January 6, 2005 – Mountain bikers are invited to join the newest 24-hour event – IMBA’s 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. It’s your chance to give something back to the sport. The marathon will take place April 6-7, 2005 in the U.S. capital.

The goal is simple: raise awareness about access and recreation issues and convince lawmakers that mountain biking deserves their support. The fun begins with a party Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. IMBA staff will equip participants with talking points, handouts and lobbying advice. The next morning, we’ll hit the halls of Congress and talk to our elected representatives and staff about key legislation and how it impacts mountain biking. Finally, we’ll celebrate our success with a Thursday evening shindig.

The effort builds on IMBA’s increased activity and leadership in Washington, D.C. – the place where key trail management decisions are made. In 2004, mountain bikers held more than 140 face-to-face meetings with government leaders during the biannual IMBA Summit.

IMBA is dedicated to making the trip affordable. We’ll schedule all congressional meetings, coordinate logistics and provide plenty of free food and drink. Attendees will need to cover transportation and lodging costs. For more info and to register visit: http://www.imba.com/resources/washington_dc/24_hours_dc.html