Protecting trails since 1988

IMBA Turns 20

THE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH

Partnerships are the core of IMBA’s effectiveness, and this issue of Trail News celebrates many of the key alliances we have forged over the past 20 years. At the heart of our organization, thousands of individual members represent mountain biking on the trails and in the meeting halls of our local communities. A network of clubs provides opportunities for local and regional partnerships. Supporting these frameworks are our allegiances with land managing agencies and our allies in the bicycle industry.

Improving club resources is a key goal, and there is no better example of those efforts than our newly formed alliance with the Southern Off Road

Bicycle Alliance (SORBA). Spanning seven Southeastern states packed with prime riding opportunities, SORBA has been a model of regional advocacy

for years. Our new alliance will improve SORBA’s club capacity and trailbuilding programs by transferring operational functions — like membership

services and some accounting tasks — to IMBA headquarters. This will enable SORBA to hire a full time executive director, build more trails and become

an even more effective force.

As many of you may know, IMBA has developed a strong relationship with the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS manages some of the most

spectacular lands in the United States. We are working with leaders at the highest level to ensure these splendid places can be experienced from

the best perspective: the seat of a bicycle. Mountain bikers can be a powerful constituency to improve national parks; as the NPS approaches its

Centennial Anniversary in 2016 we will be an important contributor to brightening the future of America’s most treasured parks in their second century.

IMBA staff members and a record number of volunteer advocates recently spent time in Washington, DC, at the 8th annual National Bike Summit.

This year’s Summit was an exciting one, and everyone who walked the halls of Congress and visited federal agencies came away feeling like we have

gained new respect for our contributions. Please consider joining us at next year’s summit: 2009 will be a critical year for cycling as we work to win a

fair share of the reauthorization of the Transportation Enhancement Act.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to recognize our partnerships with the corporate sponsors who have helped support IMBA’s growth for the past 20

years. We owe much of our success to the bicycle industry angels who have benefited us since our outset. “No sales without trails!” was our mantra

to them in the early days. They embraced us whole-heartedly, helping IMBA build the trails that could attract customers to the sport. More recently, we

have been fortunate to bring corporate supporters outside of the bike industry into the fold — they recognize the value of an engaged, active group of

people with a passion for the joys of cycling.

From corporate supporters to individual members, IMBA relies on partnerships to achieve its mission. I hope this season brings you many great rides

with friends and family. Thanks for your support; we couldn’t do it without each and everyone of you.

— Hill Abell, President

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Patti BonnetJames BurattiRichard CookJenn DiceTammy DonahughRich EdwardsMark Eller Scott GordonDan HudsonJoey KleinScott LinnenburgerRyan MauterMatt O’ConnorTim PeckSpencer PowlisonStefan Richarz Mark SchmidtRyan SchutzMike Van AbelDrew VankatTom Ward Pete WebberLora WoolnerJill Van Winkle

Events CoordinatorWebmasterDevelopment Director Government Affairs DirectorOperations ManagerTrail SpecialistCommunications DirectorMembership Manager Trail SpecialistTrail SpecialistDirector of Field ProgramsMarketing CoordinatorDevelopment CoordinatorFinance DirectorTrail Care Crew/Patrol CoordinatorMember ServicesCanada DirectorAffiliate Programs Manager Executive DirectorPolicy Analyst IMBA CA Policy Advisor Trail SpecialistCanada DirectorTrail Specialist

patti@imba.comwebmaster@imba.comrich.cook@imba.com jenn@imba.comtammy@imba.comrich@imba.commarkeller@imba.comscottgordon@imba.comdan.hudson@imba.comjoey@imba.comscott@imba.comryan.mauter@imba.commatt.oconnor@imba.comtim.peck@imba.comspencer@imba.comstefan@imba.commark@imba.comryan.schutz@imba.com mike@imba.comdrew@imba.comtom@imba.compete@imba.comlora@imba.comjill@imba.com

Last year was a busy and successful one for IMBA — so much so that I almost failed to notice that 2008 marks our 20th anniversary! An e-mail from past-president Jim Hasenauer prevented me from making

an embarrassing oversight. b Hasenauer wrote, “It dawned on me that March 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the meeting at Gibson Anderson’s house that created IMBA. Representatives from the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin, the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers, The Sacramento Rough Riders and the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association met to form a confederacy of local clubs. Anderson was named executive director and Don Douglass was named president. It’s remarkable to see what we have

accomplished and how far we have come. I’m very, very proud of IMBA.” b The message gave me cause to ponder IMBA’s accomplished over the

past 20 years. Here are a few of the milestones: b 1988: Unified a movement of conservation-minded advocates that without a collective

voice would have lost access to singletrack trails on a massive scale. b 1994: Built a member-supported organization with paid professional staff. IMBA’s first executive director, Tim Blumenthal, was hired. Today,

IMBA has 29 staff. b 1997: Launched the Subaru-sponsored Trail Care Crew program, taking a hands-on approach to trail education. This program has become the Johnny Appleseed of sustainable trailbuilding

in North America. b 2000: IMBA president Ashley Korenblat met with President Clinton to discuss mountain biking rules in national monuments. IMBA signed a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management and a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S.

Forest Service. b 2004: Individual membership hits an all-time high of

35,000. b 2007: Trek’s 1 World, 2 Wheels initiative ushers in a new era of corporate involvement. Other bicycle companies — including Shimano, Specialized, SRAM and QBP — introduce strong new commitments to

IMBA. b These accomplishments have brought us closer to meeting our mission of creating, enhancing and protecting great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. I admire IMBA’s founders for having the vision and fortitude to create an effective organization to serve mountain biker’s needs. Like the rest of you, I look forward to finding out what we can accomplish in upcoming decades.

— Mike Van Abel, Executive Director

IMBA Trail NewsIMBA Trail News Spring 2008, Volume 21, Number 1

IMBA creates, enhances and preserves great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide.

Board of Directors Ó

Staff Ó

Hill AbellTom ClydeJohn BlissElayna CaldwellBlair ClarkSteve FlaggJay FranklinKrisztina HollyWoody KeenChris KegelJanet O’Connell

President/Austin, TXVice Pres./Kamas, UTBoulder, COMorgan Hill, CAKetchum, IDBloomington, MNPowder Springs, GALos Angeles, CACedar Mountain, NCHales Corner, WIToronto, ON

hill@bicyclesportshop.comtclyde@allwest.netbliss.2000@gmail.comecaldwellgrim@foxracingshox.combclark@smithoptics.comsflagg@qbp.comjayfsorba@mindspring.comz@usc.eduascentdesc@citcom.netchris.kegel@wheelandsprocket.netjoconnell@btac.org

Kelly and Collins BishopAnna Laxague & Jason Wells

kellyandcollins@imba.comannaandjason@imba.com

Cover photo by Bob Allen. Other contributors include BIKE magazine, Gary Boulanger, Dan Barnham, Russell Burton, Anne Keller, Rachael Lopes/Hilride, Seb Rogers, Russell Lee, Boone Speed and IMBA staff.

Layout and design by Sugar DesignImages and stories available for re-use by permission only.

Ó IMBA PO Box 711 Boulder, CO 80306 USA

ph 303-545-9011 fax 303-545-9026 info@imba.com

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews Ó

REELING IN THE YEARS

Correction: In Trail News Vol. 20, No. 4 incorrectly stated that the Linn Area Mountain Bike Association is in Indiana. It’s actually in Iowa. Also, they are using their CLIF Trail Preser-vation grant to remove bur, not scrub, oaks.

Mark Sept. 27 — U.S. National Public Lands Day — on your calendar. And don’t forget that IMBA clubs around the globe will celebrate Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Oct. 4, the first Saturday of the month. 3

News ShortsThe 8th Annual National Bike Summit convened in Washington, DC, March 4-6. With a record-breaking turnout of 500 bicycling advocates — including 70 IMBA delegates — cyclists across the nation offered a unified voice on Capitol Hill. Attendees were trained in the fine art of lobbying with expert coaching from IMBA staff. Specifically, delegates learned firsthand about two major objectives: the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Initiative and a proposed congressional resolution on bicycling. b Jenn Dice, IMBA’s government affairs director, spoke to attendees about the importance of supporting the NPS in their campaign to improve parks and increase visitation. The NPS is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2016, and President Bush and Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne have proposed massive funding increases to restore parks to their former glory. The initiative would dedicate $100 million a year for 10 years to park operations, generating $1 billion. An additional $100 million a year would be allocated to special signature projects to go above and beyond general park maintenance. b Drew Vankat, IMBA’s policy analyst, provided delegates with insight on the pending congressional resolution. “This act could increase visibility and support for campaigns within Congress and prepare lawmakers for pertinent bicycling issues in the 2009 transportation bill,” said Vankat. “This is an achievable request and it will pay dividends when Congress debates funding levels for programs like transportation enhancements that will directly benefit mountain biking.” Vankat noted that with 391 NPS units across the country, each summit attendee might have a park service site in their congressional district that could become eligible for new or improved trails. b On the final day of the summit, delegates took their knowledge and passion to Capitol Hill. Lobbying the halls of Congress is the highlight of the summit and an enlightening experience for all attendees. In meetings with House and Senate offices, IMBA’s volunteer advocates spoke about the importance of mountain biking to their local communities and economies. b Other topics of interest included an update on Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s (D) bipartisan Congressional Bike Caucus. As on Feb. 12,

177 House members and 16 Senate members have worked to advance three objectives: encourage cycling as a valid means of transportation, improve cycling opportunities for people who commute to Capitol Hill, and organize recreational rides for members and their staffs. On the final evening, an energized crowd of bicycling advocates enthusiastically traded war stories over hors d’oeuvres and fizzy beverages. b What does the National Bike Summit mean for IMBA and its members? Making sure that members of Congress and their staffs are aware of the bicycle movement is a vital task. The unified voice of IMBA’s delegates made an impact on Capitol Hill in 2008, setting up an important effort in 2009 when major transportation initiatives are due for congressional action. Special thanks to Gary Boulanger, US editor of BikeRadar.com, for providing photos and text for this story.

Mountain Bikers Take Prominant Role 2008 National Bike Summit

Above: Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice addressed more than 500 attendees at the National Bike Summit. Below: Delegates prepare for the lobbying day on Captitol Hill. 4

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News Shorts

IMBA has teamed with Hilride Progression Development Group to produce a dynamic video introduction to the National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) program. The video serves as a supplement to written materials about the NMBP. Local mountain bike clubs or patrols can use the video to recruit new members and educate land managers who may be considering the value of adding an NMBP chapter to their home area. b Divided into six segments, the video explains how the NMBP program works, describes the process of certification for aspiring patrollers, profiles three successful mountain bike patrol programs and provides information on how to join or start a NMBP unit. Inspiring riding footage shot on a variety of trails and terrain deftly illustrates the allure of mountain biking and the value of bike patrols. b “Producers Nat and Rachael Lopes and their company, Hilride Progression Development Group, were particularly well-suited to the task of conveying the value of the NMBP program,” says IMBA Communications Director Mark Eller. “Nat and Rachael were able to draw on their background with the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program to create a video that will appeal to current patrollers, mountain bikers considering joining a patrol, and to land managers who might be wondering what services a patrol unit can provide.” b Visit the NMBP’s website, imba.com/nmbp, to learn more about the new video. Also, visit Hildride at hilride.com for more about their services.

National Bike Patrol Creates Educational Video News Shorts

Mountain biking brings numerous positive economic and health benefits to communities, and Shimano, the bike components company, has partnered with IMBA to help communicate that message to policy makers and the public. b Shimano researched, designed and produced a glossy brochure that illustrates the benefits of mountain biking. In creating this eye-catching outreach piece, the company, which also sells fishing reels, rods and accessories, has applied its advocacy know-how from those activities to the mountain biking realm. b Entitled “Outdoor Freedom: The Economics & Benefits of Mountain Biking,” the publication is designed to persuade lawmakers and land managers to implement bike-friendly policies. It provides a raft of statistics emphasizing the popularity of mountain biking, the sport’s role in promoting both economic activity and public health across the U.S., the growing economic value of trail-based tourism, and the mountain biking community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

b Did you know, for instance, that the U.S.’s 50 million mountain bikers may outnumber U.S. golfers? That more than 30 percent of the residents

of Alaska, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire and Vermont ride mountain bikes? That mountain biking pumps more money ($26 billion) into the American economy than does NASA ($16.1 billion)? Or that investments in trails have brought dramatic sales tax revenue increases across the country, or that mountain biking visits to National Forest Service lands generated $205 million in 2005 alone? b Last month, IMBA members distributed the brochure to Washington D.C. lawmakers when they traveled to the National Bicycle Summit, accentuating the benefits of trail-based recreation and encouraging their representatives in Congress to help preserve trails and

trail funding for mountain biking. Copies are available at no cost by visiting the IMBA online store (shipping fees apply). You can also download a PDF copy from IMBA’s online resources.

Shimano Brochure Illustrates Economic Impacts of Mountain Biking

5The Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) join IMBA and SORBA in celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year.

News ShortsRegistration is now open for the 2008 IMBA World Summit in Park City, Utah. Visit IMBA’s website for full details on registration, lodging and all the great events on tap for the June 18-21 gathering. b Among the headline speakers scheduled thus far are Karen Taylor-Goodrich of the U.S. National Park Service, and Australia’s Glen Jacobs, founder of World Trail Inc., one the world’s premier trailbuilding design and construction firms. New speakers are still being added. Some of the luminaries scheduled thus far include:

• Bill Victor, Long Cane Trails LLC, South Carolina• Bob Ratcliffe, Chief of Recreation and Visitor Services Division, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, D.C.• Carol Potter, Executive Director, Mountain Trails Foundation, Park City, Utah• Chris Bernhardt, Trail Specialist, Alta Planning and Design, Portland, Oregon• Garrett Villanueva, Trail Engineer, U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

• Jeremy Wimpey, Recreation Ecology Specialist, Virginia Tech, Park and Recreation Resource Management Program• Karl Bartlett, Cycling Project Officer, Forestry Commission Scotland; Chairman, IMBA U.K.• Tony Boone, Owner, Arrowhead Trails Inc. & Anasazi Trails Inc., Salida, Colorado• Woody Keen, Owner, Trail Dynamics, LLC; President, Professional Trailbuilders Association, Cedar, North Carolina• Zach Jarrett, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management, Salem, Oregon

Educational tracts at the World Summit will focus on three themes: Building a Mountain Bike Community, Managing Mountain Biking and Mountain Biking’s Value Proposition. Most of the sessions, speakers and workshops at the event will provide information relevant to one of these themes, with time allotted for breakout groups, roundtable discussions and social networking. b Additionally, the World Summit will offer a film festival, social events, organized rides and ample unstructured time to explore Park City, one of the nation’s model trails communities. The town is home to downhill, cross country, jump park and beginner-friendly riding options. b The biggest outing will be Saturday’s Epic ride on the Mid-Mountain Trail. Join us on this classic Wasatch singletrack journey, which features lots of climbing, descending and ridge-top riding through aspen and pine forests. Intermediate and advanced riders will find this trail challenging and exciting. b Early-bird pricing on registration lasts until April 18, and late registration begins after June 1. Don’t hesitate — this is one event you won’t want to miss!

Registration Open, Speakers Announced for World SummitNe

FOX/IMBA HERO: Tim Wegner ÓTim Wegner understands the power of partnerships, and for that reason is the most recent recipient of a FOX/IMBA Hero Award. The Twin Cities didn’t have much in the way of singletrack, so Wegner led the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC) to partnerships and new trails with multiple regional parks and municipalities. Today, the Twin Cities offer one of the country’s best metropolitan mountain biking scenes. But that didn’t improve the number of trails outside the metro area. As a volunteer IMBA rep, he reached out to help build new chapters around the state, thus creating new and improved riding opportunities. But even that didn’t result in a legitimate mountain bike destination. So Wegner snared a federal appropriation that will bring $500,000 to the state recreation program. IMBA, MORC, regional cycling advocates and bike industry supporters are now drawing on those funds to develop the Cuyuna Lakes Ride Center. A shiny new FOX fork is indeed a very small token of our appreciation.

Are You a FOX/IMBA Hero? IMBA and corporate supporter FOX Racing Shox

are pleased to announce the FOX/IMBA Heroes project. The program honors

trail advocates who advance mountain bike access in their communities.

All FOX/IMBA Heroes receive a new FOX Racing Shox fork of their choice, and

an assortment of gear and clothing, courtesy of FOX.

Photo by Mark Maziarz.

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News Shorts IMBA 2007 Financial ReportWHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

Annual IMBA Access, Advocacy & Trailbuilding Spending

$-

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

$2,500

$3,000

'94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07

Yearfigures in thousands

2007 Total Expenditures: $2,590,836

Programs 82%

Fundraising15%

Administration3%

Revenue Growth in Major Categories 2005-2007

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

$700,000

$800,000

$900,000

$1,000,000

2005 2006 2007

Trail Consulting

Grants & Corporate

Individual Support

2007 Total Income: $2,838,934

33%

29%

22%

5%

7%3%

1%

Individual Support

Grants & Corporate

Trail Consulting

Product Sales

In-kinds

Club/Dealer/Patrol Members

Royalties & Interest

Annual Fund

Trail BuildingFund

Legal Fund

$42,319 $45,720$46,709

$-

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

2007 Special Campaigns: $134,748

Once again, IMBA increased total expenditures for access, advocacy and trailbuilding efforts in 2007, a trend we have maintained for more than a decade. Our

special funding drives — the Annual, Trailbuilding and Legal Funds — climbed to new heights. IMBA’s financial diversity is also impressive: Individual giving leads the way, but corporate support and trail consulting fees help broaden the base of support. In 2008, we will continue to deliver on our supporters’ investment by limiting expenses and focusing spending on areas that further our strategic goals. Allow me close by tipping my hat to my predecessor, Erik Esborg — his steady hand guided IMBA’s finances for many years; we all wish him well in his next endeavors.

— Tim Peck, Finance Director

Financial data for 2007 has yet to be independently audited as of press time.

2007 FINANCIAL REPORT

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Hearty Thanks to IMBA’s Corporate Supporters and Individual Donors!

The generous support of IMBA’s corporate supporters and individual donors this past year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2007)has helped significantly advance our mission to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. b With your tenacious commitment to research, trailbuilding and conservation efforts, IMBA will seek to leverage your contributions on an unprecedented scale in 2008. We expect to accomplish great things: Our reach is global, and our mission is compelling. b We hope we have recognized all of our supporters and donors

on these pages — please notify us by sending a message to info@imba.com if we have overlooked your contribution.

Corporate Partnerships

Our corporate partners come from diverse fields but they all have at least two things in common: a commitment to creating exceptional riding experiences, and a strong desire to support the mountain biking community. Corporate supporters express their commitment with a variety of programs, including:

• Educational grants• Event sponsorships• Percent of sale programs• Research grants• Trailbuilding and conservation initiatives

From fundraising events like TEAM IMBA and the IMBA Summits, to grants supporting research and resources, corporations make a huge contribution to the mountain biking community. To find out more about how your company can help build and enhance great trails, please contact development director Rich Cook: rich.cook@imba.com.

Individual Support

Riding a mountain bike improves the wellbeing of millions of people — in the U.S. alone there are at least six million enthusiasts that ride trails over 30 times per year. Many (but not enough!) of them are individual IMBA supporters. b One of the most important things you can do to support the mountain bike movement is to maintain your individual IMBA membership. Simply visit imba.com and click the Join or Renew buttons. Or, call us toll free at 888-442-4622.

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Take a BowWHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

IMBA would like to recognize Subaru of America for their ongoing support of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. Our two teams of trainers traveled 69,000 miles in their Subaru Outbacks and led sessions enhancing or building more than 249 miles of trail. All told, they conducted Trailbuilding schools in 36 states with over 90 multi-media presentations. More than 4,000 land managers, advocates, students, public officials and others attended Trail Care Crew events in 2007. Subaru also donates an additional $125 for every IMBA member that purchases a car through the Subaru VIP program. Subaru’s generous commitment to IMBA trailbuilding and educational efforts is accelerating the development of trail systems nationwide, including IMBA Ride Centers. Thank you Subaru of America!

IMBA and Subaru

Thanks to CLIF Bar for supporting six $1,000 Trail Preservation Grants in 2007. One typical recipient, The Outback Trail Commission (OTC), will use the funds to build a new 30-foot bridge in Imagination Glen Park in Portage, Indiana. The current bridge is in serious disrepair, and presents a serious obstacle for emergency access. The new bridge, built by volunteers, will create a more user-friendly trail system for runners, hikers and cyclists. In addition, it will allow for clearing of the waterway that will maintain viable breeding grounds for local populations of Steelhead and other salmon species. Now that’s what we call a multi-use trail project. Look for Clif Bar IMBA grants again in 2008.

CLIF Bar Trail Preservation Grants

$20,000 AND ABOVERecreational Equipment IncorporatedSubaru Of AmericaShimano America CorpSpecialized BicyclesTrek/Gary Fisher Bicycles

$10,000 AND ABOVEAnn WilliamsBell Sports/GiroBikes BelongBureau of Land ManagementCLIF BarKona BicyclesPacific Cycles: GT, Mongoose, SchwinnSanta Cruz Bicycles

$5,000-$9,999CamelBakDaniel GoldEric JohnsonGiant BicyclesInterbikeJay Doub IIIJoe CotePearl IzumiQuality Bicycle ProductsRichard E. and Nancy P. MarriottSmartwoolSRAM Thomas KempnerYakima

$3,000-$4,999Bicycle Technologies InternationalBicycling/Mountain BikeCane Creek Cycling ComponentsCrank BrothersDT SwissEd RoundsFuji AmericaHaro BikesHayes Disc BrakeJamis Bicycles/G. Joannou CycleJeff LightJenson USAKenda USAMichelin Tire, Cycle DepartmentNorco Products LtdOutdoor Gear CanadaRobert & Joni SmithRocky Mountain BicyclesSteve FlaggWalt Miller

$1,000-$2,999Alan CannonAnnette And Mark GraffBicycle Sport ShopBIKEBob ForsterBob TrailersRyders EyewearCatalyst CommunicationsCateyeChequamegon Fat Tire FestivalChip DuckettChris OhrstromChristopher Johnson

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Clark WilkinsCompetitive CyclistCurtis KimbleDave AlbertalliDavid AdlerDavid PalmerDowneast Bicycle SpecialistsErgon USAEugene WeymouthFOX Racing ShoxFred ReynoldsGary & Kirsten, KleinGeomatics Data Management IncGregory ShermanHans Johnsen CompanyHill AbellHoward FischerHutchinson IndustriesInternational Cycle Works, IncJ. AllardJoel & Shannon BruggenJon KruljacJulie TaylorKathleen SigurdsonKevin McgeehanKryptoniteLawrence EvansLighthouse Brewing CompanyMark GatehouseMatt AllaireMaverickMaxxis TiresMick & Sabrina HellmanMike TabaczynskiMoots CyclesNew Belgium Brewery

Outdoor Industry AssociationPatrick McmullanPaul RosicaPaul TurnerPlanet BikePrimal WearRandy MyersRichard Sertich & Marte LightstoneRitchey Design IncRocky MountsRon GutfleisRyan KublyScott ScudamoreShimano CanadaSmith OpticsSock GuySpecialized CanadaSpecialty Sports Venture-Bicycle VillageSteve VargaStewart Willason & Elizabeth KirschSusan WilliamsThomas RitterTom HertensteinTony ApuzzoTrails.comTransrockies IncUSA CyclingVelonewsVoler Team ApparelWestern SpiritWhistler Mountain Bike ParkWilliam StarrYeti Cycles

IMBA’s affiliates had an awesome year of volunteer stewardship of trails and other recreation facilities. Through the support of REI we have been able to assist clubs with cash grants, resources and tools, as well as surveys to measure and track all our clubs volunteer work. Thanks to REI we’ll be back with new surveys and support in 2008 to improve volunteerism throughout the IMBA network with a goal to support and quantify your efforts. The data collected through this program is used by IMBA when speaking with land managers and government decision makers, helping us bring more resources to the trails. Accomplishments include:

• 40,600 volunteers participating from IMBA’s network of affiliate clubs

• 450,000 total volunteer hours • 36,540 adult and 4,060 youth participants• Estimated economic value of volunteer

service to be $8,110,000 • $2,503,020 raised by IMBA clubs for trails

REI Volunteer Stewardship Challenge

REI Boulder store manager Ali Bennett presents a check to IMBA’s Mike Van Abel.

$1,000-$2,999 Continued

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$500-$999Altitude Coffee, LLCArrowhead TrailsBlue Mt. Arts CommunityBoulder Business ProductsChris KegelChristopher WagnerDave BrownDavid AdamsDavid HardingDeuter USADirt Rag MagazineDon SeagrenElke MacgregorEric ChristoEtienne BouckaertExcel Sports BoulderGeoffrey RogersGeorge & Dale MaierGranny Gear ProductionsIrvin SmithJack R LadueJake KolojejchickJames CromptonJames DeerJames KovalyJared RepkaJeff & Hilary WarnerJeffrey SmithJim BackhusJoe FoleyJoe PadudaJohn Salmon IiiJon & Shauna StanleyKen DaviesKen DowlingMalcolm HeppenstallMark & Suzanne GagnonMark SuriMichael & Eleanor PinkertMike & Paula SandigeNicholas BurkeNuun And CompanyPark ToolPaul TongsuthiPeter MangravitePush IndustriesRichard EricksonRick WernerRobert KrenzRyeka SportScott DuffensScott RocklageSeven CyclesShane KinkennonSteve LacherSusan Kolbush

Texas Mountain Bike Racing AssociationThe Hawley CompanyTown Of TillsonburgTurner Suspension Bicycles, INCTwenty4 SportsWilliam Schmitt

$250-$4995-hour EnergyAdventure AdvocatesAhrens BicyclesAllen NafzigerAnasazi Trails, IncAndrew Escoll & Tina SniderAvid4 Adventure, IncAxis Gear Company LTDBig Bear Lake CamplandsBill DevendorfBlue Dog Sports LLC/ Pedro’s FestivalBoa ConstructionBruce CountyCapilano College-mountain Bike Operations ProgramChico RacingClearwater Trail CentreCorrect Building Products LLCCrested Butte Mtn. ResortDesert SportsDirt Camp/the Mountain WorkshopDirt SeriesEric BourbonniereFred MirellHardwood Hills Mtb CenterHilrideIdaho Resort Rentals LLCInter-mtn Enterprises IncJeff FreidusJohn BoxallKinetic Koffee CompanyKirkwood Mountain ResortLoeka ClothingLong Cane Trails, LLCMichael AnciauxMichael WorleyMidwest CyclingNational Bicycle Dealers AssnNational Tennis SchoolOlympic Spine And Sports TherapyPanorama Mountain VillagePerimeter Bicycling Association Of AmericaProfessional Trail Builders Assoc.Rocky Branch Resort& LodgingRoger McgeheeSingle Track Mind CyclesSingletrack Jungle Source EnduranceStephen ClarkTalon Trail Systems

Teton Mountain Bike ToursThe Canyons ResortTownship Of KingTrail Solutions AustraliaValhalla Trails LtdVista Verde RanchW.O.W Wizard Of Wheels LTDWend Winter Park Ski AreaWorld Trail Pty LTDYourmtb.comZeptechniques Mountain Bike Coaching and Instructor TrainingZogics, LLC

Here’s a special acknowledgement of the companies who went above and beyond their cash membership dues in 2007. This includes support of IMBA California, in-kind donations, grant-making efforts, collaborative marketing and more. Bravo!

Arrowhead TrailsBicycling/Mountain Bike BIKE CamelBakCateye CLIF BarCrank BrothersDirt Rag FOX Racing ShoxGary Fisher BicyclesInterbikeKona Mountain BikesNorco Products LtdPacific Cycle (GT, Mongoose and Schwinn)Pearl IzumiPlanet BikeQuality Bicycle ProductsSanta Cruz BicyclesShimano American CorporationSmith OpticsSpecialized BicyclesSRAMSubaru Of AmericaTrek Bicycle CorpVoler Team ApparelYakima

Going Above and Beyond for IMBA

11Please support IMBA’s special funds, the Annual, Legal and Trailbuilding drives.

It’s just like riding a bike. b It’s a phrase that gets invoked when someone tries to do something that should be easy, or innate. It’s a cliché, and for good reason — riding a bike is one of life’s simplest pleasures. b So, why aren’t more people actually riding their bikes? It’s a question that most of us have pondered at trailheads, in brewpubs or leaning on the counter of the local bike shop. Now, it’s a question Trek is trying to answer with more than just words. b “The research shows that people don’t feel comfortable riding on the roads. The way America has grown hasn’t always been with bikes in mind,” says Trek’s director of advocacy, Rebecca Anderson. “People have just gotten out of the habit.” b Trek introduced their 1 World, 2 Wheels program to a standing ovation

at the 2007 Trek World gathering in Madison, Wisc. With the vision that bicycles have the power to solve many of the world’s problems — from transportation, to health, to simple and pure recreation — Trek has set out to change the world, thousands of bike rides at a time. b A key goal of this program is to increase the number of trips taken by bicycle by 500 percent over the next 10 years. By committing an unprecedented 1.6 million dollars toward getting people off their couches and on their bikes, Trek has provided cycling with the proverbial first push needed to get the wheels turning. Luckily for those of us with dirty shins and knobby tires, at least $600,000 from Trek’s 1 World, 2 Wheels program will be

directed to IMBA over the next three years for developing trails, and consequently, trail communities. b “Trails play a huge role in getting people on bikes,” Anderson explains. “For many kids, their first exposure to a bike is on a trail, which goes along with the fact that parents feel more comfortable showing kids how to ride in a safe atmosphere. It’s a chance for a family to be outside enjoying the outdoors in a fun and healthy activity.” b Like everything else in bicycling, this is all about momentum: It builds one pedal stroke after another. IMBA’s goal is bring high-quality singletrack opportunities to as many people as possible. In addition to building trails, we also plan to create and enhance mountain biking communities around those trails. b Anderson acknowledges the roles that accessibility and community play in getting more people on bikes, noting that, “When people see others in their communities riding bikes, they get the message that a healthy, active lifestyle is achievable.” b Whether on the road or in the woods, one of biking’s most remarkable qualities is that it can accommodate almost anyone. In places that offer a diversity of well-built trails, mountain biking can be a leisurely pedal in the woods with the whole family, a tree-flanked avenue of transportation, or a demanding two-wheeled escape to wherever your legs can take you. b Trek’s remarkable commitment provides a launching point. Now it is up to all of us to keep the movement going forward. We each have our roles to play, and together, we can create a two-wheeled revolution. Take a friend riding. Write a check. Teach a group of Girl Scouts how to ride a trail, or teach an army of Girl Scouts how to build a trail. Renew that IMBA membership that’s been sitting on your table for weeks. Get dirty doing trail work with your local club, or just drop off some bagels and a word of thanks. Keep the wheels turning. b It’s just like riding a bike.

1 WORLD, 2 WHEELSTrek and IMBA Partner to Dramatically Improve Mountain Biking Resources

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At least $600,000 from Trek’s new 1 World, 2 Wheels program will be directed to IMBA over the next three years

1 World, 2 WheelsWHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

Trail Partnership Will Add Trails to Teton Pass

While a few calloused hands can create a new segment of trail in a weekend, the Friends of Pathways (FOP) in the Wyoming’s Teton Pass area has shown that when those hands are used to reach out into the community, the results can grow exponentially. By raising both private funds and applying for public grants, including $5,000

in matching funds from Trek’s donation to IMBA, the Friends group has garnered community support around a lofty and inspiring goal. If you’ve ever wondered how much trail you could build with a legion of Boy Scouts, the Friends of Pathways are planning to find out. In July, nearly 1,000 Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts will gather to build and improve more than 11 miles of trail in a single week. What makes this project so remarkable is that they aren’t just using money to build trails — instead, the partnership will leverage those funds to inspire the entire community.

Cycle Stats From 1World2Wheels.org

• The average person loses 13 pounds in their first year of commuting by bike. • In 1964, 50 percent of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12 percent. In 2004, 3 percent rode to school and the obesity rate was 45 percent.• More than half of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.• About 40 percent of all auto trips are made within 2 miles of home.• A 140-pound person burns 476 calories per hour while mountain biking. If you’re 195 pounds you’ll burn a whopping 664 calories.• More Americans work in bicycle-based recreation than are employed as lawyers. • In Fruita, Colorado, mountain bike tourism pumps 1.5 million dollars into the local economy annually. • Trails systems that are designed to offer varied challenge and that adopt best management practices are vastly more popular than poorly designed trails.

13In the U.S., Trek hopes to inspire an increase from today’s 1 percent of trips taken by bike to 5 percent by 2017.

SORBA is a testament to the power of community. The SORBA network cultivates new riders and bonds them through fun events, strong advocacy and by developing an amazing variety of trails where once there were few. The group’s greatest strength is its close ties to chapter clubs throughout the Southeast. This integration between regional and local advocacy organizations allows SORBA chapters to develop a tight relationship with decision makers and stakeholders on a local level, as well as create a support network between advocates across the region. Resources, ideas and volunteer efforts are multiplied by the chapter network and deployed for the betterment of mountain bikers throughout

the Southeast. Similarly, IMBA demonstrates the value of building respect

for the mountain bike community on the regional, national and even the

international scale. IMBA began in California, but today its roots extend

to form a worldwide advocacy support and education system. IMBA’s

greatest assets are its broad base of support, direct connection to the

world’s best mountain bike advocates and hard-earned reputation for

developing quality programs that benefit mountain bikers around the

world. Partnerships developed with state and federal land managers,

high quality trails made possible by innovative programs like Trail

Solutions or the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews, and educational resources

such as the original “Rules of the Trail” or the recently released Managing

Mountain Biking have placed IMBA as the international standard-bearer

for shared-use trail design and management. b Both IMBA and SORBA

leadership recognize the unique roles that each organization plays in

mountain bike advocacy, from the local to the national level, and they see

many duplications in administrative work that too often lead to economic

inefficiencies. More importantly, they know that many mountain bikers in

the Southeast have decided to either join SORBA or IMBA, and the result is

that of the thousands of individuals in the Southeast that support IMBA or

SORBA, only about 10 percent support both associations. b With these

factors in mind, and with a strong desire to continue raising the bar in

mountain bike advocacy, SORBA and IMBA have agreed to join forces by

combining membership in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North

Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “It just made sense to work more

closely together,” says Tom Sauret, SORBA executive director. “In many

cases SORBA and IMBA were duplicating services and mountain bikers in

some parts of the South had to make a choice of which organization to

join. This merger will tie us all together much more closely.” b “There

are economies of scale that we can realize by working together,” says

Scott Gordon, IMBA’s membership manager. “Funds that currently go to

sustain organizational infrastructure can now go back into programs and

trails.” IMBA will be handling membership services for SORBA, and the

associations will work together in the Southeast to coordinate programs

such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care

Crew and club capacity building. Current members of both organizations

will receive an automatic upgrade to joint membership, while new and

renewing members will gain membership in both SORBA and IMBA for an

additional $5 over the cost of a single membership. b While achieving

economies of scale and overcoming economic efficiencies are important

goals, the IMBA/SORBA agreement has a much greater significance. The

partnership means that two of the most effective mountain bike advocacy

organizations in the world are working together to combine their unique

assets for the good of mountain bikers across the Southeast. Together,

IMBA and SORBA will celebrate their twentieth years of existence as a

united force, forming one of the most powerful mountain bike advocacy

organization in the world. We’ll celebrate the best way that mountain

bikers know how, with more events, more trails and more friends to bring

along for the ride.

Let’s Ride,

— Ryan Schutz

Affiliates Program Manager

STRONGER TOGETHERRyan Schutz, Affiliates Program Manager, Discusses the IMBA/SORBA Partnership

IMBA and SORBA enter their 20th years of existence as two of the most effective mountain bike advocacy organizations in the world. Their early histories are similar: each was spurred into existence by shrinking access to singletrack

trails for mountain bikers, but they have matured to become dynamically different organizations. b

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20 Years of SORBA Trails

SORBA has grown on the strength of creating great trails where once there were few. The following timeline* represents only a portion of the trails that SORBA has opened to mountain bikers.

1988: Lost access at Kennesaw Mountain National Park spurs creation of SORBA.1988: First work party at Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Marietta, GA.1989: Trails built at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Ellijay, GA.1993: Opening of Bear Creek trail system outside of Ellijay, GA.1995: SORBA gains official access and begins trailbuilding efforts in Chicopee Woods, Gainesville, GA.1996: Olympic mountain bike races held in Conyers, GA; SORBA preserves access to trails.1998: Trails open in Fort Mountain State Park, GA.1999: Army Corps of Engineers property around Lake Altoona hosts new trails, SORBA starts building Blankets Creek near Woodstock, GA.2000: Trails open in Baker Creek and Hickory Knob state parks, McCormick, SC.2001: Mt. Adams trails open in Alpharetta, GA.2002: Arrowhead Park trail system, Macon, GA.2003: Big Creek trail system opens; RAMBO chapter manages 2,224 volunteer hours over 3 days.2004: Chapter forms in Huntsville, AL, takes Monte Sano State Park trails to a higher level.2005: Grand opening for Forks Area Trail System (FATS) and an IMBA Epic is born in Sumter National Forest, SC.2006: Raccoon Mountain trail system opens in Chattanooga, TN.2007: Yellow River Park opens outside of Atlanta, GA.2008: SORBA expects to open even more trail, including 6 new miles in Chicopee Woods, 9 new miles at FATS, Area 51 at Blankets Creek, and 6 new miles

at Raccoon Mountain. You can be sure that they will also have a lot of fun in the process!

* Source: SORBA’s 20th anniversary issue of the Fat Tire Times.

Get to Know SORBA

The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) is the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast. SORBA members work with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy. Through advocacy, education and recreational opportunities, SORBA carries out its mission to promote land access,

trail preservation and new trail development in order to enhance mountain bike touring, racing, fun and fellowship. b Our members help steward miles and miles of great trails in our seven-state area. The best riding in the Southeast is found on trails maintained by our volunteers. SORBA members

love singletrack, rocks, roots and logs, and we employ IMBA’s trailbuilding practices to ensure that our trails are sustainable and challenging. b SORBA relies on our wonderful members to carry out our mission. Our volunteers donate thousands of hours each year to advocate for trail access, build trails and maintain trails. We take pride in this work, and it shows in the trails that we build. Our news magazine, the Fat Tire Times, showcases member involvement, advocacy issues, trail information and much more. Visit SORBA.org to learn more.

20TH ANNIVERSARY

15IMBA field staff trained 3,200 people, built 11 bike parks and constructed more than 70 miles of trail in 2007.

SRAM president Stan Day recently announced a new initiative directed toward IMBA’s Trailbuilding Fund. SRAM will contribute $25,000 in 2008, beyond their annual dues, to support IMBA’s advocacy and trailbuilding efforts. SRAM is a longtime Above and Beyond IMBA supporter. “This outstanding level of commitment will allow IMBA to further leverage public and private funds for new trails,” said Rich Cook, IMBA’s development director. b Day’s decision was inspired in part by Trek president John Burke’s 1 World, 2 Wheels initiative to support IMBA, and by Burke’s recent speech on bicycle advocacy at the Bicycle Leadership Conference. “It’s clear that the path to growing mountain biking is through advocacy, preservation and trailbuilding,” said Day. “IMBA has been effective at preserving great trails and is continuing to build new trails to bring more riders to the sport. SRAM wants to support those efforts.” b IMBA’s Trailbuilding Fund is used to enable every aspect of a trail project, from initial scoping and design, to getting volunteer groups involved and actual construction and signage. The fund is driven by member donations, with gifts from corporate partners used to leverage partnerships with agencies such as the National Park Service, the Forest Service and state governments. Additionally, SRAM’s support will be used to further trail projects at five IMBA Ride Center locations. Ride Centers are model trail systems that form the apex of IMBA’s strategy to bring new riders to the sport and showcase the state of the art in sustainable trail design and mountain biking experience.

SRAM Supports IMBA Trailbuilding Fund

Plans have been hatched for a regional trails destination in the Uwharrie Mountains of North Carolina. IMBA and SORBA (including the developing SORBA-Uwharrie chapter) are working in partnership with the Uwharrie National Forest, Morrow Mountain State Park, regional economic

development groups and local businesses, to develop the Uwharrie Mountain Ride Center. This is large-scale, multi-year regional trail master plan and implementation project will help achieve the region’s economic redevelopment goals by focusing on recreation development and cultural/natural resource conservation. b An advocate for Uwharrie-area redevelopment and bike shop owner, Brian Bristol, knows the idea has legs. “We’ve got great terrain with huge potential, motivated partners, and a ready-made market in the hundreds of thousands of North Carolina mountain bikers, but currently it’s a single-visit locale for trail users,” says Bristol. “We just don’t have the quality trails necessary to drive tourism. As I understand it trails aren’t expensive, but they don’t exactly build themselves either. We’re building the coalition to get those trails built so that these small towns can take advantage of the increased visitation that comes with a true mountain bike destination.” b The Uwharrie Mountains are some of the oldest in the nation and contain some of the earliest signs of human habitation in the United States. However, the region is one of the poorest in the state, having suffered from the collapse of the textile industry. Still, the region has immense wealth in beautiful public lands and cultural history. New development based on these resources has the potential to positively affect the economies of surrounding communities, while retaining a healthy and natural environment. b According to a recent Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte economic study, if this region capitalizes on tourism, employment growth could increase by nearly one third before 2025 (source: Central Park NC). Capitalizing on greater visitation and economic inputs from the six million residents of the growing “urban crescent” from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham could be a huge boon to the region, and the possibility of a new trail facility is part of the reason for optimism.

RIDING FOR THE ECONOMYCentral North Carolina Eyes Investment in Trails

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Field Programs Build PartnershipsWHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

Success Breeds Success in Sun Valley

The Big Wood Backcountry Trails (BWBT) group of Sun Valley, Idaho, is getting used to the smell of success. By partnering with IMBA, other non-profit organizations, private landowners, municipalities, and federal agencies, the multi-user coalition has used quick successes on the ground to build support for larger, long-term trail projects. “We’ve got to be in this for the long haul,” says Chris Leman, Executive Director of BWBT. “By promising a little and providing a lot, we’ve been able to help our partners become confident in what we can bring to the table.” b When another non-profit group, Sun Valley Road and Dirt, acquired a lease from the county for a piece of property for the purpose of creating the Hailey Community Bike Park, BWBT offered their financial support. IMBA’s Trail Solutions was hired to design a jump park and XC trails. Having extensive experience working with hybrid contractor and volunteer crews, Trail Solutions also helped cultivate and educate the community who would bear the responsibility of maintaining the trails. b “Kids from the area came out and contributed significantly,” notes Jill Van Winkle, an IMBA trail specialist. “It was a community bike park, and the community was involved throughout the entire process.” BWBT is now working on securing 18 miles of land (owned by the Bureau of Land Management) adjacent to the bike park, thus creating the capacity for multiple in-town trail experiences. b Other doors to trail access have begun to open for BWBT. When a residential development was proposed by the Sun Valley Company, BWBT was invited to provide information on incorporating trails as an amenity. b At the nearby Galena Lodge, the potential exists to turn a successful ski destination into a world class summer trail destination.

FROM THE FIELDIMBA Programs Spread Know-How and Increase Local Resources

If you’re a mountain biker in, say, Long Island, is the success of a group like Trails 2000 in Durango, Colorado, relevant to your riding? Should a project like Seattle’s Colonnade Park matter to you? b If you’re a member of CLIMB — the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers — you’ll find the stories from Colorado and Seattle are extremely useful to what you hope to achieve at home. Like your Western counterparts, you’re hoping to build an incredible trails community that crosses multiple land management agencies. You’re interested in developing bike skills areas within city parks. Taking the significant lessons learned elsewhere will shorten the learning curve. b IMBA’s field programs — the acclaimed Subaru/

IMBA Trail Care Crews, Trail Solutions and the National Bike Patrol — are the Johnny Appleseeds of great trail ideas, helping spread the success stories and practical knowledge that our clubs and advocates amass. The Trail Care Crews are legendary with mountain bikers everywhere. The Trail Solutions program has set the bar high for professional shared-use trail design and purpose-built mountain bike facilities, and in so doing they’ve also helped disseminate professional field-based knowledge. The National Mountain Bike Patrol — the newest of IMBA’s field units — is quickly becoming the citizen-based solution to a variety of land managers headaches. b In each case, IMBA’s goal is to spread mountain bike successes around the world. By telling the stories, building the model trail systems and helping volunteers help themselves, our on-the-ground programs help create a more sustainable sport. Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that every region can boast a multi-use trail group as incredible as Trails 2000, a park project as innovative as Colonnade or a mountain bike club as dynamic as CLIMB.

Eric Rector, Director of Trails, Facilities and Operations for the Blaine County Recreation District, sees both the potential and the complexity of the upcoming projects, “There was no question when we started to look at it; we knew we needed to get IMBA’s professional staff involved. They really care about all the pieces of the puzzle.” b By setting goals, both big and small, and building valuable partnerships throughout the community, BWBT keeps its volunteers enthusiastic and ready to take on the next task. Nothing breeds big success like small success. Leman notes, “We’ve got to be in this for the long haul.”

Singletrack Oasis in an Asphalt Jungle

In the middle of Philadelphia’s 1.5 million residents lies the 1800-acre Wissahickon Valley, a natural area that has been preserved by the city for over 150 years. Housing much of the city’s water supply as well as a crucial connection to nature in an urban environment, the Wissahickon Valley is a vital resource for the entire metro area. b The Friends of Wissahickon (FOW) formed in 1924 with a mission to preserve Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. A century and a half of use, coupled with severe flooding, have left trails throughout the valley so severely eroded that they threaten the very waters meant to be protected. In 2004, the FOW hired independent consultants to evaluate the trail erosion issues. b “The consultants recommended IMBA’s Trail Solutions,” says Maura McCarthy, the Executive Director of FOW. “This is really an environmental restoration project for FOW and we want to do it in a way that all users feel welcome. It means a lot to us to have a partner that understands our needs.” b As the Trail Solutions staff evaluated the trails and met with various stakeholder groups, something was noticeably lacking in the user community: There was no organized mountain biking group, making it difficult to engage local riders. b “You would ride the Wissahickon, and if you saw someone you’d say, “Hi,” but there was no real gathering place,” said Lou Harris, a local mountain biker. b In 2006, Trails Solutions staff and a Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew worked with local mountain bikers to discuss the creation of a mountain bike advocacy organization in Philadelphia. Within weeks, the Philadelphia Mountain Bike Association (PMBA) had formed, with Lou Harris as its newly elected President. b

“We’ve all been using the park for so long,” Harris said of the club’s formation, adding, “It was time to help out.” By engaging the mountain bike community through inclusive social rides, the new group parlayed their support into large trail work efforts with the FOW. Now, almost two years later, PMBA has become an official IMBA chapter, hosts their own monthly work days, and will soon hold their second-annual Rally in the Valley community event. b Building on the successes of the past, the bar has been set even higher for the Wissahickon Valley with the Sustainable Trails Initiative — a massive undertaking aimed at improving the watershed, restoring the habitat, and enhancing user experiences in the Valley. With the FOW leading the way, IMBA field staff providing trail expertise, and PMBA rallying mountain biker support, the entire community is working together to make sure these lofty goals become an impressive reality.

The Wissihickon Valley is a vital resource for mountain bikers in metro Philadelphia.

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Jan. 23-28 Page, AZFeb. 2 Phoenix, AZFeb. 14-18 Terlingua, TXFeb. 20-27 Dominican Republic and Trinidad & TobagoFeb. 21-24 Houston, TXMar. 6-9 Alpine, CAMar. 12-16 Ocala, FLMar. 12-13 San Diego, CAMar. 27-30 Cupertino, CAMar. 27-30 Charleston, SCApr. 3-6 Auburn, CAApr. 3-13 Albemarle, FLApr. 10-14 Fairfield, CAApr. 17-20 Napa, CAApr. 17-20 New Harmonie, INApr. 24-27 Salt Lake City, UTMay 1-4 Flagstaff, AZMay 1-4 Peoria, IL

May 15-18 Frankfort, KYMay 15-18 Durango/Silverton, COMay 22-25 Albuquerque, NMMay 22-25 Knoxville, TNMay 29-Jun. 1 Aspen, COMay 31-Jun. 1 Asheville, NCJun. 7-8 Asheville, NCJun. 7-8 Golden, COJun. 18-21 Park City, UTJul. 17-27 Winter Park, COJul. 24-27 Minneapolis, MNAug. 1-3 Winter Park, COJul. 31-Aug. 3 Copper Harbor, MIAug. 7-10 Madison, WIAug. 14-24 Long Valley, IDAug. 14-24 Cuyuna Lakes, MNAug. 28-31 Tamarack, IDSep. 11-14 Toronto, ONSep. 11-14 Helena, MT

Sep. 18-21 Edmundston, NBSep. 25-28 Quebec City, QCSep. 25-28 Salida, COOct. 2-5 Boise, IDOct. 2-5 Boston, MAOct. 9-12 Sisters, OROct. 9-12 Washington Valley Park, NJOct. 16-19 Olympia, WAOct. 16-19 Ringwood, NJOct. 23-26 Duncan, BCOct. 30-Nov. 2 Huntsville, ALNov. 6-9 Charlotte, NCNov. 6-9 Portland, ORNov. 15-18 Little Rock, ARNov. 13-16 Lost Coast, CANov. 20-23 Starkville, MSNov. 20-23 Grass Valley, CADec. 4-7 Pensacola, FLDec. 11-14 Lake Hartwell, FL

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew 2008 Schedule

The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews have criss-crossed North America for a decade, teaching sustainable trailbuilding techniques to IMBA clubs, land managers and anyone who loves trails. Here’s their tenative 2008 schedule:

Crew Visits National Recreation Area in Tennessee

After quite a bit of time spent in some very flat terrain, we were in awe as we plunged into the canyons of Big South Fork National Recreation Area in Tennessee. The canyon walls seemed to extend forever and we were thrilled to spot a ribbon of singletrack rolling along the top of them. Not knowing if the trail was open to bikes or if we would have time to check it out we drove on to meet Joe Cross, the mountain bike trail guru of Oneida and local coordinator for our Subaru/IMBA Trailbuilding School. b Saturday brought a crew of enthusiastic trail builders and National Park representatives. IMBA’s newest IMBA Trail Care Crew, Kelly and Collins Bishop, drove up from their home in Chattanooga to join in the fun. The conditions were prime for putting new trail on the ground and we all had a great time working together. Our project consisted of rerouting a fall line segment to the contour of the hill. As soon as the work was done the enthused volunteer builders hopped on their bikes and gave it the stamp of approval. b Big South Fork offers some of the most scenic singletrack we have ridden in quite a while. Linking the Grand Gap Loop and John Muir Trail creates an amazing ride — the clifftop ribbon we’d spied earlier. Better yet, we got to ride with a great crew of locals and two National Park Rangers. The fact that these trails are in a National Park, they are open to mountain biking, and are hands down some of the best trails we’ve seen combined for a thrilling experience. — Anna Laxague and Jason Wells

19Considering a car purchase? IMBA members can snare great deals on Subarus. Visit the member benefits pages at imba.com.

New ball caps $20Black or Brown. Available at the IMBA Canada online store.

IMBA Canada Adds Regional Staff Position

James Brown of Victoria, British Columbia, became an advocate for mountain bicycling when an IMBA Trail Care Crew visit convinced him to volunteer with his local club. He now joins IMBA Canada as our first paid, part-time regional staffer. Plans are in the works to add similar positions in Ontario and Quebec later this year. b In the summer of 2001, Brown joined the South Island Mountain Bike Society’s (SIMBS) board of directors. He took on a number of tasks, including fundraising, insurance, trail signage and eventually club president, stepping down in 2007 to focus on his new role as IMBA Canada’s first paid region staffer. b When IMBA Canada opened its national office in 2004, Brown volunteered to assist in their expansion into BC. He eventually received a FOX/IMBA Hero Award for his work in advancing trail advocacy in his home province. Brown was asked to represent mountain bicycle interests for IMBA Canada on the BC Trails Strategy Committee. This group of interested stakeholders — including First Nations and the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts (MTSA) — is tasked with developing recreational opportunities on provincial land. b In his new role with IMBA Canada, Brown has met with the Trails Strategy Committee in Vancouver to work through management strategies for mountain biking. Their task is to address issues such as insurance, liability and risk management to quantify and qualify the myriad trails throughout the region. Brown is optimistic that a progressive policy will be put in place, though a firm timeline has yet to be established. b Some of the other responsibilities Brown will undertake include furthering IMBA Canada membership and assisting affiliated clubs. He can be reached by sending messages to james.brown@imba.com. Check out his blog at bcimbarep.imbatools.com

British Columbia Representative James Brown Joins Staff

24 Hours of Adrenalin to Partner with IMBA Canada

Twenty4 Sports, organizers of the 24 Hours of Adrenalin, will partner with IMBA Canada in 2008 to raise funds and recruit new members. This multi-faceted partnership will be focussed on the 10th Anniversary World Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships, to be held in Canmore, Alberta, on July 26-27. b The 2008 Canmore 24 Hours of Adrenalin team event sold out in record time. However, Twenty4 Sports held back five spots which will be auctioned in the next weeks with all funds to be directed to IMBA Canada, specifically earmarked for projects and activities in Alberta. These coveted spots represent the only way that teams can join the 1,450 team riders and 200 solo competitors for this awesome weekend of racing. The normal price for team entries is $750, but given the huge demand, quick sell-out and great cause, the opening bid for these IMBA Canada Entries will be $1000. That means they’re guaranteed to raise at least $5,000 for trail advocacy, education and construction. b “There’s a really great fit between Twenty4 Sports and IMBA and we’re really pleased to announce this partnership,” said Twenty4 Sports Director Stuart Dorland. “We’ve raised over $21,000 through our Canmore events for the Isabel Dube legacy fund, and we’re looking forward to using these events as a platform to support IMBA Canada this year and in the future.” b Full details on the auction will be released soon — stay tuned to IMBA Canada’s website!

Trek Extends ‘1 World, 2 Wheels’ Program to Canada

Trek Bicycle Corporation delivered good news for Canadian mountain bikers at the Toronto International Bicycle show. Janet O’Connell, an IMBA board member and the executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC), announced that Trek Bicycle Corporation will extended its 1 World, 2 Wheels program into Canada. The funding will be used for bike-related advocacy efforts in Canada. b Trek will contribute $1 to from every helmet they ship to Canada to BTAC, and $10 for every full suspension mountain bike will go to IMBA Canada. The program is expected to raise $100,000 over the next three years. Many individual Trek dealers in Canada are also participating with comparable contributions. b “There has been phenomenal support and enthusiasm by the Canadian bicycling community about the extension of 1 World, 2 Wheels program into Canada,” says Trek Advocacy Director, Rebecca Anderson. “We’re thrilled that we have an outlet for supporting a bike friendly Canada through the BTAC and IMBA-Canada. Both organizations are working really hard and could use a little more help, which we’re happy to give.”

New IMBA staffer James Brown is poised for action in BC.

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Toronto to Host Sustainable Trailbuilding Workshops

2008 marks another year in IMBA’s ongoing efforts in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. IMBA Canada, in partnership with the City of Toronto, will be conducting four sustainable trailbuilding workshops, including a visit from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. The city will begin to implement the recommendations in the Crothers’ Woods master plan, which IMBA Canada had a major role in creating, resulting in new singletrack opportunities. IMBA Canada is working with local riders and mountain bike organizations to support proposals for mountain bike-specific skills parks within the city, including partnering with and supporting Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation in the development of their Mountain Biking and Trails Strategy plan — a strategy that will look at all mountain bike opportunities within the city, and find ways to balance recreation and environmental protection. All of this is thanks to the ongoing efforts of Toronto area mountain bikers, and the support of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada.

Save the Date! Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits Set for 2008

Dates have now been set for the Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to attend an IMBA Trailbuilding School, make sure to mark your calendars and register with the appropriate contact below:

• Toronto, ON. Sept. 11-14; Contact Jason Murray jmurray@disillusion.ca• Edmundston, NB. Sept. 18-21; Contact Luc Michaud lucmicha@nbed.nb.ca• Quebec City, QC. Sept. 25-28; Contact Jerome Pelland jerome@adsvmq.org• Duncan, BC. October 23-26; Contact Brian Kuhn brian@experiencecycling.ca

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

Get great IMBA Canada gear — including mountain bike DVDs — at imbacanada.com.

IMBA Canada

James Brown can’t be stopped!

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Thanks to Our 2008 Corporate Supporters!

Axis Gear CompanyBicycle Trade Association Of CanadaBruce CountyBugaboos EyewearCapilano College: Mountain Bike Operations ProgramChico RacingCobequid Trail ConsultantsCreative Wheel/la Rocca XC MTB SchoolDirt SeriesGeomatics Data ManagementHardwood Hills MTB CenterInter-Mtn Enterprises Inc.Lighthouse Brewing CompanyLoeka ClothingNational Tennis SchoolNorco Products Ltd.Outdoor Gear CanadaPanorama Mountain VillageRocky Mountain BicyclesRyeka SportShimano CanadaSingle Track Mind CyclesSustainable TrailsTown Of TillsonburgTownship Of KingTransrockies Inc.Twenty4 SportsValhalla Trails Ltd.Whistler Mountain Bike ParkW.O.W Wizard Of Wheels LtdZeptechniques Coaching and Instructor Training

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IMBA Store

1 INTRODUCED RIDE CENTERSOur boldest initiative was to introduce IMBA Ride Centers. These model trail facilities will be masterfully designed for mountain bikers of every skill level, and built by professional trailbuilders working alongside volunteer stewards. The first five Ride Centers projects are already in development. Visit imba.com/ridecenters to learn more.

2 BUILT TRAILS IN THE BIG APPLEIMBA and the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) created a unique, urban trail project in New York City. The new trails are located in Manhattan’s Highbridge Park; more projects in metro New York are on tap for 2008.

3 RAISED FUNDS THROUGH TEAM IMBAIMBA’s new fundraising program made a successful debut at the 24 Hours of Moab. After months of arduous training leading up to the event, participants formed four- and five-person squads (plus two solo entries) and tested themselves by riding laps on a demanding 15-mile course, raising more than $15,000 in the process.

4 INSPIRED YOUNG RIDERSThe fourth edition of IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day continued the program’s tradition of getting young riders outdoors on bikes. The 2007 celebration was held in locations around the globe, including events in Chiba City, Japan; Melbourne, Australia; and Chiluca, Mexico. More than 100 groups registered their rides on IMBA’s website.

5 ADDED PATROL CERTIFICATIONSThe National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP) introduced a uniform certification standard, thereby enhancing our reputation with key partners like the National Ski Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and National Park Service.

6 PARTNERED WITH SKI RESORTSSki resort representatives from across North America gathered in Vermont for a two-day conference on purpose-built mountain bike trails and bicycle-friendly facilities. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of bicycling to Vermont’s economy.

7 HOSTED WOMEN’S RIDING CAMPSTeaming with the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles, IMBA hosted women’s riding camps in Hood River, Oregon and Park City, Utah. The camps offered professional, enthusiastic and supportive instruction to participants of all ability levels.

8 MADE OUR PRESENCE FELT IN D.C.At the National Bike Summit, IMBA delegates took part in nearly 200 meetings on Capitol Hill, sharing important access and partnership messages with congressional offices. Summit attendees asked for bicycle-friendly land preservation and increased funding for National Parks.

9 LOBBIED FOR LAND PROTECTIONExecutive director Mike Van Abel testified before the U.S. Congress on federal appropriations for public lands. Because federally defined Wilderness bans bicycles, IMBA worked with policymakers in several states to suggest boundary adjustments and alternative land protections where significant trails exist in proposed Wilderness.

10 THREW GREAT PARTIESFrom California’s Sea Otter gathering to Colorado’s Crested Butte Fat Tire Festival and the Virginia Mountain Bike Festival, IMBA was on hand for some of mountain biking’s best parties. In several cases we pitched in with support for online registration, making the events easier to manage.

10 THINGS IMBA DID FOR YOU IN 2007

States/Provinces visited 36Miles traveled 69,000Days on the road 600Bike clubs visited 45Trails visited 216Trailbuilding schools 53People trained 1,684People contacted 3,975

Trail constructed 56,923 feetTrail designed 122,250 feetTrail assessed 107,680 feetTrail maintained 11,395 feetTotal trailwork 249 milesVolunteer hours 6,360Multi-media presentations 90eMail invitation recipients 81,673

2007 SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW VISITS BY THE NUMBERS

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GET ITOrdered by

Ship to (if different)

° I’ve included a check payable to: IMBA

° Bill my Mastercard or Visa

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _________ /__________card number exp. date

Ways to order:1. Visit www.IMBA.com/store2. Call 1.888.442.IMBA3. Send this form to IMBA, PO Box 711, Boulder, CO 80306

Membership select a level

° $25 basic member° $40 supporting member° $55 big wheel° $75 family° $100 fat-tire friend° $250 trailbuilder° $500 silver saddle° $1000 singletrack society° $50 bicycle retailer° _____________ other

Merchandise

Item & Color Size Qty Price

U.S. Shipping & Handling: $5 International Orders $10 Shipping

TOTAL ____________

Contributors of $40 or more receive IMBA socks

Sock size° M ° L° XL

° Keep the socks. Use all of my money for trails.

Classic Icons JerseyClean look with inspired icon graphics. Features a hidden zip in the front and three standard pockets in the back. Available in XS - XXL. Ó $60

IMBA Store

Track JacketAn instant classic. Ó $44

El Jefe CapFidel has stepped down, but there’s no reason you can’t step out in this radically chic lid. Ó $25

IMBA Store

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WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

Women’s Urban JerseyGreat fit and styling. Ride icon on both sleeves. Ó $50

PO Box 711 Boulder, Colorado 80306 USA

NON PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOULDER, CO

PERMIT NO. 924

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT TRAILS?

In 2008, there are two ways to get involved:

1) TEAM IMBA AT 24 HOURS OF MOAB - Join us for the world’s most prestigious 24 hour race, Oct. 11-12. - Flagship event is fully supported. - Teams receive meals, mechanics, massages and more.

2) REGIONAL TEAM IMBA EVENTS - Turn any individual or team event into an IMBA fundraiser. - Tools and techniques to raise money for regional trails. - Fantastic product and prizes for reaching fundraising goals.

Both programs include personalized websites, training programsand fundraising strategies.

Visit imba.com/teamimba for complete information.

Raise money for trails by doing what you love — riding!