IMBA on the Move

by IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal

When I started working at IMBA nine years ago, our leaders--all of them volunteers--were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and totally committed to bringing out the best in mountain biking. The problem was, there weren't enough of them.

Today, every one of these advocates is still connected, and they're working smarter and harder than ever. More important, a dynamic, new generation of mountain bike advocates is developing. They are articulate, creative, passionate and many are awesome riders.

Old guard/new blood: As I sat and listened to the presentations, discussions and debates last month at the 2002 IMBA Mountain Bike Advocacy Summit in Moab, Utah, I concluded that the future of mountain biking is absolutely brilliant.

Presented by REI, IMBA's summit attracted 170 mountain biking, government and conservation leaders from 45 states and eight other countries. I don't know anyone who started mountain biking because they wanted to attend public meetings, organize volunteers or fight for reasonable access. No, people get into mountain biking because it's fun. Nevertheless, riders are stepping up to do the hard work.

The 2002 Summit was more than the biggest event of IMBA's 14-year history - it was a key project identified in IMBA's new strategic plan. For the next three years, IMBA is focusing on:

creating new trail opportunities near the big cities where most people live and recreate;
developing tangible projects with government agencies that go beyond the concept of simply working together;
expanding our international network and projects.

IMBA announced several new partnerships at the Summit. New pacts with the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance branch of the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management will focus on creating and improving trail systems near cities.

We're excited about building new trails with the Army Corps of Engineers at some of their 4,200 recreation sites coast to coast. Beyond our borders, we're partnering with the United Kingdom Forestry Commission to teach trailbuilding techniques and create new riding areas.

One of the best discussions at the Summit concerned freeriding and technical trails. While the Summit technically ended Saturday night at 10 p.m., more than 60 people stayed up to 2 a.m. to refine a list of recommendations and solutions. Talk about passion....

The level of expertise and experience of mountain bike advocates has come forward a thousand miles. Many of IMBA's affiliated clubs now have professional staff. Most coordinate a variety of projects--not only trailwork and advocacy, but mountain biking skills classes, Sprockids and National Mountain Bike Patrol chapters. Our political sophistication continues to develop. We have more friends in higher places--both in government and business--than ever before.

IMBA's staff was once just me, changing the tone of my voice to answer the phone in our various "departments." Now we've got 18 devoted, talented people on board.

We are rolling. But don't take my word for it. Ask anyone who joined us in the desert. Ask if IMBA has the goods and commitment to lead our sport toward greatness. Ask if IMBA warrants the support of bike companies, retailers, and the millions of riders who are out there riding every day.

We have a plan. We have the leadership network. We have the momentum from an exceptional summit. Join us and take mountain biking to the next level.

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	IMBA on the Move by IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal When I started working at IMBA nine years ago, our leaders--all of them volunteers--were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and totally committed to bringing out the best in mountain biking. The problem was, there weren't enough of them. Today, every one of these advocates is still connected, and they're working smarter and harder than ever. More important, a dynamic, new generation of mountain bike advocates is developing. They are articulate, creative, passionate and many are awesome riders. Old guard/new blood: As I sat and listened to the presentations, discussions and debates last month at the 2002 IMBA Mountain Bike Advocacy Summit in Moab, Utah, I concluded that the future of mountain biking is absolutely brilliant. Presented by REI, IMBA's summit attracted 170 mountain biking, government and conservation leaders from 45 states and eight other countries. I don't know anyone who started mountain biking because they wanted to attend public meetings, organize volunteers or fight for reasonable access. No, people get into mountain biking because it's fun. Nevertheless, riders are stepping up to do the hard work. The 2002 Summit was more than the biggest event of IMBA's 14-year history - it was a key project identified in IMBA's new strategic plan. For the next three years, IMBA is focusing on: creating new trail opportunities near the big cities where most people live and recreate; developing tangible projects with government agencies that go beyond the concept of simply working together; expanding our international network and projects. IMBA announced several new partnerships at the Summit. New pacts with the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance branch of the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management will focus on creating and improving trail systems near cities. We're excited about building new trails with the Army Corps of Engineers at some of their 4,200 recreation sites coast to coast. Beyond our borders, we're partnering with the United Kingdom Forestry Commission to teach trailbuilding techniques and create new riding areas. One of the best discussions at the Summit concerned freeriding and technical trails. While the Summit technically ended Saturday night at 10 p.m., more than 60 people stayed up to 2 a.m. to refine a list of recommendations and solutions. Talk about passion.... The level of expertise and experience of mountain bike advocates has come forward a thousand miles. Many of IMBA's affiliated clubs now have professional staff. Most coordinate a variety of projects--not only trailwork and advocacy, but mountain biking skills classes, Sprockids and National Mountain Bike Patrol chapters. Our political sophistication continues to develop. We have more friends in higher places--both in government and business--than ever before. IMBA's staff was once just me, changing the tone of my voice to answer the phone in our various "departments." Now we've got 18 devoted, talented people on board. We are rolling. But don't take my word for it. Ask anyone who joined us in the desert. Ask if IMBA has the goods and commitment to lead our sport toward greatness. Ask if IMBA warrants the support of bike companies, retailers, and the millions of riders who are out there riding every day. We have a plan. We have the leadership network. We have the momentum from an exceptional summit. Join us and take mountain biking to the next level.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright