Mountain Bikers Push Congress at IMBA Summit

For Immediate Release
06-10-04
Contact: Pete Webber, IMBA communications director

303-545-9011

The 2004 IMBA Summit peaked June 7 with a momentous day on Capitol Hill and unmatched energy to fuel mountain biking's future.

The gathering attracted mountain biking leaders to the Washington, D.C. region June 4-8 for four days of informative seminars, networking, volunteer training, awesome riding, parties, celebrity guest speakers and political lobbying.

Attendees spent a full day on Capitol Hill, meeting with their U.S. representatives, senators and staff to introduce IMBA and key mountain biking issues. The effort builds on IMBA's increased activity and leadership in our nation's capital - the place where key trail management decisions are made.

"There's no question this was a groundbreaking event," said IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal. "The halls of Congress were crawling with mountain bikers. We led more than 140 face-to-face meetings with government leaders and their staff. Our people were concise, professional and credible advocates for mountain biking. IMBA's network is more talented and motivated than ever. We've got unprecedented momentum."

Participants included many of IMBA's volunteer reps, key federal land managers from the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, BLM and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, journalists, and leaders of other cycling and conservation groups.

Racing heroes Marla Streb and Ned Overend spoke at the event and urged their congressional delegations to support trails and mountain biking.

The Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program was the event's leading sponsor, underwriting its educational components. The Bikes Belong Coalition, Quality Bicycle Products and America Bikes were presenting sponsors.

More information about the Summit, including workshop summaries and photos will be posted shortly on the IMBA website.