IMBA Announces 2002 Epic Rides
IMBA Trail News
Volume 15, Number 2
Early Summer 2002
Epic rides are why we love mountain biking. They create classic memories and inspire us to save the trails. To fuel this passion, IMBA has selected four outstanding routes as 2002 IMBA Epic Rides, adding to the 20 great rides we've picked since '99. We'll honor each with a two-day celebration: you're invited!
Epic celebrations are a weekend-long opportunities to bring mountain bikers together to celebrate our sport. The first day we focus on trailwork, the second on riding and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Participants camp near the trailhead, share meals, riding stories and ideas. The events are co-hosted by local mountain bike clubs and IMBA.
2002 IMBA Epic Rides selections and celebration dates:
- South Yuba Epic - Nevada City, California - May 11-12
- Ellicottville Epic - Ellicottville, New York - July 20-21
- Levis-Trow Mound Epic - Neillsville, Wisconsin - Aug. 31 - Sept. 1
- Bull Mountain Epic - Dahlonega, Georgia - Sept. 28-29
The 2002 IMBA Epic Rides program is sponsored by Bike Magazine and Santa Cruz Bicycles. Host clubs include the Bicyclists of Nevada County, Western New York Mountain Bike Association, Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association, and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association.
Epic celebrations are free to IMBA members and are limited to the first 100 pre-registered riders. To reserve your place - and for more info on all 24 IMBA Epic Rides - visit IMBA's website at imba.com.
Epics News Flash:
The first Epic celebration of the year, held mid-May on Northern California's South Yuba Trail, was a big success. More than 70 IMBA members completed a day-long trailwork project in the Tahoe National Forest on Saturday. The next day participants were treated to 34 miles of mountain biking bliss including 17 miles of uninterrupted singletrack along the South Yuba River (photo left).
Ellicottville Epic - Ellicottville, New York
Overview: Located an hour south of Buffalo, Ellicottville is home to some of the finest mountain bike trails in the East. Built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers, the trails begin close to town. The climbs are long and steep. The descents are rocky, rooty and fun.
Date: July 20-21, 2002
Length: 31 miles
Terrain: Tight, rocky, root-strewn singletrack and old logging roads
Contact: Western New York Mountain Bike Association, www.wntmba.org
Levis-Trow Mound Epic- Neillsville, WI
Overview: Travel to the heart of Wisconsin and experience some of the best riding the Midwest has to offer. The trail network at Levis-Trow appeals to all levels of riders, with gentle, rolling climbs on wide sections for beginners and plenty of tight, slaloming singletrack to challenge experienced riders. Sandstone bluffs offer great views.
Date: August 31-September 1, 2002
Length: Approximately 30 miles
Terrain: Classic Midwest singletrack, tight and twisting through the trees, with short, steep hills.
Contact: Wisconsin Off Road Bicycling Association, www.worba.org
Bull Mountain Epic - Dahlonega, Georgia
Overview: Located near the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, the Bull Mountain trail network includes more than 50 miles of great riding. The IMBA Epic route covers about 30 miles - nearly all of it singletrack. The trails include a little bit of everything: red clay singletrack, loose rocks, a few stream crossings, and some steep, sustained climbs.
Date: September 28-29, 2002
Length: Approximately 30 miles
Terrain: Singletrack trails on a mix of hard packed clay and loose rock with stream crossings and some ridgeline riding.
Contact: Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association, www.sorba.org
