Ten 2005 NORBA/IMBA Trail Tune-Up Grants Awarded

For Immediate Release
07-20-05
Contact: Heather Sias, IMBA Advocacy Coordinator

303-545-9011

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) recently awarded ten $500 grants to develop and improve trail systems used by racers and recreational riders. NORBA members funded the grants by selecting an optional checkbox on license applications and renewal forms. Winning projects ranged from urban freeride parks to improvements to country trail systems.

Here are the 2005 winners:

Waco Bicycle Club; Waco, TX
The WBC will expand the Outback Trail, used in the annual Outback Blowout Mountain Bike Race. New bridges and sections of singletrack will enrich the course for racers and recreational trail users alike.

Velo de Animas Bicycle Club; San Juan Co., NM
Velo de Animas will re-route a portion of the Road Apple Rally Trail from dirt road to singletrack. This event is one of the longest ongoing mountain bike races in the country and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2005.

Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association and Onion River Sports; Montpelier, VT
MAMBA and Onion River will build several bridges, improving and extending the Morse Farm racecourse. The course hosts a popular ten-week summer race series.

SORBA-OMBA; Central Georgia
SORBA-OMBA will improve a section of trail at the Georgia Industrial Children's Home, using armoring and re-routing to avoid sensitive areas. The group will also enhance the Arrowhead Park Trail System, where they will soon hold several races.

Michigan Mountain Biking Association and Tailwind Enterprises; Detroit, MI
The MMBA and Tailwind will add new trail and a technical skills area to Stony Creek Metropark, near Detroit. Tailwind organizes a race at Stony Creek, which has become one of Michigan's premier mountain biking areas.

Flagstaff Velo Cycling Club and Flagstaff Biking Organization; Flagstaff, AZ
FVCC and FBO will revamp Upper Moto Trail, a popular freeride trail in the San Francisco Peaks. This project will add a challenging outlet for advanced riders in this popular mountain biking destination.

Great Divide Cycling Team; Helena, MT
The Great Divide Cycling Team, along with the Prickly Pear Land Trust, will build the Hobbes Hill trail near Helena. The new trail will provide a useful link between two popular trail systems and offer stunning views of the Helena Valley.

The Outback Trail Commission; Imagination Glen, IN
The Outback Trail Commission will build a 16-foot bridge and reroute the Outback Trail to an area that is more suitable for race traffic. This trail hosts the annual Pig's Feat Bike and Run.

Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers and Stumpgrinder Productions; Santa Barbara, CA
The SBMBTV and Stumpgrinder Productions will build two miles of new trail in Elings Park, which will be used for an annual bike festival.

Great Falls Bicycle Club; Great Falls, MT
The GFBC will expand the River's Edge Trail System, an exciting singletrack area that parallels the Missouri River. Their work will provide an excellent venue for cross-country and 24-hour races.

2004 Trail Tune-Up Grant Winners

More IMBA Grant & Funding Resources

About IMBA

Founded in 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association is a nonprofit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork, cooperation among different trail user groups and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA's worldwide network is comprised of individual members, bicycle clubs, corporate partners and bicycle retailers. http://www.imba.com

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 50,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men's road). For more information visit http://www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.