IMBA California Listening Sessions Drawing Large Turnouts

For Immediate Release
12-18-06
Contact: Tom Ward

303-545-9011

The U.S. Forest Service and IMBA California recently co-hosted a series of public listening sessions to help shape riding opportunities in the state's 18 National Forests. Hundreds of mountain bikers attended meetings, which provided a unique opportunity to suggest improvements for trails and management.

Sessions Setting a Precedent

No other state has hosted similar sessions and IMBA California is pleased to work with the Forest Service to better understand mountain bikers and the types of riding they want. "We hope input gathered at these meetings will be the foundation for a new statewide mountain biking management strategy in California's National Forests," said IMBA California's Tom Ward.

"We believe the efforts being made in California could set a model for other states to follow. Land managers and trail users alike would benefit from consistent management strategies for mountain biking," added IMBA Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice. IMBA encourages mountain bikers to reach out to their local land managers and suggest similar sessions.

Let the Forest Service Know Your Ideas by Dec. 29

The Forest Service has also set up a California mountain biking website where riders are encouraged to submit comments. "This is a collaborative partnership involving all trail users coming together to improve trail experiences," said Forest Service Trail Engineer Garrett Villanueva. "We're looking for specific feedback on trail difficulty ratings, volunteer certification programs and other detailed topics." The deadline for comments is December 29.

California's National Forests are home to many famous riding destinations: Lake Tahoe, Downieville, Santa Barbara, Mendocino County, Laguna, the Shasta-Trinity and others.

More About IMBA California

IMBA and Specialized launched the IMBA California program in early 2006 with the goal of opening more trails to mountain bikes in the Golden State. Already, we've seen terrific results, including clearing the way for better access in state parks, putting new trail miles on the ground and combating anti-bike sentiment.