IMBA Visits Israel
Joey Klein of IMBA Trail Solutions spent 10 days in Israel in early 2005, to share knowledge and experience on mountain bike management, trailbuilding, conflict resolution and volunteer group mobilization.
Hosted by IMBA-affiliated Samson Riders Bicycle Club, the visit was supported by
the Jewish National Fund land management agency Keren Kayemet LeIsrael
(KKL) and organized by Jack
Reardon
IMBA's volunteer field representative in
Israel.
In Israel, mountain biking is growing at a phenomenal rate. With a population of around 6.5 million, there are 500,000 mountain bikers. In "The land of miracles" you can ride everyday, from the cool northern forests of the Galilee to the blazing Red Sea desert of Eilat in the south. Outdoor recreation in Israel is growing fast and land managers are seeking solutions to better manage recreation in their parks.
For shared-use trail systems to be successful, strong partnerships between trail users and land managers are necessary. The IMBA work in Israel focused on fostering relationships between KKL and mountain bikers. Solutions were found, new trail was built, and partnerships were forged. IMBA-affiliated groups in Israel have a new respect for the areas they ride in and are helping to solve trail issues.
During the IMBA visit, Israel's first KKL-sanctioned singletrack open to mountain biking was crafted in the Aminadav (Kennedy Memorial) Forest in the Jerusalem Hills and more will follow. Special thanks to Avis Israel for their support, they really do try harder.
IMBA has over 5 affiliate bike clubs in Israel. Israeli mountain
bikers are eager to share their "holy trails", visitors are urged to
contact these clubs or
for ride information.
For general Israel info, visit the official tourism web site.
Read the KKL press release about IMBA's visit.
Visit the IMBA Israel website.
To learn how to get involved in IMBA's work in Israel, please
contact
, IMBA's
volunteer field representative.
View a collection of slideshows which highlight IMBA's international work.
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