IMBA Report Card Feedback

IMBA Trail News
Volume 15, Number 1
Spring 2002

I'm writing in response to the 2001 IMBA Report Card, which identified Michigan advocacy's number one problem as "Turf battles with horses." During the past year the Michigan Mountain Biking Association has worked very hard to build a working relationship with Michigan equestrians. In 2001 MMBA and the Michigan Horse Council developed new bike and horse trails at Pontiac Lake, and worked together at trail maintenance days. The "Flat" comment is flat out wrong.

Todd Scott
Michigan Mountain Biking Association

Thanks to Todd and everyone else who responded to IMBA's Michigan Flat comment. We were wrong. Here's the new Michigan "Flat" comment: "DNR bans new trails; urban sprawl." For more info on Michigan's grade check out the Midwest Backyard column on page 12 of this issue.

Thanks IMBA for the B- grade for New Hampshire. We've got some great riding here throughout the state. How does IMBA determine report card grades?

Daniel Wylie
Nashua, New Hampshire

IMBA Report Card grades are based on a number of factors, including state rep and local advocate feedback, IMBA staff input and rider votes on our website. Once again, the 2002 IMBA Report Card will provide an opportunity for public comment - look for it at imba.com this summer.

I was happy to see that Oklahoma has improved in the 2001 IMBA Report Card. Going from a C+ in 2000 to a B- in 2001 shows how well Oklahoma mountain bike advocates are progressing in their efforts to promote our sport. However, I must take exception with the description given to Oklahoma: "Flat and dusty." . While we may not have the elevation that many other western states are blessed with, by no means is Oklahoma flat. The east side of the state, which contains a good portion of the 137-mile Ouachita Trail, is a climber's dream. Southwest Oklahoma is also home to the Wichita and Quartz Mountains, which have some great riding and lots of elevation change.

Charles Duke
IMBA Oklahoma State Rep