The Philadelphia Mountain Bike Association
 PMBA board officers, left to right, front row; Lou Harris (President); Marianna Morris (Secretary); back row is from L to R, Nick Fortune (treasurer), Robert Krotee (VP) and Chris Hunter (VP) |
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Back in October of 2006, the Friends of Wissahickon Valley Park, a Philadelphia conservation/advocacy group that "...conserves forest and creek, restores trails and preserves the Park's historical structures," brought IMBA to town in an effort to build a demonstration, sustainable trail project in the park. Such an endeavor would help local mountain bikers at least recognize the importance of trail stewardship, if not inspire them to lend a hand. It was a successful venture, and helped local riders establish a more solid rapport with non-riders in the park. And this led to the birth of the Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association (PMBA). Among the local mtb'ers that were inspired to step-up and take a leadership role were Lou Harris, Nick Fortune and Marianna Morris, now PMBA board officers. IMBA recently asked them to share their insights on the why and the how that has led to their new organization.
The group will be become one of the first chartered IMBA Chapter Member clubs. Aside from all the insight, guidance and support that IMBA will bring to the table, the Philly group will be able to receive immediate 501(C)(3) non-profit tax status under their association with IMBA.
1) What was the motivation for launching PMBA?
The Sustainable Trails Initiative in Wissahickon brought the IMBA Trail Solutions Crew out to complete a demo trail project in the Summer of 2006 which brought members of the fractious MTB community together to work side by side with the Friends Of the Wissahickon group. Kristin and Ryan from the IMBA trail care crew noticed the situation and the need for an organized club, and came back through Philly in October 2006 to give a presentation on MTB Club Building. Interest was strong and immediate by those who attended the presentation, and this marked the official beginning of PMBA. We realized that it was time to organize so we could become involved in issue pertinent to mountain biking in our area, and to start giving back in some manner.
2) It seems that the Wissahickon trails project gave relevance to the need for a new mtb'ing organization. What about that trails project motivated you to action?
What need and/or interest is PMBA filling? The Wissahickon trails project is a huge undertaking for a city park and having support from local mountain bikers seemed crucial to improving, increasing, and insuring present and future trail opportunities in the amazing Wissahickon, other Philadelphia Parks (Pennypack and Belmont), as well as parks in the Greater Delaware Valley. We want to make sure we have a say regarding trail design and other opportunities since this major trail project was going to happen regardless if we were around or not. We also witnessed firsthand the amount of work involved and the great need for volunteers to help make this project a success... PMBA is filling many needs and interests and has the potential/plans to fill even more! PMBA is initially meeting the need of connecting local riders of all backgrounds (Expert, Beginner, DH, XC, old, young, etc). This in turn leads to team work in supporting the trails in work days (FOW work days and the new PMBA Trail Maintenance Day), planning events to support the park (Fat Tire Photo OP and Rally in the Valley), scheduling local group rides, facilitating multi-trail user discussions (Horse/Bike/Hiker Interactions) and holding MTB classes. In the future, PMBA has the plans to continue to support the Wissahickon STI and other local trails, promoting the MTB lifestyle, introduce more individuals/kids to the sport, etc. and introduce a local free-ride park where riders can safely learn new challenges and technical features helping to grow fun activities where kids can safely go in the community.
3) Ultimately, why did you decide the IMBA Chapter affiliation mechanism was the way to get organized?
Having the support from such a well established and respected organization as IMBA from the get-go offered us almost immediate credibility. The IMBA Chapter affiliation mechanism streamlined the process of becoming official and the future partnership opportunities seemed too good to pass up. Also, REI's offer to cover the initial costs was also a big bonus for our new club...!
4) One of your early initiatives was the very successful Rally in the Valley event. Why did you do that as a kind of "coming-out" for PMBA?
Being held in the Spring, the Rally in the Valley was chosen so we could officially kick off the prime riding season, as well as gain awareness for the new organization, and most importantly, demonstrate the MTB community's commitment to and support of Fairmount Park to park staff and other user groups. The event provided everyone with a fun relaxed day to celebrate the sport of MTB in the Wissahickon and we gained credibility with all those involved!
5) What do you see as future initiatives and programs for PMBA?
A large group of members are interested in obtaining the appropriate approvals and arrangements with the city to build and maintain a world class skills park. There a few areas in mind that are currently not being properly utilized and have the potential to be converted into a biking area that is clean, free of vandalism and safe for young and old people to visit and learn to improve their biking skills. In such a big city like Philadelphia, gaining political support and approvals is a daunting task, but we have begun the process. It is going to be a long road ahead to get to where we need to be, but we are determined to make this a reality. Philadelphia is a first class city and we cannot let other cities around the world be ahead of us in this arena any longer!
