Profile

IMBA Trail News
Volume 13, Number 1
Spring 2000

Jen Lamb

Name: Jen Lamb
Occupation: IMBA Advocacy Director
Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Residence: Boulder, Colorado
Years cycling: 9
Favorite Trail: Rage in the Sage - Gunnison, CO
Likes: Long, grinding climbs.
Dislike: Canned pineapple.
Other: 4th place X-C 1999 Master's Worlds

Jen, how did you get into cycling?

I was a horseback rider as a kid all the way through college. When my dad told me to trade my horse in for college tuition that was pretty much the end of horseback riding for me. I began road riding in 1992, but did not get on a mountain bike until 1996.

How did you arrive here at IMBA?

I knew the work IMBA was doing was consistent with my educational background in natural resource policy and environmental work. When I first got in touch with Tim Blumenthal (IMBA's Executive Director) in 1996, IMBA had two employees. Tim had a vision for creating an advocacy position but the budget did not exist at the time. Tim and I stayed in contact for a year and a half. In '97, the budget was there to create a new position. As an avid cyclist it was the right fit at the right time.

What is it like working at IMBA?

I've never worked in a place where the entire staff had more in common and enjoyed each other's company so much. It's refreshing to be in a place where you don't question people's motives. The day-to-day experience of being here is fun and challenging.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your time at IMBA?

The state reps are happier, and are getting their jobs done better. I'm proud of what we have done with the state rep network, but there is still a lot more to do. A less tangible achievement has been putting a professional face on mountain bike advocacy. Tim has always done this, but he was the only one doing it for a long time at a national level. Hopefully my presence has allowed us to be more consistent.

And the most frustrating things about working in advocacy?

Mountain bikers are stuck in the middle, especially regarding large, Federal public land issues. We are not hikers and we are not motorized. We are somewhere in that gray area. Finding a comfortable spot in the middle that doesn't dilute our effectiveness is difficult. Access crises are often the result of crowded trails. Sometimes I feel like working for trail access is a Band-Aid...maybe we should focus on Zero Population Growth.

What's a common misconception about mountain biking?

The belief that mountain bikers are all thrill seeking, fun hogs who just want to ride their bikes anywhere without respect for other trail users.

Where do you see IMBA in the future?

Becoming more politically credible at a state and Federal level. I see the state rep network becoming more of a force, and IMBA with better resources so we have a stronger presence at a local level.

Any parting words?

Don't ever forget why we are doing this...because we love to ride.

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	Profile IMBA Trail News Volume 13, Number 1 Spring 2000 Jen Lamb Name: Jen Lamb Occupation: IMBA Advocacy Director Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts Residence: Boulder, Colorado Years cycling: 9 Favorite Trail: Rage in the Sage - Gunnison, CO Likes: Long, grinding climbs. Dislike: Canned pineapple. Other: 4th place X-C 1999 Master's Worlds Jen, how did you get into cycling? I was a horseback rider as a kid all the way through college. When my dad told me to trade my horse in for college tuition that was pretty much the end of horseback riding for me. I began road riding in 1992, but did not get on a mountain bike until 1996. How did you arrive here at IMBA? I knew the work IMBA was doing was consistent with my educational background in natural resource policy and environmental work. When I first got in touch with Tim Blumenthal (IMBA's Executive Director) in 1996, IMBA had two employees. Tim had a vision for creating an advocacy position but the budget did not exist at the time. Tim and I stayed in contact for a year and a half. In '97, the budget was there to create a new position. As an avid cyclist it was the right fit at the right time. What is it like working at IMBA? I've never worked in a place where the entire staff had more in common and enjoyed each other's company so much. It's refreshing to be in a place where you don't question people's motives. The day-to-day experience of being here is fun and challenging. What accomplishment are you most proud of in your time at IMBA? The state reps are happier, and are getting their jobs done better. I'm proud of what we have done with the state rep network, but there is still a lot more to do. A less tangible achievement has been putting a professional face on mountain bike advocacy. Tim has always done this, but he was the only one doing it for a long time at a national level. Hopefully my presence has allowed us to be more consistent. And the most frustrating things about working in advocacy? Mountain bikers are stuck in the middle, especially regarding large, Federal public land issues. We are not hikers and we are not motorized. We are somewhere in that gray area. Finding a comfortable spot in the middle that doesn't dilute our effectiveness is difficult. Access crises are often the result of crowded trails. Sometimes I feel like working for trail access is a Band-Aid...maybe we should focus on Zero Population Growth. What's a common misconception about mountain biking? The belief that mountain bikers are all thrill seeking, fun hogs who just want to ride their bikes anywhere without respect for other trail users. Where do you see IMBA in the future? Becoming more politically credible at a state and Federal level. I see the state rep network becoming more of a force, and IMBA with better resources so we have a stronger presence at a local level. Any parting words? Don't ever forget why we are doing this...because we love to ride.


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