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Singletrack eNews, May 2008
Mountain Bikers Urged to Support National Park Service Centennial Initiative Projects
Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced the first round of National Park Service (NPS) signature projects to revitalize the agency for its 100th anniversary in 2016. The projects, addressing a wide variety of needs in 110 parks across the country, are a major component of the Centennial Initiative a campaign IMBA enthusiastically supports. IMBA hopes these projects will be the first in an annual infusion of federal and private funding into the NPS. Voice your support for the NPS projects with IMBA's Action Alert.
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews Ready for National Trails Day Events in CO and NC
Every year, IMBA clubs around the country celebrate National Trails Day (NTD) with volunteer trailwork, riding and usually some barbecue. This year, NTD, celebrated on June 7, will be another great opportunity for mountain bikers to improve their local trails and help out with a local project. IMBA is excited to announce that the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews will be assisting with two incredible NTD celebrations in Golden, CO, and Asheville, NC.
REI and IMBA Renew Volunteer Stewardship Challenge and Grant Program
In 2008, IMBA and REI will once again partner for the Volunteer Stewardship Challenge and offer a host of grants to support trail stewardship. The objective is to boost volunteerism in the mountain biking community and to measure volunteer involvement. Our goal in 2007 was to involve 40,000 volunteers in 600,000 hours of service. Online surveys by IMBA affiliates recorded an impressive 40,600 individual volunteers recording 450,000 hours of service (Jan. through Sept.).
Film Shorts Needed for World Summit 'Celebrate Singletrack' Contest
IMBA is excited to announce our first-ever "Celebrate Singletrack" short-format film contest. Successful entries will combine great riding footage with storytelling that highlights the people, places and trails that inspire knobby-tire enthusiasts. Bonus points will be awarded for featuring IMBA-affiliated clubs and volunteers who create inspirational mountain biking success stories. The best 10 entries will be included in IMBA's upcoming "Celebrate Singletrack" DVD, and the top five films will be screened and judged June 19, 2008 during the IMBA World Summit at the Park City.
IMBA Monitoring Rapidly Advancing Land Protection Bills
Land protection legislation is advancing rapidly in Washington, DC, this month. IMBA is monitoring and helping shape important bills in several states, including:
- Virginia Ridge and Valley Act (S.570): An 11,000-acre Scenic Area would allow bicycling and the bill also includes a provision to rebuild an important bicycle and equestrian trail.
- Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Act (S.1380): This bill includes an important provision for a 16-mile shared-use trail along the park’s western boundary.
- Proposed Mount Hood Land Protection Plan (not yet introduced): Mountain bikers are asking for strong, bicycle-friendly land protection for lands surrounding important singletrack.
To learn more about ways to protect the land and bicycling, visit IMBA’s Land Protection online resources.
Mountain Bicyclists Congratulate Portland on Platinum Award, Seek Better Trails
IMBA and Portland United Mountain Pedalers wish to congratulate the city of Portland on achieving the League of American Bicyclists' Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community award, the first large city in the country to be awarded this status. Although the accolades are well deserved, the mountain bicycling community believes there is still work to be done in Portland. Specifically, we call for better access to city parks and recreation areas for off-road riding.
Team IMBA Training Program Now Available Online
Part of the comprehensive Team IMBA benefits package is the expert advice offered by the pros at Boulder Performance Network. No matter what event you are using as your Team IMBA launchpad, their training program will make sure you are ready to enjoy your time in the saddle. Receive e-mail updates and talk with trainers and other riders via BPN-sponsored conference calls once you register. |
Top 10 Reasons to Attend IMBA's World Summit
1. The best trail science, strategies and model trail systems explained during more than 30 seminars, panel discussions and workshops.
2. Center stage panel discussion with senior decision-makers from the NPS, USFS, BLM and Parks Canada.
3. Field trips to local trails with wizened experts like Dafydd Davis, Glen Jacobs and Troy Duffin: The blokes who innovate trail networks around the world.
4. All participants will receive an IMBA Summit T-shirt, collector's edition belt buckle and other valuable bric-a-brac.
5. International delegates from around the world are coming to Park City, including the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Texas.
6. Trailbuilder's Showcase Showdown: The world's best trailbuilders will show off their coolest new projects and inspire even the dullest cross-country retro-grouch.
7. Celebrate Singletrack Film Contest -- submit your masterpiece for review now.
8. Trips for Kids will host a free one-day youth programs conference the day prior to the summit.
9. Hassle-free group rides for all abilities every day on the sweet nectar goodness known as the Park City trail system.
10. Kona-IMBA Epic mountain bike ride and BBQ party on Saturday.
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