ITALY!
The IMBA crew receives a special award from the town of Finale Ligure.
IMBA's Kim Frederick explains trailbuilding techniques.
IMBA advocacy coordinator Dan Vardamis teaches IMBA philosophies.
IMBA meets the mayor (2nd from left) of Finale.
IMBA's Vardamis on the trail.
The IMBA and RaceWare crews ham it up after a long night at the 24 hours of Finale Ligure mountain bike race.
Your best friends at a 24 Hour race: the cooks!

IMBA Leads Italian Trailbuilding School

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2000
Contact: IMBA

303-545-9011

The International Mountain Bicycling Association conducted a Trailbuilding School in Finale Ligure, Italy Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The school presented the essentials of trailwork, and introduced IMBA's low impact mountain biking philosophy to Italian cyclists.

Leaders of Italian cycling and environmental organizations were among the more than 50 participants who braved heavy rains in this coastal town to attend the event. The IMBA Trailbuilding School was held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Finale Ligure mountain bike race, and was hosted by Italian bicycle distributor RaceWare. Last May, RaceWare and IMBA collaborated on an IMBA Epic ride and trailwork day in the ski resort village of Cortina.

IMBA sent two representatives to Finale Ligure to teach the school: trailbuilding expert and Jefferson County (Colorado) Open Space director Kim Frederick and IMBA advocacy coordinator Dan Vardamis.

Mountain bike racing has been popular in Italy for more than a decade, but recreational riding has only recently become widespread. IMBA's focus on responsible riding and volunteer trailwork will help ensure the sustainable growth of recreational mountain biking in Italy.

"The Finale Ligure Trailbuilding School is part of IMBA's developing international efforts," said Vardamis. "We are able to share time-tested IMBA principles with Italian cyclists and land managers and also learn from the rich cycling tradition of Italy."

Founded in 1988, IMBA works to keep trails open and in good condition for everyone. RaceWare (www.raceware.com) and IMBA are working together to lead mountain bike advocacy efforts in Italy.