IMBA Launches Ride Center Program with Interbike Breakfast

For Immediate Release
08-30-07
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Director

303-545-9011

On Thursday, Sept. 27, IMBA will unveil a major new initiative to build a network of state-of-the-art mountain bike facilities. The IMBA Ride Centers program will be launched at an industry breakfast, held during the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas, NV.

"We're going all-out to launch the IMBA Ride Center program with a big splash," says board president Hill Abell. "IMBA is uniquely positioned to build these centers. As a non-profit, we can facilitate partnerships between private industry and public land agencies, allowing us to build model trail networks on an unprecedented scale, and of unprecedented quality. This breakfast allows us to present our vision for incredible mountain biking communities and destinations."

Attending the breakfast will be bicycle industry leaders, members of IMBA's board and staff, and key partners in the planning and development of the facilities. Bob Holmes, of Winter Park resort, and Cimarron Chacon, a trail-planning expert, will speak about the benefits IMBA Ride Centers offer to communities, and the specific roles that public and private partners will play in developing the centers.

Ride Centers Based on Partnerships

IMBA Ride Centers will be extensive trail networks, masterfully designed for mountain bikers of every skill level and built by professional trailbuilders. They will serve as social and educational hubs, where visitors can connect and learn new riding techniques. The centers will provide the full range of mountain biking experiences today's riders crave, from long singletrack journeys to family-friendly loops, and areas with expertly designed technical challenges - including sustainable downhill and freeriding options - to test accomplished riders.

The locations will be contingent on partners at the federal, state and private level. IMBA's network of 750 affiliated clubs and patrols units will play a vital role in this program. IMBA Ride Center locations will integrate the volunteer stewardship of these groups, resulting in self-sustaining trail systems that are maintained and nurtured by their constituents.

Ride Centers will also bring major economic benefits to their host communities. IMBA has compiled online resources that describe they ways that mountain biking supports tourism and enhances economic development in communities around the globe.

Bike Industry to Play Major Role

Mike Van Abel, IMBA's executive director, believes the bike industry is ready to rally behind the IMBA Ride Center concept. "Leveraging industry support to gain public sector commitment and resources is a key component of IMBA Ride Center strategy," says Van Abel. "Working together, IMBA, corporate supporters and funding from local, state and federal programs will create the resources to fuel this program."

Options for corporate supporters include:

• Donate a percentage of mountain bike-related sales to IMBA Ride Centers and trail development efforts
• Adopt an IMBA Ride Center in your area
• Build a retail presence at Ride Center locations
• Advocacy role in approaching public officials for future IMBA Ride Centers

Companies that want to learn more about getting involved in the IMBA Ride Center program should write to development director .

IMBA Ride Centers are Already in Development

Five IMBA Ride Center projects are already in development:

Cuyuna Lakes, MN
An almost completely undeveloped state property featuring clear, cold lakes and boulders from the iron-mining era; IMBA is cultivating an appropriation to create 50 miles of trail.
Outlook: Fifteen new miles of trail each year for the next five years, enhanced state park facilities. Additional recreation opportunities slated, including boating and scuba diving.

Fraser Valley, CO
Already a hugely popular mountain biking destination, the IMBA Ride Center in the Fraser Valley will integrate Winter Park's outstanding lift-serviced trails with an expansive network of cross-country riding on US Forest Service land.
Outlook: Significant improvements and expansions, new trail systems and rerouting of current trails on Forest Service land. Continued expansions and improvements planned for Winter Park's already top-flight gravity trails.

Payette Valley, ID
Epic backcountry singletrack, Tamarack Resort's cross country and downhill trail network, alpine lakes, and hot springs make the Payette Valley a mountain biker's playground. Kona's Groove Approved Park Director recently called the IMBA-designed and constructed downhill trails at Tamarack "the best in the Lower 48."
Outlook: Expanded downhill, freeride, and cross-country options at Tamarack. Trail improvements in the surrounding forest, designed and built in partnership with the US Forest Service.

Santos Trails, FL
IMBA has designed and constructed the largest freeride park on public land in the US. Combined with 45 miles of cross-country trails - featuring perfectly linked turns, a mild winter climate, and skills development areas. Santos provides ample, purpose-built opportunities for riders of any skill level, and these will only expand under the Ride Center program.
Outlook: More trails and connections, improvements to the freeride area, campground expansion, new visitor center, guiding and instruction services.

Uwharrie Mountains, NC
IMBA is working closely with regional economic development officials to plan and build an expansive Ride Center, including a 70-acre freeride park, and trails for all levels of riders on adjacent public lands.
Outlook: Destination-quality riding facility with the capacity to host 40 miles of state-of-the-art trails. Partnerships with tourism and economic development planners will ensure a sustainable, thriving community.

For more information on Ride Centers, or to receive an invitation to the Interbike breakfast, contact , IMBA communications director.