The Eleven-Year Dream

IMBA Trail News
Volume 17, Number 4
Autumn 2004

In September 1993, I became IMBA's first fulltime employee. Nine months later, the contents of our tiny Pennsylvania and Pasadena offices were loaded into a couple of U-haul trailers and driven to Boulder, Colorado, where we took possession of a 220-square-foot cubicle at the foot of the Rockies.

Today, after exactly 11 years at IMBA's helm, I'm moving on to become executive director of the Bikes Belong Coalition, the industry group dedicated to putting more people on bikes more often.

I vividly remember my debut as IMBA's ED, at Interbike '93. I started the morning a little shaky - wondering if I could actually help deliver what IMBA needed - but I felt across-the-board support from everyone I met that day at the show.

At first, IMBA's headquarters staff was just me and a part-time intern, Eric Gold. This period of IMBA's development felt entrepreneurial, but we were never alone. Most phone calls, letters and emails came from people who were enthusiastic about the mission and potential of the organization and ready to help. Plus, we were already benefiting from an amazing group of hard-working, smart volunteers - the people who had created the organization back in 1988. This grassroots network has always been a key factor in IMBA's accomplishments...and it probably always will be.

One thing that's changed during these last 11 years is IMBA's size. We now count on nearly 500 clubs and 80 lead reps and an individual network that's 70,000 mountain bikers strong. Our staff now totals 24 very capable individuals who work extremely well as a team. IMBA's budget has climbed to $2.1 million annually - a big rise from our $60,000 in '93. We're going to keep growing, too.

But this organizational development hasn't altered our style and outlook. We work hard to keep our costs low and we never ever equate growth with success in fulfilling our mission. Here's another way to say this: we've grown a lot, accomplished a lot, but we have so much more to do...and we know it.

Meanwhile, we remain passionate about riding, adventure and helping people find solutions.

Aside from IMBA's numbers, what else has changed? Mountain biking is now legal and appealing in a lot more places. We're a respected group and a legitimate political force. In the last few years, our reputation as expert trailbuilders has helped us a lot. As a result, trail closures aren't as widespread as they used to be.

I'm especially proud of IMBA's role in creating the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and IMBA Trail Solutions. I'm encouraged by our growing presence and clout in Washington, D.C. My greatest satisfaction is seeing the great work performed by IMBA staff, board, field volunteers, government partners and individual mountain bikers everywhere to enhance our sport. You are all amazing!

Part of my new work at Bikes Belong will be to help IMBA help mountain biking. I'll also assist the effort to promote safe bike routes to school, bike commuting, road riding, bike paths and naturally, new singletrack. If it happens on two wheels and is human-powered, I'm going to be thinking of ways to enhance it. I'll be doing a lot of my brainstorming just down the street from IMBA headquarters because Bikes Belong will set its base here in Boulder.

Thanks a million for giving me the opportunity to assist IMBA and mountain biking. For 11 years, I've enjoyed a dream job. Now, please join me in continuing to do whatever we can to keep IMBA moving forward. Keep riding and keep dreaming big!

I'll stay in close touch. Thanks,

- Tim Blumenthal

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	The Eleven-Year Dream IMBA Trail News Volume 17, Number 4 Autumn 2004 In September 1993, I became IMBA's first fulltime employee. Nine months later, the contents of our tiny Pennsylvania and Pasadena offices were loaded into a couple of U-haul trailers and driven to Boulder, Colorado, where we took possession of a 220-square-foot cubicle at the foot of the Rockies. Today, after exactly 11 years at IMBA's helm, I'm moving on to become executive director of the Bikes Belong Coalition, the industry group dedicated to putting more people on bikes more often. I vividly remember my debut as IMBA's ED, at Interbike '93. I started the morning a little shaky - wondering if I could actually help deliver what IMBA needed - but I felt across-the-board support from everyone I met that day at the show. At first, IMBA's headquarters staff was just me and a part-time intern, Eric Gold. This period of IMBA's development felt entrepreneurial, but we were never alone. Most phone calls, letters and emails came from people who were enthusiastic about the mission and potential of the organization and ready to help. Plus, we were already benefiting from an amazing group of hard-working, smart volunteers - the people who had created the organization back in 1988. This grassroots network has always been a key factor in IMBA's accomplishments...and it probably always will be. One thing that's changed during these last 11 years is IMBA's size. We now count on nearly 500 clubs and 80 lead reps and an individual network that's 70,000 mountain bikers strong. Our staff now totals 24 very capable individuals who work extremely well as a team. IMBA's budget has climbed to $2.1 million annually - a big rise from our $60,000 in '93. We're going to keep growing, too. But this organizational development hasn't altered our style and outlook. We work hard to keep our costs low and we never ever equate growth with success in fulfilling our mission. Here's another way to say this: we've grown a lot, accomplished a lot, but we have so much more to do...and we know it. Meanwhile, we remain passionate about riding, adventure and helping people find solutions. Aside from IMBA's numbers, what else has changed? Mountain biking is now legal and appealing in a lot more places. We're a respected group and a legitimate political force. In the last few years, our reputation as expert trailbuilders has helped us a lot. As a result, trail closures aren't as widespread as they used to be. I'm especially proud of IMBA's role in creating the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and IMBA Trail Solutions. I'm encouraged by our growing presence and clout in Washington, D.C. My greatest satisfaction is seeing the great work performed by IMBA staff, board, field volunteers, government partners and individual mountain bikers everywhere to enhance our sport. You are all amazing! Part of my new work at Bikes Belong will be to help IMBA help mountain biking. I'll also assist the effort to promote safe bike routes to school, bike commuting, road riding, bike paths and naturally, new singletrack. If it happens on two wheels and is human-powered, I'm going to be thinking of ways to enhance it. I'll be doing a lot of my brainstorming just down the street from IMBA headquarters because Bikes Belong will set its base here in Boulder. Thanks a million for giving me the opportunity to assist IMBA and mountain biking. For 11 years, I've enjoyed a dream job. Now, please join me in continuing to do whatever we can to keep IMBA moving forward. Keep riding and keep dreaming big! I'll stay in close touch. Thanks, - Tim Blumenthal


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright

The Eleven-Year Dream

IMBA Trail News Volume 17, Number 4 Autumn 2004

IMBA Trail News
Volume 17, Number 4
Autumn 2004