From rescues to repairs, the National Mountain Bike Patrol helps safeguard trail users

IMBA Trail News
Volume 18, Number 4
Winter 2005

A hiker gets turned around at a trail intersection and finds himself lost as darkness approaches. A solo mountain biker tacos her rear wheel on a rock drop 11 miles from the trailhead and faces a long, lonely walk out. A city official departs on a casual family hike and ends up learning about the local mountain bike scene by chatting with an enthusiastic patroller.

These scenarios demonstrate the ways that IMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) program impacts trail users. Across North America, more than 60 patrol units provide services ranging from emergency medical care and search-and-rescue efforts, to environmental education and jury-rigging broken derailleurs. Since 1995, the NMBP has provided assistance and information to trail users.

"The trail monitoring services that patrols provide to land managers are well established," says IMBA Bike Patrol Coordinator Zach Vanderkooy, "but the goodwill created by constant positive interactions with all trail users makes this program invaluable in terms of improving trail access for mountain bikers."

With ever-shrinking budgets and fewer resources to manage more users, land managers are increasingly turning to volunteer patrols to be their eyes and ears on trail. Most patrollers get involved because of a passion for two things: helping people and mountain biking. It's a blend most land managers appreciate.

Making an Access Impact

Joe Cross helped start a patrol in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. "We've always liked helping people on the trail," he says of his group. "This way we can do it in an official capacity that's good for the Park and for the sport."

Last October, Cross got a call from Big South Fork's Chief Ranger. A 70-year-old hiker had taken a wrong turn and become separated from his family. The group quickly mobilized a mountain bike search and rescue team, and within one hour the man was found, frightened but unharmed.

"It really made an impression," says Cross. "The fact that mountain bikers are willing to contribute a patrol is in our favor. No other user group is stepping up in that manner."

Aid in the Desert

The Color Country Cycling Patrol usually operates among Southern Utah's red rock cliffs and alpine meadows. Once a year, the group extends its influence to Las Vegas, Nevada. At the Interbike Outdoor Demo - the massive display of bicycle technology held each fall in Las Vegas as part of North America's largest bicycle trade show - the group provides medical aid and in-the-field bike repairs.

"We provided about 80 flat tire repairs, 40 mechanical and 50 medical assists at the last Interbike," says Director Ron Rodriguez. It's a relationship that not only benefits the thousands of visitors to the show, but opens doors to involvement with management of trails on land where the group patrols the rest of the year.

Do you like helping people? Want to give something back to the sport and help keep trails open to bikes? The National Mountain Bike Patrol may be for you. To find a patrol unit or to learn more about starting one with your club, check out IMBA.com/nmbp.