Trail News Spring 2015

The Castle Divide route in the Boulder-White Clouds. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier.

SPRING 2015

TRAIL NEWS

THE BOULDER-WHITE CLOUDS EXPERIENCE • IS YOUR GROUP READY

TO HIRE PAID STAFF?• TRAINING SESSIONS

FOR CHAPTER LEADERS• A TRAIL TEN YEARS

IN THE MAKING

212413_ITN_NewsLtr.indd 1 3/5/15 10:15 AM

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THE LATEST TRAIL NEWS FROM IMBA

Most nonprofit organizations originate from a small group of volunteers who believe in a common cause. They invest in their vision with significant amounts of sweat equity, giving up personal time so that they can achieve something that benefits the common good. It’s a noble endeavor but also a major commitment, one that will lead even the most dedicated

do-gooder to ask, “Why can’t we just pay somebody to get this work done?”

PAID STAFFIS YOUR ORGANIZATION READY?

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For many (but not all) IMBA chapters and supporting organizations, this is a question well worth asking. There is no doubt that some of the most effective advocacy groups in our network have benefitted from paid staff positions, usually operating at the executive director level.

However, it’s equally true that some of the most effective advocacy groups in our network are exclusively led by volunteers. Adding a paid staff position should never be a goal in and of itself. It’s a means to an end, which entails having a clear idea of the end results that the paid staff member will be charged with achieving. An essential prelude for hiring a paid employee should be an extended strategic planning effort among the board of directors that produces a clearly defined set of objectives for the paid position. It’s also worth defining what organizational roles and objectives will continue to be led by volunteers—a single paid employee is not going to polish off everything on your organization’s to-do list.

The following checklist is intended to inform and guide chapters in their decisions to hire paid staff, especially the hire of an executive director. If many or most of the indicators are answered “No,” then the chapter is probably not yet ready to commit to a paid position.

1. The chapter should have adequate annual cash flow to fund a paid staff, or a portion of a paid staff position. This amount is typically at least 120 percent of the position’s salary.

2. The chapter should benefit from diversified sources of revenue and not be dependent on a single fundraising event or a handful of financial supporters.

3. A solid history of membership-based support should exist—a base of 1,000 members is a good target. 4. A recently reviewed, comprehensive and thoroughly documented strategic plan should be in place and have support from the

board of directors. 5. IMBA chapters should be well versed in available chapter program tools such as marketing and communications messaging,

fundraising support and membership development campaigns. 6. A governance policy framework should be in place to inform how the governing board, or a committee of board members,

will interact with the paid executive director. 7. There should be a sufficient framework for managing an employee, including oversight of payroll, tax filings, benefits

administration, regular performance reviews and other human resources concerns. 8. The governing board should be in agreement that adding a paid staff member would augment their efforts and enhance

capacity for the organization—adding this position will not replace the need for an effective, energetic governing board.

The most common mistake made by board members is to assume that adding a paid staff member will alleviate the need for them to take responsibility for the organization’s health and long-term success. A paid executive director can take the lead in guiding programs, managing volunteers, fundraising and other crucial concerns—but the overall responsibility for these and other matters ultimately rests with the board of directors.

IMBA’s region directors are skilled in analyzing these and other factors that inform the decision to hire paid staff. They can assist with all the decisions outlined above, from strategic planning through management techniques. Increasingly, IMBA chapters are partnering closely with region directors, and with staff at IMBA’s headquarters, to bring professionals into our network.

In the past few years, IMBA has even begun to split or partially fund paid staff positions with our chapters. That’s an exciting development and an indicator of the health and success of IMBA’s region and chapter-based structure. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that the greatest strength of our organization is and will continue to be found in the volunteers that have always powered our work.

See you on the trails,

Mike Van Abel, IMBA Executive Director


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THE LATEST TRAIL NEWS FROM IMBA

IMBA Trail News | U.S. EditionSpring 2015, Volume 28, Number 1

IMBA creates, preserves and enhances great mountain biking experiences

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elayna Caldwell (Chicago, IL), Vice Chair of the BoardMike Cachat (Ontario, CA)Chris Conroy (Golden, CO)Howard Fischer (Armonk, NY)Jim Grover (Matthews, NC)Kent McNeill (Bellevue, NE)Alden Philbrick (Alexandria, VA)Luther Propst (Tucson, AZ)Faryar Shirzad, (Arlington, VA)David Treinis (Alta, WY)Robert Winston (Carlsbad, CA), Chair of the BoardDavid Zimberoff (Chicago, IL)

DEPARTMENT AND REGION DIRECTORSMichelle Barker, Upper Midwest Region Director, [email protected] Jason Bertolacci, Colo./Wyo. Region Director, [email protected] Bernhardt, Director of Consulting Services, [email protected] Brillon, Finance Director, [email protected] Cook, Development Director, [email protected] Duncan, Mid-Atlantic Region Director, [email protected] Eller, Communications Director, [email protected] Fancher, Interim Policy Director, [email protected] Harkness, N. Calif. Region Director, [email protected] Kell, Southwest Regional Director, [email protected] Sauret, Southeast/SORBA Region Director, [email protected] Schneider, South Central Region Director, [email protected] Van Abel, Executive Director, [email protected] Williamson, Great Lakes Regional Director, [email protected]

SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREWJordan Carr and Lani Bruntz, [email protected]

Designed by Sugar Design, Inc. Images and stories available for re-use by permission only.

IMBA 4888 Pearl East Circle, Suite 200E, Boulder, CO 80301 ph 303-545-9011 fax 303-545-9026 [email protected]

ith fat biking continuing to be one of the fastest growing segments of the cycling world, I attended this year’s Global Fat Bike Summit in Jackson, WY, hoping to learn about

successes around the country that we can emulate in Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s Summit:

1. Fat bikes are not a fad. This category has been doubling in size for a number of years now, with 100 brands offering fat bikes by end of 2014.

2. Fat bikes mean a new winter season of riding in snowbound locales. This brings opportunity for new trails, new terrain, new experiences and business for bike shops throughout the winter season. For land managers, it’s a new user group to manage; fat bikers should be patient and respectful as it will take time to enact favorable policy changes.

3. What do fat bikers want? Packed snow, moderate climbs, groomed snow and narrow trails.

4. Shared-use trail systems work, and this is because most fat bike riders are respectful of the typical rules: Yield to skiers, people snowshoeing and dog walkers. Stay off the trail when snow conditions are soft; it’s no fun to be bogged down in tough conditions while also ruining the trail for other users with deep tire grooves.

5. Fat bike-specific trails groomed by a growing assortment of both simple and complex dragged implements are quickly becoming the gold standard for fat bike riders who’ve experienced this recent progression in winter trail design.

6. In most ways, the advocacy work required for fat biking right now mirrors the past and ongoing work to create, enhance and protect great mountain bike experiences of all kinds.

—Report by Mike Pritchard, Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association Executive Director, IMBA Associate Region Director.

LESSONS FROM THE 2015 GLOBAL FAT BIKE SUMMIT

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Rocky Mountain fat biking. Photo by Bob Allen


IMBA WELCOMES NEW UPPER MIDWEST REGION DIRECTOR

IMBA welcomes Michelle Barker to her new role as the director for the Upper Midwest region. Barker has a master’s degree in education and was most recently a teacher, the president of the Linn Area Mountain Bike Association (LAMBA), IMBA’s chapter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a member of IMBA’s Regional Leadership Advisory Council. Barker replaces Hansi Johnson, who served the region passionately for more than five years and has since taken a position with the Minnesota Land Trust. Her territory includes Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the upper peninsula of Michigan. She can be reached at [email protected].

DON’T MISS YOUR IMBA REGION SUMMIT!

Every two years, IMBA’s region directors host local gatherings intended to bring area chapters together for

educational, networking and socializing opportunities. Events also include time to ride great trails and enjoy of local food and beverages. Planning for the 2015 events is in the works; don’t miss out on an opportunity to get to know other mountain bike advocates in your region and learn something new that can make your chapter more powerful and effective.

• Southeast (SORBA): March 20-21, Auburn, Ala.

• South Central: April 17-19, Fayetteville, Ark.

• Mid-Atlantic: May 29-31, Snowshoe, W. Va.

• Great Lakes & Upper Midwest (combined): June 12-14, Marquette, Mich.

• NorCal, Southwest, Pacific NW (combined): Sept. 11-13, Mammoth, Calif.

• Colorado/Wyoming: Not yet scheduled

REI AND THE IMBA INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM PARTNERING IN 2015

Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) and IMBA are partnering to offer instructor certification courses in selected markets. The courses will be led by Instructor Certification Program (ICP) trainers and hosted at REI stores and nearby cycling facilities.

The ICP trainings offer

certification for individuals who lead group rides or teach mountain bike skills clinics. With the ICP, IMBA is building on proven, successful methods nearly two decades in development and aims to establish a global standard for mountain bike skills instructor training.

“REI and IMBA have worked together on efforts ranging from the promotion of volunteer stewardship nationwide to strengthening local mountain bike groups,” said ICP Manager Tammy Donahugh. “REI’s recognition of the ICP’s methods and practices enhances our leadership position in mountain bike instruction while showing REI’s commitment to the sport.”

REI will host and administer registration for the following ICP Level 1 certification courses:

• February 27, Atlanta, GA• March 13, Los Angeles, CA• April 10, Washington, DC• April 24, San Francisco, CA• June 12, Seattle, WA• June 19, Denver, CO

Level 1 ICP certification focuses on planning and preparation, risk management, proper interaction with students, managing a group of riders, and being fully confident in one’s own understanding and demonstration of fundamental skills elements. Level 1 certification

prepares a person to be a competent mountain bike ride guide and sets them up for potential Level 2 certification, which focuses more heavily on teaching specific bike skills. More information can be found at IMBA.com/ICP.

IMBA EDUCATING LAND MANAGERS ON WHAT MAKES GREAT RIDES

For nearly three decades, IMBA has worked to educate public land managers across the U.S. and around the world about sustainable trail design. Our efforts have positioned us as a leading authority. Thanks to IMBA’s programs, resources and two iconic textbooks, most everyone who deals with trails now knows about the first two parts of sustainable trail design: minimal impact to the ecosystem and minimal maintenance costs. But the third component of sustainability has been a bit harder to capture, define and teach: sustainability that provides the desired user experience.

IMBA and its Trail Solutions program are at the forefront of educating land managers to think more about the mountain biking experience, whether they are starting at a blank canvas of land for a master trail plan, or trying to upgrade an existing legacy system.

“Land managers regularly design new

Join your local IMBA chapter, or associate your existing membership with a chapter, by visiting imba.com/join4


Join your local IMBA chapter, or associate your existing membership with a chapter, by visiting imba.com/join

trails by identifying routes on maps then looking at environmental impacts on the ground. But rarely do they think about trail characteristics that would create a specific experience for users,” said Jill Van Winkle, an IMBA Trail Specialist. “We intend to move that conversation forward on a national level. We’re trying to drive home the message that—quite often—focusing solely on objectives for environmental sustainability in trail design leads to a terrible user experience or 20 miles of trails that are identical, boring and don’t serve the local riders appropriately.”

Taking local riding experiences into account isn’t just for grins and giggles; “social sustainability” contributes to environmental sustainability, as well. If the kind of trail experiences locals need and want aren’t provided, users may take things into their own hands and partake in illegal trailbuilding. And a failure to consider bike “flow”—how a trail carries the rider and transitions from feature to feature—can lead to skidding, brake bumps,

trail widening and other negative impacts on soils and vegetation.

IMBA’s education push includes advanced trainings with local, state and federal land management agencies across the U.S. In late November, 35 land managers from the Rocky Mountain region gathered in Salida, Colo., for an advanced trail design discussion led by Van Winkle and Zach Jarrett, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management. The land managers—from the U.S. Forest Service to state parks departments to local county trail planners—spent half a day in class, then half a day walking local trails and discussing their designs. The following morning, IMBA staff led the land managers on various rides to begin understanding, first hand, the broad spectrum of the mountain biking experience.

The training was funded by Shimano in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is currently working with IMBA to develop nationwide “guidelines for a quality trail experience” with

regard to building and maintaining mountain bike trails. Those guidelines will update the BLM’s national mountain bicycling strategic action plan, which was first introduced in 2002. The goal of the IMBA-BLM partnership is to move beyond simply creating trail access to a new era of providing high-quality experiences for mountain bikers. IMBA and the BLM have already demonstrated an ability to do just that in through several signature trail projects, including Sandy Ridge, Ore.; Paradise Royale, Calif.; and Sun Valley, Idaho.

“There is nothing in [the updated guidelines] about sanitized trails,” said Van Winkle. “We just want land managers to identify users and their experience goals before they start cutting dirt. Who are local mountain bikers? Where do they want to go? What trail experiences are they seeking? What’s appropriate for the setting? And while most riders are intermediate, we don’t want trail planners to forget about the beginner and advanced riders.”

A significant emphasis of this educational process is explaining the idea of “play.” Mountain bikers are the primary user group that seeks this out as a significant part of their trail experience; it’s a major component of any ride. Van Winkle explained to the land managers that play is what engages a rider. Play translates to trail experiences with everything from berms that help a rider carry speed to texture and/or exposure that adds rowdiness to a trail.

IMBA understands that land managers must work within unavoidable environmental and regulatory constraints. But, as Bernhardt put it, “Trail building is not like hanging drywall. It’s more like commissioning a piece of artwork.”

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LEFT: Lead IMBA Instructor Trainer Shaums March overseeing an ICP course at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colo. BELOW: Land managers from across the American west gathering for an educational mountain bike ride with IMBA Trail Solutions in Salida, Colo.


or several years, IMBA and its local chapter the Wood River Bicycle Coalition (WRBC) have promoted the idea that Idaho’s Boulder-

White Clouds (BWC) landscape would benefit from national monument status. Why push for a national monument designation and not some other form of land protection? The answers are as large and complex as the landscape itself.

Congressmen Mike Simpson (R-ID) has long promoted legislation which would designate new Wilderness areas in the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), thereby permanently closing high-elevation trails, such as the Castle Divide ride (see photos) to mountain biking. The plan has been restructured and reintroduced many times—most recently in January, 2015. While it has yet to gain enough support to become law the possibility is very real that it will finally succeed. Some elements of the bill have improved for mountain bikers, but in its current form IMBA and WRBC do not endorse it.

Some recreational users have argued that the current National Recreation Area protections are

adequate. Perhaps, but Congressman Simpson and many others are determined to bring stronger forms of land protection to the Boulder-White Clouds. The challenge for mountain bikers is to be involved and influential enough in the ongoing debate that we are afforded the opportunity to help shape the proposals that will ultimately determine how the landscape will be managed.

In 2013, IMBA—along with our partner organizations in the Outdoor Alliance—requested that the Obama Administration consider declaring the area a national monument. “Monument status is appealing because it can protect natural resources while preserving mountain bike access to trails such as Castle Divide, Ants Basin, Warm Springs Meadow and Frog Lake Loop,” says Aaron Clark, IMBA Conservation Manager. “Fortunately, we have helped craft the monument proposal, working with the Idaho Conservation League and The Wilderness Society to strengthen the bike-friendly elements.”

If the Obama Administration decides to create a national monument in the Boulder-White Clouds, a new public process will begin to determine a management plan. “That will be a critical juncture,” explains Clark. “A national monument is not automatically friendly to mountain bikers. But creating one would give us the opportunity to help shape the management strategies, including a trail-by-trail analysis so we can make sure that the best riding stays open for mountain biking.”

What’s next for the Boulder-White Clouds? It’s not an easy question to answer. Perhaps the wilderness proposal will finally succeed. The president could create a national monument, and it’s also possible that neither measure will prevail. In any scenario, mountain bikers will need to stay involved.

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LOOMING LARGEWHAT’S NEXT FOR IDAHO’S BOULDER-WHITE CLOUDS?

The Boulder-White Clouds Experience

Last summer I traveled to Idaho with IMBA Conservation Manager Aaron Clark and to meet a small group of locals for a daylong ride in the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains. The Castle Divide route proved to be a classic backcountry adventure across ever-changing, gorgeous high-elevation terrain. Exploring this type of rugged country on a bike is a real challenge. The ultimate goal was to take our experience and build a narrative to share with others. Visit MTBProject.com and search for “Castle Divide” for trail descriptions and photos.

— Leslie Kehmeier, IMBA Mapping Manager.


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Why National Monuments? As stewards of the public lands we love, it is important that mountain bicyclists work to support land protections that preserve wild places. These protections must include appropriate access for multiple forms of recreation, such as mountain biking, for the enjoyment of current and future generations. While national monuments do not guarantee bike access they do offer some real upsides:

• National monuments can be enacted by Congress through legislation or by presidential decree through the Antiquities Act. This means that land protection proposals that have lingered in congressional deadlock can be fast tracked by the White House.

• The creation of a national monument initiates a public process to determine how the monument will be managed. This gives mountain bikers the chance to be involved in the process and shape a bike-friendly strategy.

• Typically, the strategy for a national monument is to protect an area without limiting existing recreational opportunities.

• National monuments often present opportunities for enhanced management resources, increased visitation and better recreation opportunities. Conservation and recreation groups come together to determine, along with management agencies, the policies that will guide the monument for generations to come. The Boulder-White Clouds Experience

Last summer I traveled to Idaho with IMBA Conservation Manager Aaron Clark and to meet a small group of locals for a daylong ride in the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains. The Castle Divide route proved to be a classic backcountry adventure across ever-changing, gorgeous high-elevation terrain. Exploring this type of rugged country on a bike is a real challenge. The ultimate goal was to take our experience and build a narrative to share with others. Visit MTBProject.com and search for “Castle Divide” for trail descriptions and photos.

— Leslie Kehmeier, IMBA Mapping Manager.


n Northern California, the Lost Coast’s rugged coastline and dense forest conjures up the very essence of adventure. Sharp ridgelines offer

spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and—far from any major metropolitan area—the setting defines the very nature of “backcountry.” Traversing this landscape along exposed trails hugging steep side slopes and pedaling through lush, thick forests, the Lost Coast trail system has become a destination for mountain bikers seeking a standout experience in a remote location.

IMBA Trail Solutions spent a decade working in the area to bring to life a three-phase, mountain bike-

specific trail project in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that was finally completed in late 2014. The project represents what can result from strong partnerships among land agencies, IMBA and local mountain bike groups. It also stands as an example of how recreation and wildlife management interests can work in conjunction to both protect a special landscape and create a unique trail experience.

The Lost Coast’s primary trail is Paradise Royale, a 14-mile loop. The trail opened in 2008 and was one of the first bike-specific trails built on public, federal lands in California. Paradise Royale strikes a balance between traditional hand-built singletrack climbs and machine-built descending flow, in some places utilizing decommissioned logging roads as a way of recycling existing routes. It includes a hand-built rock climb called Congo that, according to one of the trail’s primary builders, will challenge even the most skilled riders.

Adding to the options, the Tolkan Campground provides a bike park experience along with easy access to the singletrack trail system. IMBA Trail Solutions and the King Range BLM Field Office teamed up in 2010 for the build, under the guidance of Alpine Bike Parks, to create technical features and intermediate to expert jump lines. It also offers a pumptrack and beginner-friendly options.

The Pacific Rim trail is the most recently built segment, emerging last year in the form of an 8-mile, 26-switchback route that serves up coastal views while providing access from Shelter Cove Road to the

Paradise Royale loop. Completed on National Public Lands Day in 2014, more than 60 volunteers gathered to complete the roughed-in trail, as well as enjoy live music, BBQ and local brews. More than nine years after the project got its start, the mood was festive as the project finally reached its resolution.

Even the top brass in the BLM gets excited about the Lost Coast trails. Bob Abbey, the agency’s director at the time, toured the new bike park after it opened in 2010 while 70 youth volunteers looked on.

“This is a great example of campground amenities that meet the needs of the 21st century,” said Abbey. “This gives our wild places relevance to the children of tomorrow.”

This project was not without significant environmental and financial challenges, and highlights why even fully supported trail systems can take take nearly a decade to complete. The landscape where the trail was to go, 8

LAND OF THE LOSTA 10-YEAR EFFORT CREATES A REMARKABLE TRAIL


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between King’s Peak and Paradise Ridge, was fraught with habitat disruptions from expansive logging that had taken place decades earlier.

“It was basically a disaster when we first arrived,” said Joey Klein, a Trail Specialist with IMBA Trail

Solutions and one of the project leads. “The creeks were blocked by the logging debris and eventually ran dry, destroying the salmon habitat. We wanted to leave this area better than we found it.”

Working in tandem, IMBA and the BLM figured out ways to mitigate problems, including building special stone river crossings that allow mountain bikers safe passage (by carrying their bicycle and walking across the stones) while also preserving salmon spawning grounds. Additionally, the trail designers were careful not to route the singeltrack through Spotted Owl habitats. Trail Solutions also stopped work during both the bird’s nesting seasons and when the salmon were spawning to prevent dragging excess soil into the creek beds.

Because the landscape wasn’t heavily impacted by human traffic, the trail was painstakingly hand cut into the hillsides and spoils were bucketed and relocated

to keep them from ending up in the waterways. Since water running down the ridges would flow into the valley below, every single gully crossing that the trail traversed was armored—even if it normally ran dry—including a seven-foot-high rock wall in one place.

Enormous thanks go to the many people who supported the work over the years, including Tim Daniels and the Bigfoot Mountain Bike Club; Vicky Sama and the Humbolt State University Cycling team; Tyce Fraser and the Southern Humboldt High School MTB team; King Range National Conservation Area Manager Gary Pritchard-Peterson; BLM Recreation Specialist Scott Adams; Wayne Crauthers, heavy equipment operator; and IMBA Trail Specialist Joey Klein.

Many participating organizations also deserve hearty thanks: the Redwood Coast IMBA chapter, King Range National Conservation Area and Arcata BLM Field Offices, California Conservation Corps (CCC), Nick’s Interns—a nonprofit that exposes Humboldt County youth to conservation careers through paid internships, the Whale Gulch School and others.

These are just a handful of the contributors who ultimately made the project a resounding success. The Lost Coast is a truly special place that will bring joy to visitors and local riders for decades to come.


DATES & TOPICS

April 9-11 (registration is closed): Fundraising for large-scale trail and bike park projectsThe first session will cover high-level, large-scale fundraising and look at multiple resources and tactics across the local, state and national levels.

July 16-18: Comprehensive trails master plan developmentBeyond just drawing lines on a map, this course will cover a combination of government relations work, how to create successful partnerships, engage in scoping with land managers, large-scale planning based on your specific area, project management, engaging IMBA Trail Solutions and more.

September 24-26: Membership marketingA strong member and donor base is critical to the growth and success of IMBA chapters, neither of which will grow without spreading the word, engaging riders and inspiring people to action. This session will cover the ever-evolving methods of marketing, social media, membership campaigns and much more.

Registration for the trainings is free. IMBA will cover two nights of lodging, some meals and a demo bike. The seminars will be capped at 15 people. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your IMBA region director and be prepared to discuss chapter project ideas and goals.

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eople don’t often ask about the “A” in IMBA, but it’s perhaps the letter that gives us our greatest

strength. We are more than just a nonprofit; we are an association—comprised of chapters, individual riders, trail lovers, bike shops, diggers, families and more. As an association, we wield a strong voice to advocate for the needs and wants of mountain bikers at the highest level. But as an association, we also have an obligation to our members, so it’s important to bring people together to meet, learn from one another and get to know all aspects of the network.

To support the strength of the association, in particular its volunteer chapter leaders, IMBA is launching free, advanced trainings for current chapter board members in 2015. These are advanced educational opportunities designed to build capacity across the mountain bike community, and will go above and beyond anything we’re able to offer at world or regional summits.

The first three sessions will be hosted at IMBA’s headquarters in Boulder, Colo., and span two days of networking with IMBA staff and other chapter leaders; in-depth, interactive educational sessions and, of course, a bit of riding.

“As we learned from the Chapter Congress at the IMBA World Summit, there is definitely a need for, and an interest in, deeper training,” says IMBA Operations Director Kerri Salazar. “It can be hard to disseminate IMBA’s vast expertise down to the chapter level. One goal of these trainings will be having chapter leaders take new knowledge back to their chapters, their communities and beyond.”

Each full-day session is designed to be interactive, with time allowed for networking with other chapter leaders, asking questions of IMBA staff, hearing from outside experts, exploring relevant case studies and applying the new knowledge to local projects in real time.

“We have learned that most everyone has similar issues, even if they look a little different,” says Salazar. “This is a chance to see trails and talk about challenges and successes beyond your region. We want to help you tackle your issues and do great things with the knowledge IMBA has collected.”

To determine the plan for the first three educational opportunities, IMBA surveyed leaders of more than 150 chapters following discussions at the 2014 IMBA World Summit. The survey results helped us determine where the greatest, most immediate needs lie.

ADVANCED OPPORTUNITIESSTRENGTHENING THE ASSOCIATION THROUGH EDUCATION

IMBA staff enjoying one of Boulder’s many in-town trails, which you may have the chance to ride if you attend a chapter leader training.


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“This is a chance to see trails and talk about challenges and successes beyond your region. We want to help you tackle your issues and do great things with the knowledge IMBA has collected.”

IMBA staff enjoying one of Boulder’s many in-town trails, which you may have the chance to ride if you attend a chapter leader training.


Pacific Northwest

Upper Midwest

Southwest

Great Lakes

SORBA/Southeast

Mid-Atlantic

Northeast

Colorado/Wyoming

South Central

Northern California

ountain bike groups have long appreciated the breadth of knowledge that the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews (TCC) bring from their trips around the United States. As the crews visit groups from Florida to Oregon, they see everything: every trail building challenge, every great idea for club growth, every access issue and every way of working with land managers.

As we embark on the 18th year of the TCC program, the importance of this information sharing hasn’t changed. But as the sport and our advocacy groups mature, we’re seeing a growing opportunity to help with the next level of challenges. Fundraising, strategic planning, bike park projects and high-level land manager meetings join an expanding list of needs from our most sophisticated chapters.

For these goals, local knowledge becomes just as important as the national collection of best practices. For example, a thorough understanding of local resources can inform a great fundraising campaign.

Long-term experience with a land agency’s concerns can spark productive meetings and follow-up meetings.

While we’re definitely not going to change the role of our traditional Trail Care Crew—they remain our traveling trail building experts—we’re addressing those

needs by officially adding our nine regional staff to the Trail Care Crew team. These advocates have years of experience in nonprofit management, grant writing, interaction with land agencies and more, plus a passion for mountain biking in their home regions. The depth of this group’s local knowledge will allow us to help more people with their most challenging goals.

How does this work? When we sit down to read future applications for Trail Care Crew visits, we’ll assess which communities need the traveling crew and its 101-level training, and which will be better served by the advanced resources and knowledge of IMBA Region Directors. Those groups can then work directly with their region staff person to develop the type of assistance needed.

Best of all, we’ll be able to accommodate more applications in the same time frame.

The current traveling Trail Care Crew is Jordan Carr and Lani Bruntz. To learn more about these staff members, visit imba.com/tcc/crews.

Applications for Trail Care Crew visits are accepted in October for visits to be held the

following year. We welcome applications from all kinds of organizations: mountain bike groups, multi-user trail groups, land management agencies and more.

Thanks to program sponsors Subaru, Yakima, Smith, Dirt Rag, Maxxis and Trek.12

SUBARU/IMBA TRAIL CARE CREW PROGRAM EXPANDS, ADVANCESENSURING THE FUTURE RELEVANCY OF THE PROGRAM BY UTILIZING REGIONAL STAFF

IMBA region directors join TCC leaders Lani Carr and Jordan Bruntz in teaching sustainable trail building and other education sessions.

IN HIS OWN WORDSMEET J ALLARD,

IMBA SUPPORTER, PROJECT 529 FOUNDER


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1,000+

MAKING A DIFFERENCETHESE SUPPORTERS MAKE MTBING BETTER FOR EVERYONE

A growing number of individuals, foundations and matching gifts from employers are making a big difference for mountain bikers everywhere. Whether supporting core advocacy to keep trails open, giving to regional develop-ment goals, chapter membership or investing in trail and bike park projects in their home states, these IMBA sup-porters of all stripes are stepping up to make mountain biking better. If you have questions about giving strategies or would like to jump in to support IMBA’s work near you, contact [email protected].

Kevin AdamsRussell AslesonDJ and Ranae BrooksRodney Brown and Catherine ConollyJoel BruggenDonna BuchholzJason CampbellJeff CampbellMike ChapmanShana ChrismanAndrew CombsJoe CoteStan DayDane DoescherMark EvansMichael McDonaldWayne Spencer GoodmanSherman GregoryLucian HandJim HasenauerSusan Helm-MurtaghWilliam HoegDaniel Howard and Tiffany Sewell-HowardJohn HuittRandy JacksonLaura and Gary LauderJeff LightCarlie LinesJason JordanMae JunkerCharles KimGary KleinCharles KrenzRyan KublyElke and Bruce MacGregor

Felix MagowanMark McKinnonPat McMullanJoe MihalkaFred MoreadithJoshua MoremanRandy MyersTravis OberrenderScott OlheiserAmitabh PandeyThe PECO Foundation-Peter CurranRobert PewAlden PhilbrickEd PriceLuther PropstThomas PovlickShawn RicciB.C. RimbeauxThomas RitterRochester Area Community FoundationJim SchwerinMaryann ShortJeff ShupeJoel Steinberg (in memory of Rick Gillman)Adam SternDr. Travis StorkTed StrollKent ThiryDavid TreeseLeland TurnerChad VranyMark WallnerEugene WeymouthSusan WilliamsMike WinnRobert Winston

2,000+ SUPPORTERS Acme Bader Community Fund/Oregon Community FoundationSallie Smith and Jim ButterworthLee DuncanTaz DysonJohn GanahlLorenz GlazaSue KremerDave MagillAlison MontgomeryThe Cynthia and George Mitchell FoundationThe Pew Charitable TrustsMichael and Elanor PinkertRahn Pitzer

5,000+ SUPPORTERS

William “Hill” AbellJ AllardRichard E. and Nancy P. Marriott FoundationElizabeth Storer and Luther PropstGeorge B. Storer FoundationThiry O’Leary FoundationThe Right Hand FundThe Wheeler Foundation

10,000+ SUPPORTERS Howard FischerSteve Flagg

100,000+ SUPPORTERS Walton Family Foundation

I’ve been crashing bikes since I was 5, and mountain bikes since I was 30. I love that bikes are fast enough to take you places, but slow enough to still see everything and feel connected to the earth. Mountain biking is special because it’s a complete physical and mental workout. Sometimes road biking can feel like a spin class with scenery; mental lapses on the trails are quickly penalized. It’s an exceptional counterbalance to the demands, stresses and lack of physical activity in the workplace and I love that my bike can take me places my truck cannot. I support IMBA because great MTB trails are precious. Whether building, maintaining or advocating for access to trails, IMBA does incredible work for the sport that I love. While I try to do my part as an ambassador to the sport, by helping build and maintain trails and encourage new riders, like most riders, I don’t contribute to the sport nearly as much as I take from it. Supporting IMBA is the best way to keep that in check. Project 529 started as an MTB team 10 years ago, initially focused on downhill (“529” being the opposite of “9-to-5”). While we’ve been to Sea Otter, Crankworx, Leadville, Nationals and Worlds, I think of the 529 Legion more a “club that is race curious.” While we’ve had some great results we’re most proud of, and amazing sponsors like SRAM and Santa Cruz supporting us, our real impact is in getting more people out on the trails more often and challenging themselves at the next level. Last year, 529 evolved to help take on the $500 million bike theft epidemic. You can learn more by visiting project 529.com.

We apologize for any errors or omissions!

IN HIS OWN WORDSMEET J ALLARD,

IMBA SUPPORTER, PROJECT 529 FOUNDER


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CORPORATE AND DESTINATION MEMBERSTHESE SUPPORTERS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL FUNDING TO FUEL IMBA’S WORK

To find out how your company can become a champion for trails and the sport of mountain biking, contact [email protected].

IMBA U.S. ABOVE & BEYOND

Companies in this group go above and beyond their annual membership dues with additional support for IMBA programs and initiatives

CamelbakCLIF BarCST TiresDirt Rag MagazineFox Head, Inc.FOX InterbikeMaxxisNiner BikesPeopleForBikes Primal WearQuality Bicycle ProductsRecreational Equipment Inc.Scott USASmith OpticsYakima

ALL CORPORATE PARTNERS A-Z

Big thanks to all current corporate supporters, whose membership drives MTB advocacy and much of our important work.

2x2 Cycles/Upstanding Bicycle Co.360 Adventures3Point5 - Promotive - Experticity4Site IncorporatedA’ME GripsAdventure Travel Trade AssociationAdventuremaps, Inc.Airborne Bicycle Co.Alchemist ThreadworksAll Points Real EstateAlyeska ResortAmerican Trail Running AssociationAnthill FilmsAuburn-Opelika TourismAvid4 AdventureBackcountry.comBajaventoursBanks Chiropractic Center, PCBasecamper VansBeer & Bike ToursBent Creek LodgeBentonville Convention & Visitors BureauBicycle ColoradoBicycle Sport Shop

Bicycle Technologies International - BTIBig AgnesBig Bear Lake CamplandsBig Mountain AdventuresBike FixtationBike HelenaBike RoarBike SolutionsBikeFlights.comBikeschool and Bikeguiding ZermattBikeTourFinderBikeToursDirect LLCBikultureBoa Technology Inc.Boulder Business ProductsBreakaway Research GroupBreakFree Mountain Biking ClubCamelBak Products, LLCCanyons ResortCascade HutsCatalyst Communication, Inc.CatEyeCheaha Brewing Company LLCChequamegon Fat Tire FestivalCity of Fayetteville, AR - Parks & Recreation DepartmentClub Ride ApparelCog Wild Mountain Bike ToursConservation AllianceCopperHarbor.orgCountry Inn DeerwoodCrested Butte Mountain ResortCycle Path & PaddleCycling Sports GroupCygoliteDa Blue Box, LLCDeer Valley ResortDenver School of Science and Technology Cycling ClubDesert SportsDestination SteamboatDeuter USADirt Rag MagazineDirtBaggiesDomahidy DesignsDT Swiss, IncECOS LLCErgon USA, Inc.Escape AdventuresEyedentity Graphics, IncFeedback Sports LLCFinish Line TechnologiesFive Rivers Metro ParksFocus Bicycles USA, Inc.Fox Head, Inc.Fuji America - Advanced Sports, Inc.

Gates Carbon DriveGrand Targhee ResortGreen Guru GearGU Energy LabsHacienda Nicholas Bed & BreakfastHampton Inn & Suites - Oxford, ALHans Johnsen CompanyHawley CompanyHero KitHigher Ground TrailsHilrideHilton Sedona Resort & SpaHoney StingerHot Tomato Cafe & PizzeriaHumboldt Underground Bicycle RepairHumid Creative AgencyHyatt Escala LodgeHydrapak, LLCICEdotJ&B ImportersJamis Bicycles/ G. Joannou CycleJans Mountain OutfittersJenson USAJoyride 150Kali ProtectivesKeystone ResortKillington ResortKitsbow Mountain Bike WearKona Mountain BikesKuat RacksL.H. Thomson CompanyLakewalk Brewery & Cafe Co.Life Time Fitness Athletic EventsLight & Motion IndustriesLong Cane Trails, LLCLouisville Mega Cavern Underground Bike ParkMagura USAMarin Mountain BikesMarquette County Convention and Visitor’s BureauMavic, Inc.Maxxis InternationalMoots CyclesMountain Bike DiariesMountain Creek Bike ParkMountain Creek Resort, Inc.MountainBikeSkills.comMt. Borah DesignsMTB ProjectMTBR.COMMulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-a-wayNational Bicycle Dealers Association - NBDANational Geographic MapsNational Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program


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Gates Carbon DriveGrand Targhee ResortGreen Guru GearGU Energy LabsHacienda Nicholas Bed & BreakfastHampton Inn & Suites - Oxford, ALHans Johnsen CompanyHawley CompanyHero KitHigher Ground TrailsHilrideHilton Sedona Resort & SpaHoney StingerHot Tomato Cafe & PizzeriaHumboldt Underground Bicycle RepairHumid Creative AgencyHyatt Escala LodgeHydrapak, LLCICEdotJ&B ImportersJamis Bicycles/ G. Joannou CycleJans Mountain OutfittersJenson USAJoyride 150Kali ProtectivesKeystone ResortKillington ResortKitsbow Mountain Bike WearKona Mountain BikesKuat RacksL.H. Thomson CompanyLakewalk Brewery & Cafe Co.Life Time Fitness Athletic EventsLight & Motion IndustriesLong Cane Trails, LLCLouisville Mega Cavern Underground Bike ParkMagura USAMarin Mountain BikesMarquette County Convention and Visitor’s BureauMavic, Inc.Maxxis InternationalMoots CyclesMountain Bike DiariesMountain Creek Bike ParkMountain Creek Resort, Inc.MountainBikeSkills.comMt. Borah DesignsMTB ProjectMTBR.COMMulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-a-wayNational Bicycle Dealers Association - NBDANational Geographic MapsNational Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program

BellLong-time corporate supporter Bell Helmets stepped up to the elite level with the 2013 introduction of Bell Built Grants.

ShimanoShimano American Corporation has supported IMBA advocacy and communications projects for many years. Currently, Shimano provides elite-level support for IMBA’s Mapping Project, featured on MTBProject.com.

Specialized Specialized Bicycle Components supports IMBA’s work in many ways, including providing funding for the Public Lands Initiative, IMBA’s California Region and IMBA Europe.

SRAMSRAM Corporation and the SRAM Cycling Fund helped launch IMBA’s regional and chapter program in 2011 and 2012. The fund currently broadly supports IMBA’s Public Lands Initiative, IMBA Europe and the Bike Park Initiative.

Subaru of America Subaru is the title partner of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program and has been since the program’s inception. Subaru also supports IMBA members through the Subaru-IMBA VIP Purchase Program and is a presenting sponsor of IMBA Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

Trek Trek Bicycle Corporation donates $10 from every full-suspension mountain bike they sell to help fund IMBA’s Trail Building Fund in the U.S. and Canada. Trek is also the official bike of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews. That support has led to hundreds of new miles of trails in local communities and new projects worldwide. Additionally, more than 800 “Game Changer” Trek dealers donate $10 to IMBA for each full-suspension bike sold.

ELITE-LEVEL MEMBERS

With annual contributions of $100,000 or more, these supporters make a huge difference for everyone who rides a mountain bike.

National Ski Areas AssociationNew Belgium BreweryNick Joe Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation InstituteNiner BikesNoExam.comNorth Little Rock Parks and RecreationNorthern Lights Cannabis Co.Nuun and CompanyOlympic Spine and Sports TherapyOne Carbon BicyclesOptic NerveOrange MudOskar Blues BreweryOsprey Packs, IncOutdoor Industry Association - OIAPaceline Products IncPanama Trail Builders AssnParaisoRidesPark City Lodging, Inc.Park ToolParker House Bed and BreakfastPearl IzumiPaul ComponentPeopleForBikesPerformance Bicycle, Inc.Pica’s TaqueriaPivot CyclesPlanet BikePlatypus HydrationPOC USAPrimal Wear, Inc. (USA)Professional TrailBuilders AssociationProvencia Digestive HealthRecreational Equipment Inc.Red Agave ResortRedHouseMediaRedding Convention & Visitor’s BureauRide GuidesRitchey DesignRoanoke Mountain Adventures, LLCRobert Bosch, LLCRockyMountsRodale Inc.Ruttger’s Bay Lake LodgeSacred Rides Mountain Bike AdventuresSalsa CyclesSan Juan AnesthesiaSan Juan Hut System

Santa Cruz BicyclesScott USASedona Real Inn & SuitesShimano American Corp.Singletracks.comSmith OpticsSock GuyStan’s NoTubesSteamboat Ski & ResortSteamboat Springs Bike Town USA® InitiativeSutter Equipment CompanyTaos Ski Valley, Inc.Techno Quest LLCTeton Mountain Bike ToursTexas Mountain Bike Racing Association - TMBRAThe Bike FarmThe ClymbThe Gear MovementThe HiveThe Inn at SteamboatThe Rock Sports ComplexThirsty Pagan BrewingThudbuster SeatpostsTools for TrailsTrail DynamicsTrailArtsTravel OregonTrek BicycleTrek TravelUSA Cycling, Inc.Visit CasperVisit KnoxvilleVista Verde RanchVoler Team ApparelWeGoDoWhite Pine TouringWhitefish Bike RetreatWinter Park ResortWTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes)YakimaYeti CyclesYin Yang House Acupuncture & Wellness CenterWhite Pine TouringWilderness Trails RanchWinter Park ResortXpel TechnologiesYeti CyclesZavod AliansaZOIC Clothing


POB 20280, Boulder Co 80308-3280 USA

NON PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 631

IMBA’s chapter members enjoy limited-edition gifts and prizes*Join, renew, or register now at imba.com/join

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Documents

Trail News Spring 2015