2005 IMBA Report Card
IMBA Trail News
Volume 18, Number 4
Winter 2005
Making the Grade
How to Leverage the IMBA Report Card
Before you read this, you probably scanned the grades in the IMBA Report Card to see how your state (or perhaps your Province, Territory or Nation) fared. That's what drives the IMBA Report Card: People want to know how their locality stacks up against the rest of the world. In a glance, you get a feel for how mountain bike advocacy is progressing in your backyard.
Whether the mark for your state was low or high, it's likely that you came to the conclusion that a grade between "A" and "D," plus a few comments, didn't tell the whole story about the riding where you live. It's a fair sentiment - each year we acknowledge that the grades are not a comprehensive assesment of the riding in a given locality. They are, however, a proven tool for sharing information and fostering change.
For example, bike advocates in New Jersey were disappointed to see a "C-" mark in last year's report. But in 2005, many positive developments occured in the Garden State, including new partnerships between state agencies and IMBA-affiliated clubs, and even new trails in the southern part of the state.
Mainstream media outlets often pick up on the grades, particularly the ones on the high and low end of the scale. Grades offer a useful shorthand analysis of mountain biking issues that land managers and other officials can easily understand. With the right strategy, they can be leveraged to work for you.
Head of the Class
Whatever grade your region received, there are ways to put the IMBA Report Card to work.
The best way to capitalize on a low grade is to use it to motivate people. Request a meeting with elected officials, town councils and land managers to talk about ways to work together to improve trail access.
If you received a high grade, ask your local and state tourism bureaus to incorporate it into their promotional materials. Ask bike shops and touring companies to do the same.
Get the word out. Make sure your state and local media get the news of your new Report Card grade. Write a press release to create buzz in your community (you can view a model release here.)
Set a goal, make a pledge. Work with other IMBA-affiliated clubs to raise your state's grade. Make a list of priorities and create a game plan to accomplish them. Make a pledge to hold meetings, conduct volunteer projects and get more involved in trail decisions.
Create your own grades for specific areas of your state - be sure to include them in your press release and other campaign materials. Breaking down your riding areas and grading them allows you to focus attention on the places that need the most work.
State-by-State Breakdown
Red = upgraded from 2004 Blue = downgraded from 2004| State | Grade | Phat | Flat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | A | Wilderness plan a model for the nation | Trails in Jefferson NF still not protected |
| West Virginia | A- | Pro-bike government leaders | Battles over Monongahela loom |
| Utah | A- | Epic riding everywhere | Moab needs more singletrack |
| Arizona | A- | Parks adding more shared-use trails | Fantasy Island scare |
| Colorado | A- | Solid advocacy scene gets even better | Wilderness proposals circling |
| Arkansas | B+ | Syllamo earns Epic status | Untapped potential in the south |
| Idaho | B+ | Stunning trails, without crowds | Rider apathy about Wilderness Bill |
| Michigan | B+ | Freeride parks approved | Little growth in membership |
| New Mexico | B+ | Riders partner with government agencies | ATVers stomping trails |
| Alaska | B+ | Epic trails, dedicated riders | MTB tourism potential untapped |
| Washington | B+ | Bellingham freeride successes | Seattle's best trails aren't authorized |
| Texas | B+ | Clubs offer full calendar of events | Presidential rides too fast for journalists |
| New Hampshire | B+ | Epic riding in North Conway | Trails need repair, small membership base |
| South Dakota | B+ | Southwest boasts sweet trails | Not enough locals to keep trails buff |
| Massachusetts | B+ | Diverse riding opportunities | Urban open spaces have outdated MTB policy |
| Maryland | B+ | Governor approves $75,000 trail grant | Western areas underutilized |
| Missouri | B+ | Alliances with recreation groups grow | Limitless potential, limited labor |
| Georgia | B+ | SORBA expands partnerships and trails | Infinite spiral of Atlanta's beltways |
| Wyoming | B | Jackson trail network expanding | Remote trails need maintenance |
| Wisconsin | B | New singletrack in Chequamegon | Milwaukee's best trails unauthorized |
| Tennessee | B | Epic Chattanooga singletrack | Potential for western trails untapped |
| North Carolina | B | Raleigh-Durham gains SORBA chapter | Developers threaten urban trails |
| North Dakota | B | Air Force partnership creating trails | Few biking organizations |
| Oregon | B | Inspired trailbuilding | All eyes on Mount Hood Wilderness |
| Oklahoma | B | Crowd-free trails | Wind whipping across plains, OEF lawsuit |
| Minnesota | B | MORC a model of efficiency | Biking second fiddle to ice fishing |
| Kentucky | B | Race community active in trailbuilding | Cave Run area needs maintenance |
| New York | B | Big Apple gets some legal riding | State Parks don't realize their potential |
| Ohio | B | Awesome network of advocates | Cleveland needs more trails |
| Nevada | B- | Several trails under development | More wide paths than singletrack |
| South Carolina | B- | USFS new trails | Segment of Palmetto trail closed to bikes |
| Montana | B- | Partnership with BLM in Missoula | Relations with USFS spotty |
| Pennsylvania | B- | State parks support riding | Eastern trails see heavy traffic |
| Kansas | B- | New trails open near capital | Trail-based recreation undervalued |
| California | B- | Bike industry becoming advocates | More advocates needed; Wilderness threats |
| Nebraska | B- | Hardcore riders, some technical trails | Few bikers, little clout |
| Vermont | B- | Strong advocacy network Green Mt. | NF yet to embrace bikes |
| Alabama | C+ | North has great potential | Advocates need more support |
| Illinois | C+ | Chicagoland making progress | Membership levels are stagnate |
| Florida | C+ | Hurricane damage repaired in short order | Lawsuits stifle creative trailbuilding |
| Maine | C+ | Nordic centers adding MTB | Not enough volunteers to maintain trails |
| Iowa | C+ | Creative trailbuilders at work | Hook-and-bullet emphasis in Rec departments |
| Delaware | C+ | State parks warm to riding | Little public land available |
| Indiana | C+ | $150,000 RTP grant to HMBA | Indy metro area offers few trails |
| Mississippi | C+ | Pockets of great trails | MTBers have no public voice |
| Louisiana | C | Hurricane crisis unites advocates | Damage may take years to repair |
| Hawaii | C | Gorgeous scenery, burly singletrack | Locals content to hang loose |
| New Jersey | C | Club scene strengthening | Key resources still closed to bikes |
| Connecticut | C | Good race scene, demanding trails | Mountain bikers need to build clout |
| Rhode Island | C- | Experienced advocates | Parks overrun, new trails scarce |
2005 IMBA International Mountain Bike Access Report Card
A focus on nations with significant numbers of IMBA-affiliated clubs and individual members
| Nation | Grade | Phat | Flat |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUSTRALIA | B | Trail systems improving | Need more clubs and political clout |
| CANADA | A- | IMBA Canada gaining members | East needs more advocacy organizations |
| Alberta | B+ | Trails near population centers | Nascent club scene |
| British Columbia | A | Great riding everywhere | Unauthorized trails worrisome |
| Manitoba | C+ | New Rep in Winnipeg | Urban centers need trails |
| Ontario | B | All styles of riding represented | Riders apathetic about trailwork |
| Saskatchawan | B- | Regina trails a great addition | More trails needed |
| Quebec | C- | Downhill flourishing, many strong riders | Clubs need more members to get noticed |
| MEXICO | C+ | Clubs strengthening | Bike culture only exists in pockets |
| ISRAEL | B | Epic national trail | Few riders |
| ITALY | B | World-class freeriding areas | Many regions lack trails |
| UNITED KINGDOM | B+ | Increasing number of affiliated clubs | Need more individual members |
| Scotland | A | Bike-friendly Forestry department | Frequent rain tough on trails |
| Wales | B | Bike tourism on the rise | Forestry department says it lacks funds for repairs |
| England | B | Access slowly increasing | 150,000 miles of trails still closed to bikes |
| NORTHERN IRELAND | C | Strong tourism potential | Lacks purpose-built trails |
| UNITED STATES | A- | National Parks Service partners with IMBA | Overcrowding near urban centers |
TOP DOG IN U.S.A
VIRGINIA: A
Wilderness plan a model for the nation
Virginia takes the best-in-class title from their neighbors. Like West Virginia, the Old Dominion State offers epic backcountry riding and a network of dedicated bike advocates. The kicker is the savvy approach that Virginia riders employed when Wilderness proposals in the Jefferson National Forrest threatened shared-use trails. "Because we have such a well-organized mountain bike community, the pro-Wilderness groups were willing to negotiate with us," says IMBA State Rep Chris Scott. Other factors contributing to Virginia's high mark include the partnership agreement that IMBA signed with the Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2005, and the leadership provided by Virginia's network of clubs.
GLOBAL SUPERSTAR
SCOTLAND: A
Bonnie trails and bike-friendly government
Last year, IMBA's online poll named Scotland the People's Choice. In 2005, the Scots go one better by knocking British Columbia off the Global Superstar pedestal. (Sure, B.C. is still one of the best places on the planet to ride, but unapproved trails are a ticking timebomb.) Scotland features the government-sponsored Seven Stanes Project - riding centers with outstanding trails - and the brilliant scenery and demanding trails of the Scottish Highlands. The Glentress center attracted 250,000 visitors last year, according to the Forestry Commission Scotland, which prompted the agency to purchase new land. With mountain bike tourism on the rise and increasing numbers of trails being built, we expect Scotland to stay near the top of the international scorecard for years to come.
MOST ENDANGERED
CALIFORNIA:
One step forward, one step back
The land of the Governator is undoubtedly the most influential state in the union when it comes to mountain biking. More riders live here than anywhere else, a large percentage of the bike industry is headquartered here, and the riding - from redwood forests to desert mesas - tends toward the spectacular. But California is also rife with access issues, and though IMBA and California's skilled advocates have secured access to many wonderful trails, much more is at stake. In advocacy terms, California has maintained its equilibrium in recent years, with most campaigns focused on clinging to existing trails. Will momentum swing in mountain bikers' favor in 2006?
2006 ALERT
RHODE ISLAND: C
Park budgets shrink, demand for trails grows
Rhode Island receives the lowest grade in this year's report. Why pick on the smallest state in the union? Heavily populated and lacking park space, Rhode Island presents a microcosm of the issues that plague the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Faced with shrinking budgets and competing recreational groups, park managers are reluctant to add new trails. In fact, bike advocates find themselves working harder than ever just to avoid losing ground. "In the Arcadia Management Area, the supervisor now has to manage two park units instead of one, and bikers are increasingly overlooked," says IMBA State Rep Tina Hopkins. "There are still places - like Big River Reservoir - with the potential for new singletrack," adds Hopkins. "But unless riders are willing to step up their involvement, I'm afraid we'll be boxed out by competing groups."
ADVOCACY GROUPS ON THE MOVE
- Jersey Action Riders: Teamed with local REI on Wharton State Forest project.
- SIMBS (CANADA): South Island MTB Society has raised over $30k for trails.
- Redding MTB Club: Huge celebration of Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.
- SORBA-TN: Tennessee advocates are a political force.
- ORMBA: Oregon advocates team for innovative Wilderness strategy.
MOST IMPROVED IN 2005
- New Jersey: Southern NJ sees new partnerships, new trails.
- Georgia: SORBA chapters making big strides.
- South Carolina: Revitalized relationship with Forest Service.
- Arkansas: Perhaps the best trails in the Southeast.
- Illinois: Chicagoland trail access improving.
SKI RESORT HONOR ROLL
- Whistler, CANADA: Model facility for lift-serviced riding.
- Deer Valley, UT: Brilliant cross-country and downhill trails.
- Tamarack, ID: IMBA's Trail Solutions develops state-of-the-art trail network.
- Snowshoe, WV: Interwest building Whistler of the East.
- Winter Park, CO: Great variety of trails, including beginner-friendly options.
