Kudos For The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew

What The Press Is Saying About Us

Mark and Lora live in a Subaru Outback. That particular Subaru outback is packed to the dome light. The back half is awash in hoes, rakes, energy bars and sweaty riding gear. The roof strains beneath the weight of two bikes, and a cargo box stuffed to bursting with more tools, a slide projector and God only knows what else. It hunkers low on its springs and rolls with mule-like purpose down lonely highways in Wyoming or Wisconsin or Washington or maybe Oklahoma, or...wherever they are sent. That's part of the job description.
The Road Well Traveled, Bike Magazine, June 2004

Dream job? Perhaps. Fantasy world? That sounds more like it. Jen and Rich Edwards travel around the country spreading the sustainable trail word. Not only do they get a Subaru to drive, they get Gary Fisher Sugars to ride, all the trail riding opportunities in the world and one hell of a good time.
Interview: Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, Dirt Rag

Zero speeding tickets. Zero Subaru flat tires. One collision between racked bikes and low branch. One broken collarbone. One case of emergency-room-level poison oak. One stolen electronic organizer. One incident of locked-in car keys. Two IMBA T-shirts. Two windbreakers. Four jerseys. Six pairs of jeans, shorts and riding shorts. Nine flat bicycle tires. Twelve pair of underwear. Twenty-four pair of socks. Forty-three boxes of Ho-Ho's. Two-hundred miles a day. Three-thousand-one-hundred-eighty-three volunteer hours.
TCC Journal Entry, Mountain Bike magazine

.. They possess none of the permanence they give the trails. They have no regular mail delivery. They never forget to turn the porch light off. They have escaped. They live the dream we dream, traveling and riding and getting paid for both. IMBA's Trail Care Crew has done it right, the way it should be, a way as rangy as the entire U.S. and as intimate as the front seat of a Subaru Outback.
Tomorrow Is Another Trail, Mountain Bike magazine

The Lopeses are part of the Subaru/International Mountain Bicycling Association's trailbuilding school which touched down in Ukiah on Friday for a three-day session concluded Sunday. The trailbuilding school is a traveling way-off-road show that IMBA dispatches to provide year-round instruction. The program has enjoyed such success that IMBA went international with it and now sends experts to Canada and Europe in addition to the United States.

"On the job-enjoyment scale, we're at a 10. This is our dream job, definitely," Rachael Lopes said. "At the end of this year, we will have been to 25 states. It's the most stimulating thing we've ever done. The most rewarding part of the job is working with such motivated people."
Trailbuilders Head to Lake Mendocino, The Ukiah Daily Journal, February 28, 2005

Jill Van Winkle works on a trail, the type of work she will do this weekend in the area at Huntington State Park. Throughout this week and weekend, two professional trail-builders, Chris Bernhardt and Jill Van Winkle, will be in the area, both talking the talk, then walking the walk. The culmination of their work will be the creation of a two-mile multi-use trail in the 883-acre Collis Huntington State Park, which straddles the Bethel-Redding-Newtown line. Along the way, they'll be spreading a basic message - that trails help communities in a number of ways.
Volunteers plan to build trail through park, The News-Times, Danbury, Connecticut, May 11, 2005

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews are making a positive impression on land managers and trail users. Helena National Forest Recreation Planner Dave Payne, who attended the crew's class on building sustainable trails on Friday, said, "I thought they did a wonderful job. (Their presentation) was right on the money. It was very accurate and appropriate, not just for mountain bike trails, but for all motorized and non-motorized trails." The trail building theories that the Trail Care Crew touts are based on Forest Service directives. Specifically, the Trail Care Crew strives to build, as well as teach others to build, trails that require little maintenance and upkeep, have minimal impact on natural systems and are appealing to multiple users (i.e. hikers, equestrians, trail runners, as well as mountain bikers)."
Built to Last, Helena Independent Record, Helena, MT

What You're Saying About Us

Highlights

From Santa Rosa, CA:
I enjoyed and admire your energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise, not only on riding but on how to ride and care for the area we ride, since we are always guests and need to treat the places we are allowed to enjoy as special.
-Jay Bailinson, proud to be an IMBA member

From Morristown, NJ:
Jill and Chris were simply OUTSTANDING this weekend!! Thanks SO much for bringing the Crew our way again. We racked up 166 volunteer hours on Saturday alone! Great showing, all! We've decided to name it the "TCC" trail: Tight, Curvy, Cool!
- Greg Murray, JORBA

From Tucson, AZ:
Of all IMBA's programs, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew is probably the most effective and worthwhile, at least from the local perspective. I don't know how you keep coming up with such high-quality people as Nat & Rachael, but they are the latest in a line of very impressive representatives.
-Mark Flint, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

From Columbia, South Carolina:
The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew's knowledge, instruction and enthusiasm were inspirational.
-Steve Masone, Friends of Harbison State Forest

From Huntsville, Alabama:
I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this visit and the work that you are doing. This has been one of the most beneficial experiences for me in recent memory...Thank you for your dedication and your endurance on the road.
-Dan Holder

From San Jose, California:
A quote came to mind while observing (the Crew); "People don't care about what you know, until they know that you care". What I saw and experienced was respect for all user groups and a genuine interest in hearing other people's opinions, concerns and perspectives. Their attitude set the standard for the rest of the group. The program was very impressive, informative and valuable.
-Marcella Susan Moser, Mathew Valdez, and Sergio Huerta, Park Rangers and Donald Goodenow; Roads and Trails Crew Supervisor, East Bay Regional Parks, California

From Kensington, California:
WOW! Many thanks for the great weekend. It was a pleasure to host IMBA and kudos for all your efforts to make this happen. We look forward to many more trail work sessions in and around the Bay area. Regards to you and the entire organization. Your work is so impressive, what an incredible weekend! We love trails! We love IMBA!
--Ariadne Delon Scott, Specialized Bicycles

From Houston, TX:
Wow is all I can say. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew truly did touch us all here in Houston. Your efforts here will not soon be forgotten. I know we will use this past week to make Houston the livable, mountain bikable place it can be.
-Christina Case, Greater Houston Off Road Biking Association

From Oregon:
IMBA's Trail Care Crew is an excellent example of a partnership between public, private, and non-profit organizations coming together for a common goal.
-Oregon Bureau of Land Management recreation planner

From Oklahoma City, OK:
A Trail Care Crew visit is an absolute must for anyone or group interested in building and maintaining trails properly. I and everyone at Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship want to thank IMBA for such a great program.
-Charles Duke, IMBA Rep

2005

The workshop also brought many of the riders together, and while it is fun to build a new trail, the important thing is to build a community of riders so that access issues can be addressed and more trails can be built and maintained. Developing a trail ethic is so important too.
- Paula Burton, CT

From Big South Fork, TN:
Jill and Chris helped my staff evaluate problem areas on several trails, put on an excellent trail-building school, worked with a volunteer group to build a re-route around an unsustainable trail section, and provided input regarding potential future routes. They were pleasant, knowledgeable, and hard working - we appreciated the service they provided and hope they will be able to return to Big South Fork NRRA.
- Superintendent Reed Dering, NPS, Big South Fork, National River and Recreation Area.

From Ukiah, CA:
It was Awesome! I appreciate all the great work you are doing. IMBA has been a consistent "go to" resource for our group.
-Neil Davis, Ukiah Valley Trail Group

From Nashville, TN:
We really enjoyed Chris' and Jill's company, their expertise, and their support. They did a wonderful job and we got a great turnout. We had a lot of new faces in the class and everyone said they really learned a lot. It was definitely a positive experience.
-Shana Culbertson, TN IMBA Rep

From Oxford, MA:
Thank you for a GREAT weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed the trail building school and would highly recommend it to anyone who is involved in creating or maintaining trails.
- Cliff & Susan Pierce, NEMBA

2004

From Richmond, Virginia:
A big thank you for the great trail workshop last week at Douthat...everyone I spoke to thought the presentations were excellent, the hands-on work/field experiences very practical and educational, and equipment demonstration and bike ride very helpful. On behalf of all of us involved, thanks again, and I look forward to future projects and adventures!
-Stephanie Turner, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

From Yonkers, New York:
I just wanted to let you know how delighted we were with the visit from Jill and Chris to WMBA. The talk they gave was clear, and easily understandable. More importantly, they shared a real enthusiasm for the work, which is infectious...I offer a deep-felt thanks on the part of all of us in NY. I have been an IMBA member for 3 years, and will continue my support.
- Jose Rodriguez

From Carlsbad, New Mexico
I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Bureau of Land Management to thank (Subaru) for sponsoring the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. Nat and Rachael Lopes' energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge about mountain biking trail construction and maintenance were a great benefit. Your sponsorship makes a difference in how people think about their public lands and how they use them. Over all Nat and Rachael were great ambassadors for IMBA and Subaru. We felt very luck to have been selected for their visit and very grateful for your sponsorship and support in making it happen.
-Tony Herrell, Bureau of Land Management

From Biloxi, Mississippi:
The Crew was well received and they gave a great presentation. The workshop was very effective and now that I know more about mountain biking I think Mississippi has plenty of potential for the sport... Thanks IMBA. It was one of the most effective workshops that I have attended and the locals really enjoyed it.
-Robert Vernon, Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program

2003

From Fountainhead Regional Park, VA:
Scott and Aaryn did a fabulous job and it was fun to turn some dirt and mark a trail. I was pleased to see the level of detail that goes into trail planning and maintenance. Great to learn that IMBA is committed to doing it right for the enjoyment of all trail users. Teamwork and partnership is the only way to achieve multiple use. Please convey my appreciation to Scott and Aaryn for a job well done. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the resource is awesome.
-Tom Lillie, Staff Professional for National Parks, U.S. Senate

From Ukiah, CA:
I recently participated in a basic trail construction workshop with your West Coast Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. The workshop was invaluable both in terms of content, hands on experience, and the incredible ambassadorship of your two West Coast representatives. Mark and Lora were both charming, informed, and professional in providing information, skills and commentary all in a lighthearted manner.
-Ginny Chandler, Land User Attorney and Avid Cyclist

From Wayne National Forest, OH:
Scott and Aaryn are a totally awesome team that really know their stuff and were SO patient in allowing us to interject comments and questions throughout their presentation. Please pass along my kudos.
-Lynn Boydelatour, Head Naturalist, Ohio Department of Natural Resources

From Seattle, WA:
The comments I've received have been very positive on the training. One respondent noted the trainers 'have an effective presentation and respond well to questions.' And then added, 'Subaru and other sponsors should know that their support for this program will translate immediately to better trails for our state park visitors. This is a great program, they deserve a big thank you!'
-Karen Wood, Washington State Parks

From Lehigh Valley, PA:
I attended the classroom session Saturday morning out at Bear Creek, which was great, too. Well packaged and presented (these guys are very good on their feet!). I learned so much, which was gratifying... Anyway, Aaryn & Scott really do you and Subaru proud!!! They're a class act, down to the last detail. I just wanted to be sure to drop a note and make sure that got said. I'm sure you hear it often, wherever they travel.
-Didi Yuniger, Rodale Press

From Tuscon, AZ:
Mark and Lora were flat-out awesome.
-Mark Flint, IMBA State Rep

Way back...

From East Hampton, NY:
Subaru of America should be commended for helping to create an effective active trails resource. Many companies donate money for environmental causes, but very few actually participate in initiating change in a positive direction. The Subaru/IMBA crew came along (to East Hampton) just when they could do the most good. I think it is so remarkable and wonderful that something like this Subaru IMBA partnership exists.
-Ken Kindler,

From Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson, WY:
Just wanted to express my appreciation for the Trail Care Crew's participation in our National Trails Day work projects. They were awesome. The work the Crews are doing is so important. They did a great job of emphasizing the importance of trail design and good drainage. As a land manager, I really appreciate this message coming from the user group rather than just the agency. The momentum within the community is now building. THANKS!
-Linda Merigliano, Wilderness, Trails, Recreation Planner

From Rapid City, SD:
I just wanted to let you know that it was great to have Kathy and Joey stop by Rapid City. They did an excellent job of showing us how to build and maintain trails. They're also super cool people and definitely an inspiration. Thanks again and keep up the outstanding work.
-James Loverich

From Tennessee:
All of us want to work on our local trails, but very few of us have the time or energy to organize it. Sending out the Trail Care Crew just motivates everyone to get out and do it.
- mountain biker

From Indiana:
The Crew handled every question and concern with expert skill. They were authoritative without being sanctimonious. They worked miracles.
-Indiana Bicycle Coalition member

From New Jersey:
The Crew was great, they really knew their stuff and helped a lot. New Jersey has had its problems with trails and parks closing, and it's was great to see the IMBA help "hands on"! It gave us a burst of energy and pushed us to work even harder on helping the sport. Thanks!
-Mike Lukowiak

From Santa Barbara, CA:
In a few minutes of conversation with our local Forest Service officials, Joey, and his IMBA Trail Care Crew credentials did in a few minutes what local mountain bikers have spent hours trying to accomplish - he opened their eyes to the possibilities of (mountain bikers) doing real trail improvements. Our local land managers now realize there is much to learn from the IMBA Trail Care Crew and are anxious to have them back for a longer visit. I believe we have a great opportunity to improve the quality of trails and also the mountain bike community's prestige both in Santa Barbara and throughout the California south coast.
-Chuck Anderson, IMBA CA Rep

From Amarillo, TX:
We met Rich and Jen on Saturday and they gave us some tips on different techniques which I think will prove to be very helpful in the future. Besides being pretty savvy about trail work Rich and Jen are excellent advocates of our sport. We are excited to be a part of IMBA.
-Bill Snure

From Philadelphia, PA:
Thanks to everyone and to Rich and Jen Edwards of the IMBA Trail Care Crew and Jon Alegranti of IMBA who participated in the trail work session on National Trails Day, June 3rd. Several projects were performed to fix damage created by Hurricane Floyd. Jen and Rich also paid a visit to Pennypack Park where they advised the group on how to do a major re-route around a problematic area of the trail. Several members of the Friends of Pennypack (who regularly perform trail maintenance in the park) were very impressed and thankful to the Trail Care Crew for the education and for the visit to the park.
-Wendy Troester

From Hartford, CT:
I just want to say what an awesome day we had doing trail work with IMBA's Trail Care Crew today! I am so totally overwhelmed with the amount and quality of work we accomplished! I learned a lot from Jen and Rich, as I'm sure we all did! We have a lot of work yet ahead of us before the trail is complete, but Jen and Rich really got us rolling! It will be awhile before I come down off this high!
-Brian Smith

From Columbia, SC:
Just wanted to let you know that your IMBA programs are having a positive impact on South Carolina trails, volunteers, trail users and land managers.
-Jim Schmid, State Trails Coordinator

From St. Louis, MO:
The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visit to Greensfelder Park was very successful by all accounts. The TCC did an outstanding job. They are great representatives of the sport. Thanks again.
-John Donjoian, IMBA Rep

From Ashland, OR:
The IMBA folks are certainly knowledgeable about trail-building, and there are a lot of locals who are motivated to do the hard work involved in making good trails."
-Mike Rickets, Ranger, Rogue River National Forest,

From Susanville,CA:
I want to let you know how much we appreciated the Trail Care Crew's three day visit. It was most beneficial to myself and the rest of the mountain bikers and land managers who attended his two slide shows and the three days of field review of the single track trails in Susanville Ranch Park.
-John Shoun

From Reno, NV:
Thanks so much for the Subaru/IMBA Trail Crew visit last month to the Reno-Tahoe area. Joey did a fantastic job in dealing with our local land managers, leaving them impressed by IMBA's philosophy and trail expertise.
-Dale Beesmer