California Singletrack eNews, April 2008 IMBA at Sea Otter Schedule  Don't miss out on the great IMBA California events planned for this year's Sea Otter Classic! IMBA California Advocacy Summit: Meet with IMBA staff, land managers and club leaders from around the state on April 18 from 3-8 pm. Made possible with support from Specialized. Mountain Bike Magazine Off-Road Tour: Join Mountain Bike magazine and IMBA California on April 19 for an enjoyable off-road tour on the trails around the Fort Ord BLM area. Niner IMBA Frame Unveiled: Check out the new IMBA-themed frames from Niner on display at IMBA's booth (#235) on April 18 at 4 pm. IMBA/CLIF Bar/New Belgium Happy Hour: Join us on April 18, from 8-10 pm at the Britannia Arms Pub in Monterey. IMBA California Brings Together Trail Users IMBA California took a leadership role in bringing together influential people in the mountain biking, equestrian and hiking communities to dialogue on ways to better our relationships throughout the California trail community. A day-long meeting at Millerton Lake, near Fresno, was attended by leaders who had an expressed interest in eliminating the rancor and improving the trail experience for everyone. The group resolved to formalize the organization under the name of the United Trail Users Of California (UTUC). Another meeting is planned for June, when the group will create a formal working structure. For more information contact Tom Ward.   Lynch Canyon Hill Climb Time Trial Set for April 27 This first-time event, hosted by the NorCal Mountain Bike League, is open to riders of all ages. The course is located at the beautiful and newly opened Lynch Canyon Park, and is limited to the first 100 registrants. The hill climb time trial meanders up a 2.5 mile course, first on fire trail and finishing on nice singletrack that includes oak knolls and a rock garden. Proceeds benefit the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League. Folsom Lake General Plan Update Letters are needed in support of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area general plan by April 30. See details at Folsom-Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition's website. It's important that they now begin work on the trails master plan for the park. Please include a request for them to start on the trails plan in any letters you write. IMBA and Outdoor Alliance Working to Protect Roadless Areas IMBA and the Outdoor Alliance are asking human-powered trail users to support continued protection of U.S. Forest Service Roadless Areas. Currently at risk are 9.3 million acres of Forest Service lands in Idaho, including some of our nation's most spectacular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and the largest intact ecosystem in the Lower 48 states. Roadless Areas provide some of the country's best mountain biking. Colorado's Monarch Crest Trail and the 96-mile Maah Daah Hey in North Dakota -- both official Epics -- are also within Roadless Areas. Many of the best Forest Service trails east of the Mississippi are also in Roadless Areas.  Seminar for Professional Trail Contractors Scheduled for IMBA Summit Are you a skilled trailbuilder and want to turn pro? Learn the business at a two-day workshop prior to this June's IMBA World Summit. This fee-based course, taught by leading members of the Professional Trailbuilders Association, will provide all the information you need to know to start a career in professional trail contracting. Topics include business development, marketing, accounting, bidding, equipment purchase and maintenance, insurance and more. This fast-paced seminar will include field trips to various trails and a demonstration of typical trail construction equipment. Limited to 20 participants. Take Pride in America Seeks Nominations for National Awards Take Pride in America is seeking nominations of individuals, companies or civic groups that have demonstrated a commitment to stewardship of America’s public lands. Take Pride in America presents the National Awards to individuals and groups who have volunteered their time and talent to our federal, state, and local public lands and waterways. What Would We Do Without Trails? We posed this question years ago -- and we still don't have an answer. Do you? Would you want to find out? Probably not. Maybe you know a few riders who haven't joined IMBA yet. It's riding season ... ask your crew to consider making 2008 the year that everyone on a mountain bike pulls together for better riding. Basic memberships are just $25. Send your pals a link to our membership pages today. Wend Magazine Offering Digital Subscriptions, Donations to IMBA A new subscription offer from Wend -- an adventure sports magazine with great writing and bold photography -- includes a $2 donation to IMBA when you sign up for either the print or online editions. Just enter "IMBA" for the coupon code. Check out the newest issue online for free -- an exclusive offer for IMBA eNews subscribers.

IMBA California and Specialized Lead Sacramento Rally for State Parks     IMBA California Policy Director, Tom Ward (pictured above) and Specialized Bicycles Director of Advocacy and Environment Ariadne Delon Scott were recently invited by the California State Park Foundation to speak at the Save Our State Parks Rally on the Capital steps, in support of keeping state parks open. Hundreds of attendees cheered as Ward and Scott described mountain bikers' commitment to supporting state parks. Find out how you can get involved in the grassroots movement to preserve funding for California's treasured state parks. Read more about the rally on the IMBA blog.

Early Bird Pricing for World Summit Ends April 25        The Early Bird pricing offer on registration for the 2008 IMBA World Summit has been extended to April 25. Start planning now for the biggest, most informative IMBA gathering ever.   Do you know somebody who should attend the summit? Send them our new eCard invitation.

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