News Briefs

IMBA Trail News
Volume 17, Number 5
Winter 2004

Update on Wilderness Issues

The Wilderness issue has been a challenge for mountain bikers since 1984, when the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies imposed a comprehensive bicycle ban on Wilderness trails. While IMBA, which formed four years later, has always been a conservation-minded organization, we're dedicated to preserving trail access for cyclists. Where new Wilderness proposals threaten bicycle access, IMBA proposes boundary adjustments and alternative land protections. For more info visit www.imba.com/resources/wilderness

Virginia: A Wilderness bill introduced by Rep. Boucher (D) and Senator Warner (R) included a compromise negotiated between local cyclists and Wilderness advocates for protecting areas of the Jefferson National Forest. IMBA strongly endorses this measure and lobbied for its passage. IMBA will work to help bring it back next year.

Oregon: Senator Wyden (D) introduced a Wilderness bill that accommodates some bicycling in the Mount Hood National Forest east of Portland. The bill would create a mountain bike experiment area that would be managed just like Wilderness, but allow bicycling. Although IMBA is encouraged to see creative designations that include bikes, the bill would close almost 200 miles of beautiful singletrack. IMBA advocates are actively working with Wyden's staff and others to address these important trails.

California: California Wilderness proponents pushed Rep. Thompson's (D) bill for Wilderness in northwest California. Roughly 170 miles of trails could close to mountain biking. IMBA will continue negotiations and hopes to help shape a bill that is better for cycling when it returns.

Idaho: Rep. Simpson (R) proposed new Wilderness for the Boulder and White Cloud mountains north of Ketchum. The bill would close 85 miles of outstanding singletrack. The proposals accommodated motorized travel, but made few compromises for bikes. IMBA is still in discussions with Congressman Simpson and others and expects to see the bill again next year.

Washington: The Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club of Seattle agreed to stay neutral on Wilderness proposed for lands near Snoqualmie Pass. But a last minute substitute bill contained unacceptable bans on bicycling. In November the representative who introduced the substitute bill lost his bid for the Senate. The bill is dead for 2004.

Attend IMBA's 24 Hours of D.C.

Mountain bikers are invited to join the newest 24-hour event - IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. It's your chance to give something back to the sport. The marathon will take place April 6-7, 2005 in our nation's capital. The goal is simple: raise awareness about access and recreation issues and convince lawmakers that mountain biking deserves their support. The fun begins with a party Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. IMBA staff will equip participants with talking points, handouts and lobbying advice. The next morning, we'll hit the halls of Congress and talk to our elected representatives and staff about key legislation and how it impacts mountain biking. Finally, we'll celebrate our success with a Thursday evening shindig. IMBA is dedicated to making the trip affordable. We'll schedule all your congressional meetings, educate you about lobbying techniques and provide plenty of free food and drink. You or your club will need to cover transportation and lodging costs. For more info visit imba.com

IMBA Thanks Land Managers

This Thanksgiving, IMBA mailed thousands of thank you notes to their grassroots advocacy network as part of a campaign to thank land managers for their tireless work on behalf of trails. "This is our way of showing appreciation to land managers for all the great places we get to ride," said IMBA government affairs director Jenn Dice. IMBA reminds all mountain bikers to take a moment to thank the staff of their local trail systems. To request IMBA Thank You cards visit www.imba.com

Federal Employees Can Donate to IMBA

IMBA is proud to be part of the 2004 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which allows federal government employees to donate to selected non-profit groups through voluntary payroll deductions. Look for IMBA (#0751) in the Sports Charities section of the CFC catalog that was recently distributed to all federal workers. Email IMBA's finance director, Erik Esborg, at for info.

IMBA Epics '04 Review

The IMBA Epic Rides program is mountain biking at is finest: people giving back to the trails and the land, sharing laughs and good food around a campfire, and then embarking on an amazing ride that will be etched in each participant's mind forever. Thanks to sponsorship from Bike Magazine and Santa Cruz Bicycles, we were able to produce four outstanding IMBA Epic celebrations in 2004, all during the prime autumn riding season. These four celebrations were held in Park City, Utah; Skookum Flats Trail, Washington; Buffalo Creek, Colorado; and the Tanasi Trails, Tennessee. Each of these celebrations was well attended and the buzz generated from the weekends of camping, trailwork, awesome trails and even better company was inspiring. For more detailed stories and photos, check www.imba.com/epic. If you've got a ride in your area that deserves to be an IMBA Epic, contact us today.

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	News Briefs IMBA Trail News Volume 17, Number 5 Winter 2004 Update on Wilderness Issues The Wilderness issue has been a challenge for mountain bikers since 1984, when the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies imposed a comprehensive bicycle ban on Wilderness trails. While IMBA, which formed four years later, has always been a conservation-minded organization, we're dedicated to preserving trail access for cyclists. Where new Wilderness proposals threaten bicycle access, IMBA proposes boundary adjustments and alternative land protections. For more info visit www.imba.com/resources/wilderness Virginia: A Wilderness bill introduced by Rep. Boucher (D) and Senator Warner (R) included a compromise negotiated between local cyclists and Wilderness advocates for protecting areas of the Jefferson National Forest. IMBA strongly endorses this measure and lobbied for its passage. IMBA will work to help bring it back next year. Oregon: Senator Wyden (D) introduced a Wilderness bill that accommodates some bicycling in the Mount Hood National Forest east of Portland. The bill would create a mountain bike experiment area that would be managed just like Wilderness, but allow bicycling. Although IMBA is encouraged to see creative designations that include bikes, the bill would close almost 200 miles of beautiful singletrack. IMBA advocates are actively working with Wyden's staff and others to address these important trails. California: California Wilderness proponents pushed Rep. Thompson's (D) bill for Wilderness in northwest California. Roughly 170 miles of trails could close to mountain biking. IMBA will continue negotiations and hopes to help shape a bill that is better for cycling when it returns. Idaho: Rep. Simpson (R) proposed new Wilderness for the Boulder and White Cloud mountains north of Ketchum. The bill would close 85 miles of outstanding singletrack. The proposals accommodated motorized travel, but made few compromises for bikes. IMBA is still in discussions with Congressman Simpson and others and expects to see the bill again next year. Washington: The Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club of Seattle agreed to stay neutral on Wilderness proposed for lands near Snoqualmie Pass. But a last minute substitute bill contained unacceptable bans on bicycling. In November the representative who introduced the substitute bill lost his bid for the Senate. The bill is dead for 2004. Attend IMBA's 24 Hours of D.C. Mountain bikers are invited to join the newest 24-hour event - IMBA's 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. It's your chance to give something back to the sport. The marathon will take place April 6-7, 2005 in our nation's capital. The goal is simple: raise awareness about access and recreation issues and convince lawmakers that mountain biking deserves their support. The fun begins with a party Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. IMBA staff will equip participants with talking points, handouts and lobbying advice. The next morning, we'll hit the halls of Congress and talk to our elected representatives and staff about key legislation and how it impacts mountain biking. Finally, we'll celebrate our success with a Thursday evening shindig. IMBA is dedicated to making the trip affordable. We'll schedule all your congressional meetings, educate you about lobbying techniques and provide plenty of free food and drink. You or your club will need to cover transportation and lodging costs. For more info visit imba.com IMBA Thanks Land Managers This Thanksgiving, IMBA mailed thousands of thank you notes to their grassroots advocacy network as part of a campaign to thank land managers for their tireless work on behalf of trails. "This is our way of showing appreciation to land managers for all the great places we get to ride," said IMBA government affairs director Jenn Dice. IMBA reminds all mountain bikers to take a moment to thank the staff of their local trail systems. To request IMBA Thank You cards visit www.imba.com Federal Employees Can Donate to IMBA IMBA is proud to be part of the 2004 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which allows federal government employees to donate to selected non-profit groups through voluntary payroll deductions. Look for IMBA (#0751) in the Sports Charities section of the CFC catalog that was recently distributed to all federal workers. Email IMBA's finance director, Erik Esborg, at for info. IMBA Epics '04 Review The IMBA Epic Rides program is mountain biking at is finest: people giving back to the trails and the land, sharing laughs and good food around a campfire, and then embarking on an amazing ride that will be etched in each participant's mind forever. Thanks to sponsorship from Bike Magazine and Santa Cruz Bicycles, we were able to produce four outstanding IMBA Epic celebrations in 2004, all during the prime autumn riding season. These four celebrations were held in Park City, Utah; Skookum Flats Trail, Washington; Buffalo Creek, Colorado; and the Tanasi Trails, Tennessee. Each of these celebrations was well attended and the buzz generated from the weekends of camping, trailwork, awesome trails and even better company was inspiring. For more detailed stories and photos, check www.imba.com/epic. If you've got a ride in your area that deserves to be an IMBA Epic, contact us today.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright