IMBA Pioneer Gary Sprung Shifts to Advisory Role

IMBA Trail News
Volume 18, Number 3
Fall 2005

After more than 14 years of service as a key member of IMBA staff, Gary Sprung has recently transitioned to an advisory role with IMBA. Sprung plans on devoting more time to Gnurps Consulting, the database consulting business he founded, and enjoying time with his wife Carolyn.

"The list of things that Gary Sprung started - including the field of mountain bike advocacy - is long and impressive," says former IMBA Executive Director Tim Blumenthal. "As a young man, Gary fell in love with the big issues of the West - land, water and recreation. He was the first to introduce mountain biking into that mix. He also found time to create a cross-country ski race - the Alley Loop, in Crested Butte - and make countless other contributions to the communities he's been involved with," says Blumenthal.

Sprung worked as environment editor of Mountain Bike from 1985 until 1995. He joined IMBA in 1991, first serving as editor of its newsletter, and taking on additional duties over the years.

"Eventually, it came time for me to focus on policy and advocacy work," says Sprung. "Tim came up with a great job title, ŒSenior National Policy Advisor,' which pretty well described the work I've concentrated on in recent years."

Sprung lived in Crested Butte, Colorado, for 21 years. He started riding a one-speed klunker, then graduated to a Stumpjumper the first year Specialized produced them. Sprung has long been committed to the idea that environmentalism and recreation go hand-in-hand. He served as president of one of Colorado's most successful environmental advocacy groups, the High Country Citizens Alliance.

This summer, Sprung was inducted to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame for his work in cycling advocacy. The Hall is located in his former hometown of Crested Butte.

Although he's no longer an IMBA staffer, bike advocacy is still a priority in Sprung's life. "The fact that many Œenviros' oppose mountain biking is a real problem. They're making a huge mistake - they really can't afford to alienate 40 million mountain bikers. That's been the prime motivation for my IMBA work in recent years," says Sprung.

"Gary is a tremendous resource for IMBA," says Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "Fortunately, he's still available to us for consulting. His mark on IMBA is indelible - Gary's vision for mountain bike advocacy has truly shaped the sport."