News Briefs
IMBA Trail News
Volume 17, Number 2
Early Summer 2004
Hot Spots Program Returns
IMBA's Urban Hot Spots program continues to grow. In 2004, IMBA will focus on improving trail access in two newly designated metropolitan areas, and follow-up in previously designated cities. Indiana and the Hoosier Mountain Biking Association will host the Indianapolis Urban Hot Spot campaign, September 7-13. The capital city of Ottawa in Ontario will host an Urban Hot Spot campaign, September 28-October 3. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews will also return to previously picked Hot Spots Cleveland and New York City.
As all mountain bike advocates know, new trails and restored access do not happen overnight. Every baby step in improving urban trail access is crucial, and each new riding opportunity is a testament to the diligence and political savvy of volunteers. Access and political clout have improved in all the cities IMBA has designated as Urban Hot Spots. For more visit IMBA's Urban Resources.
IMBA Hires New Crew
In March, two Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews hit the road again on 11-month tours of North America. These professional trail experts will conduct 85 events in 32 U.S states and three Canadian provinces. Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew veterans, Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner, are joined by new Crew leaders, Nat and Rachael Lopes.
To celebrate their hiring, Nat and Rachael got married two days before attending their first event, the Western Trailbuilders Association Conference in Reno. For the past five years, Rachael worked as an archaeologist developing a breadth of skills that range from GIS mapping to soil sampling to burial exhumation. Nat worked as an independent marketing, design and photography consultant; he is also certified as a California Department of Forestry firefighter, a California State Park Docent and in Wilderness First Aid. Nat and Rachel are both from California.
IMBA Rides with Congress Staff
For the second consecutive year, IMBA, the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) and America Bikes coordinated a mountain bike ride for congressional staff members who work for U.S. senators and representatives. More than 50 people were slated to ride the beautiful trails at Riverbend Park,Virginia, on April 23.
IMBA's Congressional Mountain Bike Rides are an effort to increase awareness about IMBA's lobbying goals, federal land management agency work and strengthen mountain biking's presence in the Washington, D.C. area. Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Subaru, Clif Bar, Trails.com and SRAM provided support. Regional retailers Shenandoah Bicycle Company and The Bike Stop provided bikes for staffers to ride.
Riverbend Park, located near Great Falls, Virginia, is home to more than 10 miles of trail. The park features 400 acres of forest, meadows, ponds and streams with dramatic views of the Potomac River.
Best Western Hotel Savings
IMBA members can now save up to 20 percent at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide. You must call the MVP reservation line at 1-800-441-1114 and mention MVP number #####. IMBA receives a royalty every time you make a MVP reservation. Save money on a hotel room and help IMBA at the same time!
