- More than 14 million U.S. adults regularly
ride their bicycles off-road. Mountain biking is one of the top five U.S. outdoor
recreation sports.
- Need help on a local trail access or
mountain bike advocacy issue? Visit imba.com for useful strategic advice, mountain bike
management success stories, impact studies, and organizational guidance.
www.imba.com/303-545-9011
- IMBA receives the exceptional support of
major individual donors in four categories: Singletrack Society ($1,000 or more per year),
Trailbuilders ($250-$999), Fat Tire Friends ($100-$249), and Big Wheels ($50-$99).
Major donors are regularly recognized in IMBA trail news and receive special IMBA gear.
IMBA is a 501C3 non-profit association; contributions are tax deductible.
- Speed good; bozo bad. It's IMBA's way of
saying that fast riding is one of mountain biking's most appealing elements. The challenge
is knowing when and where fast riding doesn't cut it...like on crowded trails that are
packed with hikers and horseback riders.
- Many of the same issues that have shaped
trail access for mountain bikers in the U.S. are at work around the globe. The good news:
IMBA's 12 years of experience put us in a strong position to help. That's why we opened a
European office in '98.
- More than 75 of our sport's pioneers,
leaders, top racers, and inventors have been inducted into the mountain bike hall of fame.
IMBA is represented in the hall by past presidents Don Douglass and Jim Hasenauer.
- Mountain biking made its olympic debut in
1996 in Atlanta. Cycling is one of four sports that has been included in every modern
summer games since 1896.
- The label "mountain biking" may
have been coined in northern California in the mid 1970s. But the roots of off-road
cycling go back to the late 19th century -- a time when the bike was the standard mode of
personal transportation and trails far outnumbered roads.
- IMBA coordinates the national mountain bike
patrol, which helps keep trails open by providing volunteer support to land managers and
assistance to trail users. To join or to locate the affiliated patrol nearest you,
check out the nmbp home page at www.imba.com/nmbp
or call (303)545-9011.
- If you're a racer, the way you train
influences other riders and shapes the image of the sport and the status of trail access.
So ride fast, but ride smart.
- IMBA's expanded web site (www.imba.com)
provides access updates, ideas on building, maintaining and managing trails, and an easy
way to join or renew your IMBA membership.
- >When you meet other trail users, slow down,
communicate, be prepared to stop, and pass safely. (That's what yielding means.)
- How can one mountain biker make a
difference? Start by riding with respect for the land and respect for the experiences of
your fellow trail users. Join your local mountain bike club and IMBA. Volunteer for trail
work. That'll do it
.
- Ride the middle of the trail whenever
possible. Don't let singletrack become doubletrack.
- How can one mountain biker make a
difference? Start by riding responsibly. Then join your local mountain bike club and IMBA.
Do some trailwork. This is a small price to pay for the pleasures of mountain biking.
- Mountain bike racers are role models who
influence all riders, especially younger ones. If you're a racer, do your part by
volunteering for trailwork, training responsibly and supporting IMBA.
- This is generally a great month for
trailwork in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are cooler -- if shorter -- and repair work
can refortify the paths that have been heavily used all summer.
- IMBA distributes a variety of maountain bike
education materials such as trail design booklets, management guidelines, trailhead signs
and Rules of the Trail pamphlets. You can request a list by phone or email.
- IMBA wants mountain biking to be as free and
unencumbered by rules and regulations as possible. You can help by riding durable, less
crowded trails whenever possible.
- Introduce a friend to the joys of mountain
biking. It doesn't matter if it's a kid or adult, a neighbor or a land manager. One
well-planned (fun!) ride is usually all it takes.
- Thousands of IMBA members will work
side-by-side with fellow trail users on National Trails Day, June 5. Call (301)565-6704 to
find a project near you.
- Follow the three basic steps in yielding the
trail: slow down, establish communication with the people you meet, and pass safely.
- Want to join a local mountain bike club that
leads group rides, does trail maintenance and works to keep trails open for cyclists? A
good bike shop can connect you. Or call IMBA: (303)545-9011.
- Trailwork is good fun with great people.
Beyond a tremendous workout, you'll reap the satisfaction of building or bettering a trail
and you'll feel it every time you return.
- Trails are easily damaged by hiking and
cycling (and should be avoided) during the spring freeze-thaw cycle, when the temperature
drops into the 20s at night, then climbs into the 40s during the day.
- More than 100 new mountain bike guidebooks
have been published since 1995. Find them on the Web, at bike shops, bookstores and a few
public libraries.
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