First Words From IMBA's New Executive Director

IMBA Trail News
Volume 17, Number 5
Winter 2004

Sitting in my office at IMBA, I'm able to transport myself to an exhilarating singletrack that winds through a thick green canopy of trees - quite likely a Pacific Northwest forest, maybe in Northern California. Then again this ideal trail might be in Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia or the Northeast.

My dream-like escape is made possible by a floor-to-ceiling mural directly outside my office door. On the mural a rider winds swiftly and confidently along a serpentine singletrack. What could be better? Of course, what would be better is actually being on the trail, experiencing this sweet singletrack firsthand instead of sitting in my office.

Now I imagine what it would feel like if this trail were closed to myself and all mountain bikers. This somber thought makes me understand more clearly why I am here, hired as IMBA's new executive director. I have the opportunity to work on behalf of those who know the feeling of having their favorite trail indiscriminately closed to them and future generations of mountain bikers.

My role as executive director is to marshal our resources to extend IMBA's reach. My agenda is simple: GROW! Grow our highly regarded trailbuilding and advocacy programs. Grow our membership and donations. Grow opportunities for major gifts and corporate sponsorship. With growth in financial resources we can expand our affiliations and partnerships with local clubs and likeminded outdoor recreation groups. This growth will help us open new trails and prevent future trail closures.

My previous position as an executive director in the world of biomedical research and advocacy taught me that changing public policy is typically a slow process with the big "wins" achieved on the heals of many smaller achievements. I am confident that IMBA has the staff, programs and grassroots support to score advocacy victories and ensure a strong future for our sport.

I'm excited to be on board, working on behalf of mountain bikers worldwide to make sure that great places to ride are a reality, not just something to be imagined. After all, what would we do without trails?

- Mike Van Abel