IMBA Leads Trail Workshops in Israel

Mountain bikers and land managers from across Israel came together in September 2007, for five days of education and partnership building. IMBA Trail Solutions staff member Pete Webber led a variety of workshops on trailbuilding and mountain biking management. The week ended with a big volunteer trailwork event.

The events were organized by the Israel Cycling Federation with the support of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL)/Jewish National Fund (JNF), Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority, the Sampson Bike Riders Club, and several other corporate sponsors and organizations.

More than 50 people attended the workshops, representing land managers and mountain biking organizations nationwide. Participants shared knowledge and experience on building trails, mountain bike management, and volunteer mobilization. The focus was "sustainable" trailbuilding, which means building trails that last a long time and require minimal maintenance. This helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment, and enhances visitor enjoyment.

The workshops built upon several years of innovative work to improve mountain biking in Israel. IMBA's Joey Klein led a series of education seminars in 2005 (view slideshow), and trail expert Dafydd Davis from Wales visited in 2006.

To learn more details about the project, contact Eyal Hershtik of the Israel Cycling Federation at eyalher@nana.co.il.

A photo sampler of the workshops follows.