Putting The Best Face On Racing

IMBA is not a racing organization. We don't sanction competitive events, we don't select teams for international competition, and we don't participate in marketing agreements that connect corporate sponsors with off-road races.

Nonetheless, IMBA must be well connected with the racing community to assure that competitive mountain biking is viewed as a positive aspect of our sport and not a threat to the environment or the experiences of other trail users. We can help race promoters to put forward the best possible image for their events and for the sport as a whole. Here's a basic list. Share it with your local race promoter. And let us know your ideas of other ways races can improve their image.

Before The Race

Involve the community. Make sure that you secure all permits, permissions, and insurance. Cooperation from government officials is a must. Be mindful of potential trail conflicts with hikers, equestrians, or hunters.
Ideally, select a race course that uses public trails. Mountain bikers will want to ride the course before and after your event, and if they can't access the course, they will be frustrated. Using existing trails has another benefit: the trail bed should be well established and firm.
If existing trails don't offer adequate technical challenge, secure permission to create short, new technical sections. These sections can be restored to their natural state after the event.
Think about spectator movement around the course. This can often cause more damage than actual racing. Post signs to direct spectators to other course sections via established paths.

During The Race

Use the race as an opportunity to educate racers and spectators about responsible mountain biking. Include information about responsible training and volunteerism in each racer's entry packet.
Provide the race announcer with a variety of short public messages that talk about responsible riding, joining a mountain bike club, and volunteering to maintain trails. (IMBA can provide these.)
Encourage local mountain bike advocacy organizations to share their information with the public at your event. If the race includes a product expo, allow local advocacy groups to exhibit without charge.
Provide adequate portable toilets, drinking water, and trash receptacles. Recycle all cans, bottles, paper, and glass. Event organizers and all bicyclists will benefit if they are seen as being at the forefront of energy and materials conservation.
Promote local recreational riding by making sure that maps, guidebooks, and brochures are available at the race. Involve local school children in the event.

After The Race

Do a thorough job of cleaning the start-finish area, parking lots, and repairing and restoring the trails used for the event. Leave the trails in better shape than they were in prior to the race. Document your restoration work with photos.
If your event has been financially successful, make a contribution to your local mountain bike advocacy group and if possible to IMBA, too. When you do this, send press releases announcing your donations. This will enhance your image in the local community.

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	Putting The Best Face On Racing IMBA is not a racing organization. We don't sanction competitive events, we don't select teams for international competition, and we don't participate in marketing agreements that connect corporate sponsors with off-road races. Nonetheless, IMBA must be well connected with the racing community to assure that competitive mountain biking is viewed as a positive aspect of our sport and not a threat to the environment or the experiences of other trail users. We can help race promoters to put forward the best possible image for their events and for the sport as a whole. Here's a basic list. Share it with your local race promoter. And let us know your ideas of other ways races can improve their image. Before The Race Involve the community. Make sure that you secure all permits, permissions, and insurance. Cooperation from government officials is a must. Be mindful of potential trail conflicts with hikers, equestrians, or hunters. Ideally, select a race course that uses public trails. Mountain bikers will want to ride the course before and after your event, and if they can't access the course, they will be frustrated. Using existing trails has another benefit: the trail bed should be well established and firm. If existing trails don't offer adequate technical challenge, secure permission to create short, new technical sections. These sections can be restored to their natural state after the event. Think about spectator movement around the course. This can often cause more damage than actual racing. Post signs to direct spectators to other course sections via established paths. During The Race Use the race as an opportunity to educate racers and spectators about responsible mountain biking. Include information about responsible training and volunteerism in each racer's entry packet. Provide the race announcer with a variety of short public messages that talk about responsible riding, joining a mountain bike club, and volunteering to maintain trails. (IMBA can provide these.) Encourage local mountain bike advocacy organizations to share their information with the public at your event. If the race includes a product expo, allow local advocacy groups to exhibit without charge. Provide adequate portable toilets, drinking water, and trash receptacles. Recycle all cans, bottles, paper, and glass. Event organizers and all bicyclists will benefit if they are seen as being at the forefront of energy and materials conservation. Promote local recreational riding by making sure that maps, guidebooks, and brochures are available at the race. Involve local school children in the event. After The Race Do a thorough job of cleaning the start-finish area, parking lots, and repairing and restoring the trails used for the event. Leave the trails in better shape than they were in prior to the race. Document your restoration work with photos. If your event has been financially successful, make a contribution to your local mountain bike advocacy group and if possible to IMBA, too. When you do this, send press releases announcing your donations. This will enhance your image in the local community.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright