Second Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Selected

Two Crews Begin 98 Tour At Cactus Cup

March 1998

Ric Balfour and Holly Hill from Forest Grove, Oregon, have been chosen to represent IMBA as Trail Care Crew 2. They join Jan and Mike Riter who return as Crew 1 to build on last years project. Jan and Mike travelled 52,000 miles and participated in 150 trail projects.

Trail Care Crew members connect with our local IMBA affiliated clubs, share their expertise in trail design and maintenance, meet with land managers, inspire volunteerism, and promote a positive image for the sport of mountain biking.

Two crews will allow IMBA's trail experts to spend more time in each state on the trails. Hill, Balfour and the Riters have a big country to cover, and an ambitious to-do list in 98. We will once again rely on the hard work, personal commitment, and warm hospitality of IMBA members and local clubs to make this project succeed, and to contribute to a brighter future for mountain biking.

Ric Balfour, a native New Zealander, has worked the last six years as a recreation planner for the Oregon Department of Forestry. He has worked extensively with volunteers, facilitated cooperation among all trail-user groups, and helped develop trail design standards. He has a masters in Forest Recreation Management from Oregon State University (OSU).

Holly is also a graduate of OSU with a background in the outdoor industry, and a strong commitment to the environment. She has worked for Nike since 1992, recently as an apparel pattern engineer. She was a volunteer on Nike's Environmental Action Team, and recognized with a Shining Star Award for excellence in 1995.

Ric and Holly share a passion for mountain biking and trailwork. They have been married for eight years. When they get time off from work, their favorite thing to do is road trip.... Wow, have we got a job for them!

We thank everyone who applied for a second Trail Care Crew position. We received more than 40 outstanding applications from people whose passion for the sport and commitment to trails really inspired us. We know we could put 10 excellent crews on the road.

The 1998 Trail Care Crew project debuts at Cactus Cup in Arizona, March 15. As the year unfolds, a Crew will be coming to a trail near you.

--Scott Gwozdz