Bike Magazine Increases IMBA Support, Promotes IMBA Epics in 200,000-Circulation Magazine Supplement

For Immediate Release
June 20, 2000
Contact: IMBA

(303) 545-9011

Bike Magazine, which has backed IMBA's work on behalf of mountain bike trail access since 1996, is dramatically increasing its support. Bike has become one of the four primary sponsors of the IMBA Epics program, which designates and celebrates great adventure mountain bike rides around the globe.

Bike's August edition, which reaches the newsstand on June 27, includes a 16-page special section devoted to IMBA Epics. The section features descriptions, photos and maps of all eight '00 IMBA Epics and the four '99 IMBA Epic designations. This supplement was a combined effort of Bike's editorial and design team and IMBA staffers. Nearly 190,000 copies of this guide will be distributed to Bike subscribers and newsstand purchasers. An additional 10,000 copies will be distributed by IMBA.

Bike spent more than $20,000 cash on this project, including printing and postage. This commitment, coupled with Bike's other IMBA contributions ­ annual corporate dues, direct mail membership support, ad placements and regular, extensive editorial coverage ­ has earned Bike recognition as one of IMBA's Above-and-Beyond Corporate Members for the next three years.

"Bike did an outstanding job on the Epics special section," said IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal. "It features the stellar photography, sharp writing and attractive presentation that has long been the mark of the magazine. It makes you want to get out there and ride."

"This has been a great effort between our staff and IMBA's," said Marc Sani, Bike Magazine's business manager. "One of our goals in working with IMBA is to re-energize the soul of mountain biking and bring new riders into the sport."

Four of the eight '00 IMBA Epics have already been honored by Epic celebration rides. The '00 Epic designations are Noble Canyon, California; Cortina, Italy; Virginia City, Nevada; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Burke, Vermont; Vancouver, British Columbia; Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Patagonia, Arizona. RockShox and Patagonia are the original sponsors of the IMBA Epics program. Camelbak and Bike joined the effort this year. The Epics program is designed to promote big-adventure trail rides ­ the type of rides that inspire mountain bikers and trail volunteers to ride hard and work to help the sport.

Bike Magazine is published 10 times a year by Emap USA. Its paid circulation exceeds 165,000, making Bike the largest circulating U.S. mountain bike magazine. IMBA, which has 28,000 individual members, is a non-profit advocacy association that has been bringing out the best in mountain biking since 1988.

A photo of the IMBA Epics supplement is available by contacting IMBA.