilderness bills in the U.S. IMBA is tracking several bills that have already been introduced, and we expect others will be submitted in upcoming months. Mountain bikers care about land preservation and value their trails and public lands. Because federally defined Wilderness bans bicycles, IMBA works with policymakers to suggest boundary adjustments and alternative land protections where significant trails exist in proposed Wilderness. Read more in our online FAQ. Australian 'Tracks and Trails Conference' Scheduled for March 2008 The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation is already gearing up to host the Tracks and Trails Conference in March of 2008. The event will be held on the Sunshine Coast, south of Brisbane, with a focus on national mountain bike issues. Stay tuned to the Mountain Bike Australia website for additional updates. **************************************************************************** IMBA Singletrack Update - September 2005 In this update: 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS * Bush Rides IMBA-Built Singletrack in Idaho * New Transportation Bill Promises $370 Million for Trails * Congress Gets Behind Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Oct. 1 * Sept. 24 is National Public Lands Day: Register for Prizes * NORBA/IMBA Trail Tune-up Grants Awarded * CLIF Bar and IMBA Award $6,000 in Grants * Bikes Fly Free Update * Donate to the IMBA Trailbuilding Fund * IMBA Trail News Freeride Issue Goes Big 2. REGIONAL REPORTS * Central Oregon Gains New Freeride Area * Help Protect Mountain Biking in Southwestern Montana * Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Rocks New Hampshire * IMBA/SORBA to Host National Mountain Bike Patrol Training Conference * Bonny Outlook for Scottish Mountain Bike Tourism 3. THE IMBA STORE * Baggies for Comfort * Hoodies for Chillin' * Hats for Pinheads * "Ride to Live" T-shirts -- 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS: * Bush Rides IMBA-Built Singletrack in Idaho President George W. Bush spent a vacation day mountain biking at the new Tamarack Resort in central Idaho in late August. The 25-mile Tamarack trail system was designed and built by IMBA. The president rode 16 miles, sampling many of the singletrack trails that have earned Tamarack a reputation for world-class mountain biking. For more on the president's mountain biking, read this USA Today story on the IMBA News Wire: http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/08_11_05_mtb_bush.html * New Transportation Bill Promises $370 Million for Trails The U.S. Congress has approved a new five-year federal transportation bill that will increase federal grants for singletrack. Most important, the Recreational Trails Program will grow to a total of $370 million over five years, $144 million (64 percent) more than the previous transportation bill. Read more here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/07_05/07_29_trans_bill.html * Congress Gets Behind Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day: Oct. 1 For the second year in a row, IMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day -- held Oct 1 this year -- has gained support from the U.S. Congress. For information and advice on planning an event, visit http://imba.com/resources/kids/index.html * Sept. 24 is National Public Lands Day: Register for Prizes National Public Lands Day will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005. Whether it's new trail construction or routine maintenance, involving your group in National Public Lands Day will help solidify mountain biking's prominent position in the trails community. BOB Trailers will donate two trailers to the cause and to inspire more volunteer trailbuilding -- but you have to register with IMBA to win. Register your club's event here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/08_05/08_11_npld.html * NORBA/IMBA Trail Tune-up Grants Awarded Ten $500 NORBA/IMBA Trail Tune-up Grants have been awarded. Winning projects ranged from urban freeride parks to improvements to country trail systems. To see who grabbed the loot, click here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/07_05/07_20_norba_grant.html * CLIF Bar and IMBA Award $6,000 in Grants Fifty-eight CLIF Bar/IMBA Trail Preservation grants, totaling $29,000, have been distributed since the program was established in 2001. This year's winners can be viewed here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/09_05/09_01_clif_winners.html * Bikes Fly Free Update America West has dropped the Bikes Fly Free benefit to IMBA members. Frontier, however, is still honoring the program. Details here: http://www.imba.com/membership/bikes_fly_free.html * Donate to the IMBA Trailbuilding Fund "The greatest innovation in mountain biking is the trail," says mountain biking pioneer Gary Fisher. Please help IMBA add more sweet singletrack by donating to the IMBA Trailbuilding Fund. Click here: http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/dotoimtrfu.html * IMBA Trail News Freeride Issue Goes Big The third edition of IMBA's Freeride Guide -- sponsored by Rocky Mountain Bicycles -- will arrive in mailboxes over the next few weeks. Look for informative trailbuilding articles, information about working with land managers and stacks of color photos. The Freeride section of IMBA.com will be upgraded shortly, and already offers dozens of articles: http://www.imba.com/resources/freeriding/index.html -- 2. REGIONAL REPORTS * Central Oregon Gains New Freeride Area A network of challenging trails -- including dirt jumps, ladder rides, drops, and jumps, log rides and a 12-13' cliff drop -- have gained official approval by State Park officals in Silverton, Oregon. Read more here: http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/08_10_05_silverton.html * Help Protect Mountain Biking in Southwestern Montana Southwestern Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest draft management plan is up for review. Tell the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest planners that land protection can include mountain biking! Cyclists are urged to comment by September 28. http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/07_05/07_31_montana.html * Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Rocks New Hampshire New Hampshire's Hopkinton Lake boasts new trails, including ultra-durable challenges built from native granite, thanks to a Trail Care visit and IMBA's partnership with by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Story (with heaps of photos) here: http://www.imba.com/tcc/2005/hopkinton_nh.html * IMBA/SORBA to Host National Mountain Bike Patrol Training Conference The National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) Regional Training Conference is scheduled for Oct. 8-9, 2005, at Gainesville College in Gainesville, Georgia. Successful participants will have the opportunity to become certified National Mountain Bike Patrol Instructors. Online registration and conference details are available at: http://www.imba.com/nmbp/conference.html * Bonny Outlook for Scottish Mountain Bike Tourism Mountain bike tourism in Scotland is on the rise, according to the Sunday Times. The Scottish Tourism Department estimates that the number of mountain biking trips exceeded 1 million in 2004. Read more here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-1725094,00.html -- 3. THE IMBA STORE * Baggies for Comfort The NEW IMBA Edition Jewel baggy riding short ($60) is a high-performance riding item that won't attract awkward lycra-induced stares during your post-ride watering hole sessions. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imednejebash.html * Hoodies for Chillin' IMBA's NEW hooded sweatshirt ($40) is perfect for cold chillin'. Loose fitting with a fleecy inside will keep you styled-out and warm, from the jump park to the dog park. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imbahoody.html * Hats for Pinheads These flexfit-style IMBA lids ($15) are the solution to post-ride helmet hair. HOWEVER, they're only available in size small/medium (fits hat size 6 5/8 to 7) for now. Fatheads rejoice, as larger sizes should arrive soon. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/bsoimhat.html * "Ride to Live" T-shirts Donate $30 to the IMBA Trailbuilding Fund and you'll receive our killer "Ride to Live" T-shirt. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/dotoimtrfu.html -- Like this IMBA eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IMBA Singletrack Update - July 2005 In this update: 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS * IMBA Testifies in Congress on CA Wilderness * Bike-Friendly VA Wilderness Bill * Ask for More Biking in Grand Teton National Park * Oregon Clubs Write Proposal for Mount Hood National Forest * North Dakota Air Force Base Partners with IMBA * Adirondack Cyclists Might be Snakebitten * Kona Freeride Grants Awarded * Take a Kid Mountain Biking on Oct. 1 2. REGIONAL REPORTS * Three New Trails Added in Oklahoma * Peoria Gains Singletrack Thanks to PAMBA and Army Corps * Equestrians Team with CT Sprockids Group * Oregon Club Awarded $20,000 for Environmental Assessment * Ontario Trail Improvement Grants Awarded 3. IMBA BENEFITS AND MERCHANDISE * Trail Solutions a Best Seller * New Book Available * Reminder: Bikes Fly Free on Frontier and America West -- 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS * IMBA Testifies in Congress on CA Wilderness For the second time in a nine-month period, IMBA was asked to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding proposed Wilderness. On July 14, IMBA's Jim Hasenauer provided testimony on the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act (S.128/H.R. 233), a bill that threatens to ban mountain biking from 170 miles of singletrack trails. Read more: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/07_05/07_14_imba_testimony.html * Support Needed for Bike-Friendly VA Wilderness Bill Working closely with the Virginia Wilderness Committee (VWC), IMBA has forged an innovative bike-friendly agreement that will protect parts of the Jefferson National Forest in southern Virginia as Wilderness, but keep trails open through alternative designations. Please consider writing a letter in support of this bill, a model of compromise that could be replicated in many states facing Wilderness-imposed bans. Read more: http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/07_05/07_07_virginia.html * Grand Teton National Park Comments Needed by Aug. 1 IMBA and the National Parks and Conservation Association (NPCA) urge mountain bikers nationwide to ask for improved bicycling in Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson, Wyoming, area. A new transportation plan is in the works, and public comments must be submitted by Aug. 1. Contact Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott and voice your support for the Improved Alternative 4 transportation plan with IMBA's template at: http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/07_05/07_14_grand_teton.html * Oregon Clubs Offer Innovative Proposal for Mount Hood The Oregon Mountain Bike Alliance (ORMBA) and IMBA have released an innovative proposal that would protect the undeveloped lands of the Mount Hood National Forest using a combination of diverse land protections, rather than a federal Wilderness designation. The ORMBA/IMBA plan includes a detailed map covering all the lands in the "Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act," proposed in 2004 by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. For details: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/06_05/06_14_mount_hood.html * North Dakota Air Force Base Partners with IMBA The Airman Leadership School at Minot Air Force Base will team with IMBA to build trails. "We're teaching service men and women to build fun, sustainable trails and they just love it. Plus, they take orders really well," says North Dakota rep Ron Luethe. Similar agreements with other Air Force bases are on the horizon. Visit the North Dakota Cycling Federation website for the latest news: http://www.ndcycling.com/ * L.A. Times Says Adirondack Cyclists Could be Snakebitten According to the L.A. Times, a pro-rattlesnake, anti-biking group is seeking to keep bikes out of the Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest, in New York's Adirondacks region. Protected by state law, rattlesnakes are considered a threatened species in New York. Cyclists say that riding on 5 miles of trails at Split Rock is a trivial risk to the rattler population. Bikes are allowed in 1.3 million acres of Adirondack wild forest and excluded from 1 million Wilderness acres. Read more here (requires registration): http://www.latimes.com/news/science/wire/sns-ap-apn-rattlesnake-range,1,8554 6.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true&coll=sns-ap-science-headlines * Kona Freeride Grants Awarded Seven 2005 Kona/IMBA Freeride Grants have been awarded, thanks to Kona Bicycle Company's generous support. The clubs will each receive $1,000 cash grants to help create new freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping opportunities. To find out which clubs made the cut, and to see how they plan to spend their money, visit this page: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/06_05/06_23_kona_winners.html * Take a Kid Mountain Biking on Oct. 1 On Oct. 1, IMBA's annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day will once again help introduce scores of young riders to the sport. Congress will likely lend its support, as both houses are expected to endorse the program in upcoming weeks. Also supporting the effort is Trips for Kids, an award-winning program that helps disadvantaged kids discover mountain biking. Not sure what kind of equipment your kid should use? Here are some tips from the League of American Bicyclists: http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/factsheets/kidbikes.htm __ 2. REGIONAL REPORTS * Three New Trails Added in Oklahoma Oklahoma bikers and hikers recently gained nearly 6 miles of track at the Lake View Lodge Mountain Bicycle & Hiking Trail, located at Beavers Bend State Park. There are three loops to choose from: The smallest is just under .5 mile, the medium loop runs about 1.5 miles, and the longest loop pushes 4 miles. http://www.okearthbike.com/imba-dude.html * Peoria Gains Singletrack Thanks to PAMBA and Army Corps The Peoria Area Mountain Bike Association (PAMBA) teamed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install a new trail at Farmdale Reservoir Recreation Area in East Peoria, Illinois. Eight miles of shared-use and bike and hike singletrack were established; PAMBA volunteers also lavished care on more than 15 miles of trails in the park. Visit the club's site: http://www.pambamtb.org/html/ * Equestrians Team with CT Kids Group You might think that mountain bike riders and equestrian enthusiasts have little in common, but two Connecticut groups are proving otherwise. The Bridle Path Conservancy (BPC), a non-profit group dedicated to preserving shared-use trails in Connecticut and SprocKids Deep River, a youth mountain biking group, teamed up recently to restore and improve trails in the Weber Woods section of Cockaponset State Forest. Read more at: http://www.bpconservancy.org/News.htm?menu_show=projectmenu * Oregon Group Awarded $20,000 for Environmental Assessment In the riding mecca of Bend, Oregon, IMBA representative Paul Thomasberg and the Central Oregon Trail Alliance have received a $20,000 grant to conduct environmental assessment work related to the development of a highly anticipated new trail system. Details here: http://www.cotamtb.org/ * Ontario Trail Improvement Grants Awarded Thanks to a partnership between the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) and IMBA Canada, three Ontario mountain bike clubs will receive $500 cash grants to improve local trails. The program's goal is to support the creation and enhancement of trails for mountain bike racing and training, and to encourage clubs to take a stewardship role in their local trail communities. Find out who got the loot here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/07_05/07_11_ontario_grants.html -- 3. IMBA BENEFITS AND MERCHANDISE * Trail Solutions a Best Seller IMBA reached a milestone this spring when the 5,000th copy of the popular book "Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack," rolled off the shelf. Order your copy here: http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/trail_solutions.html * New Trailbuilding Book Available Written by trail expert Troy Scott Parker, "Natural Surface Trails by Design" explores trail design from a theoretical perspective. A perfect companion to "Trail Solutions," this 78-page book focuses on the why of trails rather than the how. Now available at the IMBA on-line store for $30. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/immer.html * Reminder: Bikes Fly Free on Frontier and America West Taking your bike with you on a summer trip? If you fly with Frontier or America West you can take your bike with you for free by booking through Adventure Travel. Click here for more info: http://www.bikesfly.com/ -- Like this IMBA eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com ********************************************************************************** IMBA Singletrack Update - May 2005 In this update: 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS * IMBA and NPS Reach Breakthrough Agreement * What People Are Saying * NPS Seeks Pilot Projects * Ten $500 Trail Grants Available * Support IMBA's Legal Defense Fund * "Animal Planet" Wants Your Stories 2. REGIONAL REPORTS * Santa Monica Trail Threatened (includes video) * 200 New York Managers Learn From IMBA * IMBA Signs Agreement with Virginia State Parks * NorCAMBA Names New Executive Director * Sugoi Dirt Series Hits Pacific Northwest 3. BENEFITS FOR IMBA MEMBERS * Comfy, Long-Wearing IMBA Socks Available * IMBA Members Save on Long-Distance Calls 1. IMBA NATIONAL NEWS: IMBA AND NPS REACH BREAKTHROUGH AGREEMENT If you've been enjoying the fine spring weather, you might have missed big news out of Washington, D.C. IMBA and the National Parks Service (NPS) recently hammered out a 5-year agreement designed to boost mountain bicycling opportunities in NPS units. All the scoop can be found at http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps.html WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE IMBA/NPS DEAL Newspapers, magazines, IMBA members and supporters from around the globe had good things to say about the IMBA/NPS agreement. Read their reactions at http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_feedback.html NPS LOOKING FOR PILOT PROJECTS In the wake of the recently announced IMBA/NPS agreement, IMBA members are being asked to suggest pilot projects for the NPS to review. IMBA and the NPS will work together to select final candidates in late 2005. Learn more at http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_pilot_idea.html TEN $500 NORBA/IMBA GRANTS AVAILABLE Ten Trail Tune-Up Grants are available to mountain biking groups seeking to jump-start trail improvement projects. To learn more, visit http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_02_norba_grants.html SUPPORT IMBA'S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND Your donation to IMBA's Legal Defense Fund will help shape fair trail use policies and end discrimination against mountain bikers. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/caledefu.html ANIMAL STORIES NEEDED Encountered a wild beast while you were riding? Your story could end up on television's "Animal Planet." Send animal stories that illustrate "the close bonds athletes have with the natural world to Holly Stadtler, President of Dream Catcher Films: dreamcatcherfilms@comcast.net. 2. REGIONAL REPORTS: SANTA MONICA TRAIL THREATENED (INCLUDES VIDEO) Canyonback Trail is a critical access point to the Westridge-Canyon Back Wilderness Park, in Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains. IMBA and the locally based Canyon Back Alliance hope you'll view a streaming video clip, and learn how to take action to save this important resource. http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/04_05/04_28_santa_monica.html 200 NEW YORK LAND MANAGERS LEARN FROM IMBA The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew has worked with more than 200 state and local land managers in New York in the past year. Four regionally focused outreach efforts, organized in partnership with the New York Office of Recreation and Parks, proved an effective way to bring IMBA's experts together with key decision makers. Read more at http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_05/04_29_ny_trail_mgnrs.html IMBA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH VIRGINIA STATE PARKS The State of Virginia and IMBA have forged an agreement to promote and protect mountain biking in the Old Dominion state. Additionally, the Richmond chapter of MORE received a "Local Hero" award at the Governor's Greenways, Blueways and Trails Conference, held May 2. http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_13_virginia.html NorCAMBA NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Northern California Mountain Biking Association (NorCAMBA) is pleased to announce it has hired Patty Ciesla as its Executive Director. Ciesla is a former Santa Clara County Parks Commissioner, and is a Mid-Peninsula Open Space District Docent who leads nature study outings by bicycle. She has been active in Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), the mountain bike club in Silicon Valley, and helped found the non-profit Stewards of Soquel Forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Read more at http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_10_norcamba_ed.html SUGOI DIRT SERIES HITS PACIFIC NORTHWEST In the past four years, the world-class coaches of the Sugoi Dirt Series mountain bike camps have given hundreds of women new skills and confidence on their bikes. This year, the Whistler, British Columbia-based Dirt Series will spread their love for the sport farther than ever before. Eighteen camps (15 are women-only) are being held across B.C., Alberta, the U.S. Pacific Northwest and the Bay area. Each runs on a two-day format and includes morning skill sessions followed by afternoon rides. The program also dedicates time to bike fit and maintenance, trail etiquette, and offers a host of opportunities to demo new gear. There's a limit of 36 riders per camp, and the participant to coach ratio never exceeds 6:1. Details at http://www.dirtseries.com or 604-905-8876. 3. MEMBERSHIP AND MERCHANDISE: IMBA TALL WOOLIE SOCKS KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY ON EPIC RIDES Look around the pro mountain bike circuit and you'll see lots of these socks. The 4 1/2-inch cuff and highly breathable wool/spandex blend are just what your feet need on those long rides. With the IMBA logo on each side and "Get Dirty" emblazoned across the back. Order online at: http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imgditawoso.html IMBA MEMBERS SAVE ON LONG DISTANCE CALLS Mountain bikers can lower their phone bills and help IMBA by taking advantage of low-cost long distance and internet service from Telphonic Communications. Telphonic, an IMBA corporate member, will donate five percent of your charges directly to IMBA. The great rate for domestic U.S. long distance is just 4 cents per minute. There are no hidden fees, and it's easy to sign up at http://www.telphonic.com/imba/index.php or 800-717-5802. ----- Like this IMBA eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com IMBA Club March 2005 eNewsletter ---- Table of Contents: * REGISTER ASAP - IMBA'S 24 HOURS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. – APRIL 6-7 * NO MOUNTAIN BIKER LEFT BEHIND – HOLD MEETINGS IN YOUR HOME DISTRICT * ARE MOUNTAIN BIKERS ON YOUR STATE’S RTP ADVISORY BOARD? * LEARN FROM WNYMBA ON HOW TO APPLY FOR AN RTP GRANT * UTAH IMBA REP RYAN MILLER INITIATES RACE POINTS FOR TRAILWORK PROGRAM * MIDWEST SINGLETRACK ADVOCACY SUMMIT HEADING TO ST. LOUIS - APRIL 8-10 * TRAIL CARE CREW 2005 SCHEDULE – INVITE YOUR LOCAL LAND MANAGERS EARLY * CONSERVATION ACTIONS PERFORMED BY MOUNTAIN BIKERS * USE IMBA’S FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS REPORT * IMBA MN REP TIM WEGNER APPOINTED TO AMERICAN TRAILS BOARD * TRAILS4ALL REACHES MILESTONE - $1 MILLION IN VOLUNTEER SERVICES * IMBA’S WILDERNESS STRATEGY * WILDERNESS PROPOSALS IN 23 STATES – GET INVOLVED * HOST A TRAILWORK DAY ON JULY 1 – FOREST SERVICE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ---- REGISTER ASAP - IMBA'S 24 HOURS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. – APRIL 6-7 - Deadline for discounted lodging March 7; deadline for event registration March 21 Mountain bikers are invited to join the newest 24-hour event - IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. The marathon will take place April 6-7, 2005 in the U.S. capital. Register now so we can plan your meetings. The fun begins with a dinner Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. IMBA staff will equip participants with talking points, handouts and lobbying advice. The next morning, we'll hit the halls of Congress and talk to our elected representatives and staff about key legislation and how it impacts mountain biking. Finally, we'll celebrate our success with a Thursday evening shindig. The effort builds on IMBA's increased activity and leadership in Washington, D.C. - the place where key trail management decisions are made. In 2004, mountain bikers held more than 140 face-to-face meetings with government leaders during the biannual IMBA Summit. IMBA is dedicated to making the trip affordable. We'll schedule all congressional meetings, coordinate logistics and provide plenty of free food and drink. Attendees will need to cover transportation and lodging costs. For more info and to register visit: Rooms are filling fast so reserve your spot today. http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_05/01_06_dc.html ---- NO MOUNTAIN BIKER LEFT BEHIND – HOLD MEETINGS IN YOUR HOME DISTRICT If you can't make IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C., use the April 7 national lobby day as an excuse to schedule a meeting with congressional district staff. Members of Congress have multiple constituent offices scattered around your state and you can use the same talking points we are using in D.C. Making the connection with your local offices is just as important as in Washington and sets the stage for inviting your member of Congress to a trail ground-breaking session or establishing a relationship for when your next access issue looms. For more info on how to schedule a meeting and what to say, visit: http://www.imba.com/resources/organizing/meeting_primer.html ---- ARE MOUNTAIN BIKERS ON YOUR STATE’S RTP ADVISORY BOARD? The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) spends millions of federal dollars building singletrack trails in all 50 states. Many of IMBA’s 550 affiliated clubs have become pros at apply for and building trails with RTP funds. Each state has an advisory board that reviews applications and decides how these funds should be spent. Recently, the Federal Highway Administration, who administers the RTP program, surveyed their states to see how many had mountain bike representation versus bike path/greenways bike representation or both. Several IMBA Reps and club leaders already serve on these boards but many states still need IMBA advocates to get involved. Consider writing your state’s RTP administrator and offering to help. To learn more about the program and to see if mountain bicyclists serve on your state’s RTP committee visit:http://www.imba.com/resources/grants/index.html ---- LEARN FROM WNYMBA ON HOW TO APPLY FOR AN RTP GRANT Still uneasy about trying for a RTP grant? Well, it’s easier than you think. The Western New York Mountain Bike Association (WNYMBA) recently documented their efforts to apply for a Recreational Trails Program grant in their January 2005 newsletter. IMBA clubs have gotten as little as $5,000 and as much as $1 million (over several years) from this fantastic trails program. For more info read, “WNYMBA Submits Recreational Trail Program Grant Application” at: http://www.wnymba.org/portal.php?h=newsletter ---- UTAH IMBA REP RYAN MILLER INITIATES RACE POINTS FOR TRAILWORK PROGRAM IMBA Utah Rep Ryan Miller started a trailwork for points program through Utah’s Intermountain Cup cross-country mountain bike race series. The IMBA/ICUP Trailwork for Points Program is similar to many state’s Pay Dirt programs and allows 30 points for four hours of volunteer trailwork. By working with the Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service and other area land managers, Ryan started the program for racers to gain points toward their season series total. Details at: http://intermountaincup.com/trailmain.htm. Congratulations also to Ryan who was recently named to the Utah Recreational Trails Advisory Council. ---- MIDWEST SINGLETRACK ADVOCACY SUMMIT HEADING TO ST. LOUIS - APRIL 8-10 This year’s gathering will be held April 8-10 just 20 minutes west of St. Louis, Missouri. The event draws trailbuilders and mountain bike advocates from 14 states throughout the Midwest for three days of training and fun. IMBA is a proud sponsor of the event. Friday’s seminars, group discussions and trail demonstrations are topped off with a Saturday bike festival and Sunday race. To learn more and register visit: http://www.gorctrails.com/summit ---- SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW 2005 SCHEDULE – INVITE YOUR LOCAL LAND MANAGERS EARLY The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews are back on the trail and focused on an ambitious mission to tackle more than 100 trail projects and inspire more than 100,000 hours of volunteer trailwork in 2005. Their coast-to-coast tour features 65 two-day IMBA Trailbuilding Schools and presentations at five national conferences. Make sure to invite all area land mangers to maximize this great advocacy opportunity. Full schedule: http://www.imba.com/tcc/schedule.html ---- CONSERVATION ACTIONS PERFORMED BY MOUNTAIN BIKERS Mountain bicyclists are truly a conservation-minded group of people. We not only enjoy bicycling on natural landscapes, we also work to protect those landscapes from harmful development. While bicyclists are a diverse group with many different opinions about political affairs, most of us agree that natural places should stay natural. We particularly value places without roads, places with narrow trails, scenic beauty, clean water, and abundant wildlife. We'll work to maintain and even improve those qualities of Earth's natural places. IMBA has created a list of some of the conservation actions performed by mountain bikers across the country and the world. This list is outdated and we need you to send us additional examples of great work you want listed. Add your local accomplishments to the list by emailing jenn@imba.com or gary@imba.com. Details: http://www.imba.com/resources/conservation/actions.html ---- USE IMBA’S FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS REPORT IMBA staff just completed a 24-page, full color newsletter highlighting the work IMBA did with federal land agencies in 2004. IMBA’s Federal Partnerships Report captures 2004 and 2005 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visits, success stories, tangible project accomplishments, and online resources for the USACE, BLM, USFS and RTCA. A copy of IMBA’s partnership agreement with each agency is also in this valuable advocacy handout. Use this handout as an advocacy tool when working with your local land management agency. It demonstrates that mountain bikers are professional and accountable. The printed partnership agreements can open doors at the local level and shows managers how IMBA works with their counterparts in Washington, D.C. Consider giving a copy to your local land managers. To get a free copy (plus postage) of the IMBA Federal Partnerships Report visit: http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/immer.html ---- IMBA MN REP TIM WEGNER APPOINTED TO AMERICAN TRAILS BOARD Congratulations to IMBA Southern Minnesota Rep Tim Wegner for his recent appointment to the America Trails board of directors. Tim will represent IMBA on this prestigious board and help plan the 2006 National Trails Symposium. Tim is avid trailbuilder and has successfully built and/or negotiated trails with city, county, state and federal land agencies in Minnesota. He is a director of the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (http://www.morcmtb.org/). To learn more about Tim and MORC’s outstanding advocacy achievements read IMBA’s recent success story at: http://www.imba.com/resources/successes/twin_cities.html. For more information on American Trails visit: http://www.americantrails.org/ ---- TRAILS4ALL REACHES MILESTONE - $1 MILLION IN VOLUNTEER SERVICES Congratulations to IMBA-affiliated club Trails4All (http://www.trails4all.org) and their executive director Jim Meyer for reaching the $1 million mark in volunteer trailwork around Orange County, California. Trails4All includes equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Since 1997, Trails4All has helped their strategic partners and public agencies organize more than 14,500 volunteers to work on more than 475 countywide trail projects by sharing and maximizing resources such as tools, materials and experienced personnel. All together their volunteers have logged more than 68,500 volunteer hours totaling more than $1 million worth of volunteer services. Trails4All used an internet calculator to put a monetary value on their volunteer work and leverage the figure as an advocacy tool. IMBA encourages other clubs to use this great resource to quantify your club’s trailwork: http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/volunteer_time.html ---- IMBA’S WILDERNESS STRATEGY The blanket ban on bicycling in Wilderness Areas and its effect on future trail access continues to be a focus for IMBA in 2005. IMBA is pursuing a four-part strategy to protect access for mountain bicycling while preserving natural areas. IMBA believes mountain biking, a low-impact, muscle-powered recreation, is an appropriate use of trails on public lands and is consistent with the values of Wilderness land protection which includes recreation in natural landscapes. The first part of IMBA's strategy is to continue to build clout in the U.S. capital where IMBA staff, volunteer advocates and a prominent D.C. law firm are lobbying to influence proposed Wilderness legislation and protect bicycle access. This includes pending Wilderness bills that would close hundreds of miles of singletrack in California, Oregon, Virginia, Idaho and Washington. Mountain bikers are urged to attend IMBA's "24 Hours of D.C." April 6-7 for a targeted lobbying campaign. In 2004, bicycle advocates held 140 face-to-face meetings with government officials during IMBA's lobby day, championing key mountain biking and Wilderness issues. Full story: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/02_05/02_10_wilderness.html ---- WILDERNESS PROPOSALS IN 23 STATES – GET INVOLVED IMBA calls on all clubs, patrols and reps to get involved in their state’s Wilderness negotiations. If you live in one of the 23 states listed, you can’t afford not to be involved. It is essential that IMBA, cycling clubs and individuals speak strongly for mountain biking in the early stages of Wilderness discussions. Through education, outreach, community building, partnerships and media relations, mountain bikers can influence and support appropriate Wilderness bills. Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming. To learn how to get involved visit: http://www.imba.com/resources/wilderness/index.html ---- HOST A TRAILWORK DAY ON JULY 1 – FOREST SERVICE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The USDA Forest Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary on July 1, 2005. The Forest Service manages 133,000 miles of trail, 155 National Forests, 20 National Grasslands on 191 million acres of public land in 42 states. The Forest Service has partnered with IMBA since 1988, and has worked closely with many of our affiliated clubs for more than a decade. IMBA’s Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews, National Mountain Bike Patrols and dozens of our affiliated clubs regularly volunteer on National Forest land. The Forest Service understands mountain biking and actively supports shared-use trails. IMBA encourages our 550 affiliated clubs to host a trailwork day or patrol event July 1-3 (Friday – Sunday) at their National Forest or join in existing celebrations to acknowledge all the great Forest Service singletrack riding we have enjoyed for years. To learn more about IMBA’s relationship with the Forest Service visit: http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/index.html ---- Jenn Dice -- Government Affairs Director International Mountain Bicycling Association Phone: (303) 545 9011x103 Fax: (303) 545 9026 E-mail: jenn@imba.com Website: http://www.imba.com What would we do without trails? Are YOU an IMBA member? Join today! ---- ************************************************************************************* IMBA Singletrack Update - February 2005 In the update: 1. INTODUCTION 2. NEW TRAILS NEAR YOU -- Syosset, New York -- Natchez, Mississippi -- Milford, Massachusetts -- Ward, Colorado 3. SUCCESS STORIES OF THE MONTH -- Black Canyon, Arizona -- Seattle, Washington -- Need your success stories 4. IMBA ADVOCACY NEWS -- IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. (Register Now!) -- Save the dates -- IMBA seeks 2006 Summit location -- IMBA 2005 Epic nominations open -- Use IMBA federal partnerships report for local advocacy -- 2005 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew schedule announced 5. MEMBERSHIP AND MERCHANDISE -- 2005 IMBA calendars - only $8 ----- 1) INTRODUCTION Hello fat tire fanatics! Well, despite two feet of new snow in the mountains west of IMBA HQ - and a brutal winter for much of the country - we're still confident that spring is just around the corner. February is the shortest month of the year, then we enter the home stretch to the sweet, lush, blooming, green spring mountain biking season. Get your XC bikes, single speeds, 29ers, freeride bikes and unicycles ready: the time to ride is almost here! To fuel the stoke, we've got some cool stories for you in this edition of the IMBA Singletrack Update. If you don't want to receive these monthly updates, and would like to be removed from IMBA's email list, simply email membership@imba.com with the subject line REMOVE. Cheers - The IMBA Team ----- 2) NEW TRAILS NEAR YOU FAMILY TRAIL - SYOSSET, NEW YORK A Long Island interpretive trail will give beginning mountain bikers the 411 on rider etiquette. Slated to open in summer 2005, the appropriately named "Family Trail" in Stillwell Woods Park loosely imitates the Russler's Loop interpretive trail in Fruita, Colorado. IMBA affiliate club Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB) is working with Nassau County to build the trail and install signage. More info: http://www.climbonline.org CLEAR SPRINGS TRAIL SYSTEM - NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think mountain biking, but actually the state has some terrific riding. At the top of the list is the Clear Springs singletrack system in the Homochitta National Forest. These trails, built by the U.S. Forest Service during the past five years, feature sustainable, rolling, fast singletrack with lots of jumps and bridges. More info: http://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/United,States,Trails/Mississippi/PRD_16874 3_4558crx.aspx VIETNAM ACCESS TRAIL - MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS Last fall, the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) successfully raised $210,000 to purchase 47 acres that was slated for residential development. The parcel is officially called the Upper Charles River Headwaters, but is more commonly referred to as "Vietnam." NEMBA has built a 3/4-mile trail featuring fast, flowing turns, technical sections and rock challenges that accesses Vietnam property. More info: http://www.nemba.org SOURDOUGH TRAIL - WARD, COLORADO Trail access near Boulder, Colorado is improving. This summer the Boulder Off Road Alliance (BOA) completed a reroute of the Sourdough Trail, adding 1/2-mile of fun contour trail with numerous technical sections. The trail, which sits at 10,000 feet above sea level on U.S. Forest Service land, features some of the best high altitude singletrack in Boulder County. More info: http://www.boa-mtb.org Got a new trail? Let us know: http://www.imba.com/repcenter/communication.html#New ----- 3) SUCCESS STORIES OF THE MONTH BLACK CANYON, ARIZONA: IMBA TEAMS WITH BLM TO BUILD TRAILS The historic Black Canyon Trail (BCT) provides a critical link to the past and future of Arizona. Use of the canyon has altered from a livestock driveway to a recreational mecca, providing a backcountry experience accessible to the growing populations of Phoenix, Prescott and communities along the I-17 corridor. The BLM contracted with IMBA Trail Solutions to assess the current trail layout and make recommendations for its improvement. Full story: http://www.imba.com/resources/successes/black_canyon.html SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: COLONNADE PARK REDEFINES URBAN MOUNTAIN BIKING Quality dirt singletrack in most cities is about as common as baggy shorts in the Paris-Roubaix. Enter Colonnade Park and Seattle's powerhouse Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC), hell bent on redefining urban riding. The BBTC website says: "Imagine a place where you can ride technical trails through towering columns with beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Now imagine this is a place where it never rains and is right in downtown Seattle. You're not dreaming, this is reality!" Full story: http://www.imba.com/resources/successes/colonnade.html IMBA WANTS YOUR SUCCESS STORIES Got success? If you know about a club or a person who is doing a rockin' job for our sport, forward the info on to dan@imba.com or give us a ring at 303-545-9011 x 101, or fill out our online form at http://www.imba.com/repcenter/communication.html#New ----- 4) IMBA ADVOCACY NEWS IMBA'S 24 HOURS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 6-7, 2005 REGISTER NOW SO WE CAN SCHEDULE YOUR MEETINGS IMBA asks mountain bikers everywhere to join the newest 24-hour event - the 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. It's your chance to give something back to the sport. The goal is simple: raise awareness of access and recreation issues and convince them that mountain biking deserves their support. If you are planning to attend, please register right away. IMBA needs plenty of lead-time to schedule your meetings. Full story: http://www.imba.com/resources/washington_dc/24_hours_dc.html SAVE THE DATES Mark these dates on your 2005 calendar: - April 6-7: IMBA's 24 Hours of D.C. (National and Local Lobby Day) - June 4: National Trails Day - Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day - Oct. 1: Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day IMBA SEEKS 2006 SUMMIT LOCATION IMBA is looking for the ideal location for the 2006 IMBA Summit. If you would like to learn more about the requirements necessary for hosting the IMBA Summit please visit: http://www.imba.com. Deadline March 1, 2005. IMBA 2005 EPIC NOMINATIONS OPEN Think your trail is worth of the IMBA Epic designation? Each year IMBA selects a handful of great rides around the world to receive this special honor. We are currently accepting Epic nominations for 2005. To nominate a trail visit http://www.imba.com/epics/nominate_epic.html USE IMBA FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS REPORT FOR LOCAL ADVOCACY IMBA staff just completed a 24-page, full color newsletter highlighting the work IMBA did with federal land agencies in 2004. IMBA's Federal Partnerships Report captures 2004 and 2005 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visits, success stories, tangible project accomplishments, and online resources for the USACE, BLM, USFS and RTCA. A copy of IMBA's partnership agreement with each agency is also in this valuable advocacy handout. This is a must have for land managers or any advocate who works with these agencies. Get a copy at http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/immer.html 2005 SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED The 2005 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews are cranking in 2005. Two teams of trail experts will travel year-round throughout North America and beyond, leading trailwork sessions, meeting with land managers, and working with IMBA-affiliated clubs and members to improve mountain biking opportunities. The Crews will also lead a series of popular two-day IMBA Trailbuilding Schools. To view the 2005 schedule visit: http://www.imba.com/tcc/schedule.html ----- 5) MEMBERSHIP AND MERCHANDISE 2005 IMBA CALENDARS - ONLY $8 Have you gotten all the way through January and still confused about what day it was? Or perhaps the calendar you got from your grandmother, Chrysanthemums of Romania, isn't quite as scintillating as you originally thought. If so you need to order a 2005 IMBA calendar today! This year's edition is a cornucopia of visual singletrack treats from the best in the business. Size: 13" by 13." Discounted price of $8. Just a few left - order now by calling 888-442-4622 or online at: http://www.imba.com ----- Do you like this IMBA e-newsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com ----- If you'd like to be removed from this list send an email to membership@imba.com with the subject REMOVE. ----- End |
