October 3, 2008 – Here is the latest news from IMBA Canada, including information on the upcoming BC Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium, New Tool for Affiliates, Bike Rossland Joins IMBA Canada, IMBA Canada at Grasslands National Park, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Seeks New Team, Apply for a 2009 Trail Care Crew Visit and the National Mountain Bike Patrol Hours Update.

BC Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium: Oct 26-28, 2008

IMBA Canada is pleased to be involved in the upcoming BC Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium. Adventure tourism operators, community leaders, land managers, park planners, bicycle industry representatives and trail advocates will gather October 26-28, 2008 at the Talking Rock Resort near Chase, BC to discuss topics associated with mountain bike tourism. The focus will be on BC, but will include lessons learned from other jurisdictions. Topics include market research, economic impact, liability and risk management as well as developing bike friendly communities and services, partnerships and funding for trails, mountain biking tourism business opportunities and marketing community based mountain biking experiences. IMBA Canada will be teaching a pre-symposium (Oct. 25/26) Trail Development Workshop. To register or find out more, visit the Symposium’s website here.

IMBA Canada Launches New Tool for Affiliates

Attention IMBA Canada affiliated clubs, retailers and corporate members – Due to constant demand to post local events on the IMBA Canada website, we have created a new tool for you to use to register your trailbuilding, ride, advocacy and club events: www.imbacanadaevents.com. The site is a work in progress, so please send us your feedback. We hope that this new tool will serve as a clearinghouse for mountain bike related events across Canada.

Bike Rossland Joins IMBA Canada

A big welcome to IMBA Canada’s newest corporate member – Bike Rossland! For everything you want to know about the riding and trails in Rossland, BC – check out www.bikerossland.ca.

For more on becoming an IMBA Canada corporate member, click here.

IMBA Canada at Grasslands National Park

IMBA Canada’s Mark Schmidt is in Saskatchewan this week working with Parks Canada on sustainable trail development in Grasslands National Park. Grasslands has the potential to be an incredible Canadian cross country mountain biking destination.

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Seeks New Team

IMBA is searching for a full-time, professional two-person team position in the highly successful Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. This opportunity requires a passion for mountain biking, excellent communication and volunteer organizational skills, and team compatibility. The Crew will travel nearly all year in a specially outfitted 2009 Subaru Outback. The application deadline is Oct. 3, 2008. Click here for more info.

Apply for a 2009 Trail Care Crew Visit

Do you need to reinvigorate your local volunteers? Are you looking to expand your club’s capacity to do more great work? Is your local mountain bike community in need of some guidance? Apply here today for a 2009 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visit and you could be selected to host one of IMBA’s expert crews. 4 Canadian locations will be chosen for Trail Care Crew Visits in 2009.

National Mountain Bike Patrol – Hours Update

Thank you again for reporting your hours on the NMBP Hours Log. It is truly impressive how much volunteer work NMBP groups do year-round, and this helps us quantify your efforts. So far, in 2008, NMBP volunteers across North America have contributed over 2,500 hours of work. With that work valued at approximately $18.25 per hour (the widely accepted standard for volunteer service hours in the US), NMBP volunteers have donated nearly $50,000 worth of sweat equity in a mere nine and a half months! Keep up the great work, and use your volunteer efforts as leverage to do more great things for your local trails community.

Join IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

IMBA clubs and patrols across Canada and around the globe will celebrate the fifth annual National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. The event provides a great opportunity to help kids have fun. All you need to do is visit IMBA’s website, register your ride and plan an excursion. Find an event in your area with our online listings here.

Please Support the IMBA Canada Legal Advocacy Fund

Two decades of advocacy have resulted in numerous successes for our sport, driven by our family of tireless, passionate advocates. For over 20 years IMBA has been leading the charge to gain and protect mountain biking opportunities.

Make a donation to the Canadian Legal Advocacy Fund here.

March 1, 2008 – Here are the latest headlines from the IMBA Canada headquarters: Plan Now to Attend IMBA World Summit; Take Action – Input Needed on Toronto’s Trails by March 7, 2008; IMBA Canada Hires First Regional Staffer; Tales From the Trails – Living Lightly at the Creative Wheel Centre; IMBA Canada at the Toronto Bike Show – March 7 to 9, 2008; Welcome to IMBA Canada’s Newest Corporate Members; Save the Date: Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits for 2008; Mountain Biking Scene in Wales Keeps Growing Stronger.

Plan Now to Attend IMBA World Summit
Mountain bikers from around the world will be heading to Park City, Utah this summer for the IMBA World Summit. The June 18-21 celebration will include workshops, incredible speakers and plenty of time to ride. Stay tuned — registration opens March 1 here.

Take Action – Input Needed on Toronto’s Trails by March 7, 2008
Want to improve mountain biking in Toronto? The City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation is developing a strategy to manage the growing number and use of informal natural surface trails in Toronto parks. The aim of the strategy is to determine how to provide recreational opportunities for off-road cyclists, while balancing environmental protection and safety concerns. Click here to provide your personal feedback on the state of Toronto’s trails by answering the four questions posed in this request for public input. Submit your comments by email, fax or mail by Friday March 7, 2008.

IMBA Canada Hires First Regional Staffer
Long-time IMBA Canada BC Rep, James Brown is officially on staff as IMBA Canada’s first part-time regional staffer. Some of his responsibilities will include:

Working with MTSA (Ministry of Tourism Sport and the Arts) to develop the BC Trails Strategy and provide input affecting mountain bike access. Advising local clubs on IMBA affiliation benefits and IMBA resources. Working with insurance brokers, such as Oasis, to provide a policy that covers mountain bike activities.

Representing IMBA Canada to land managers in BC and advocate for access. Follow James’ work on the BC Rep Blog here. Contact James at: james.brown@imba.com

Tales From the Trails — Living Lightly at the Creative Wheel Centre
IMBA Canada Field Rep Dominique Larocque has been carving her trails, and her dreams, out of the land in Val-des-Monts, QC. Learn about Dominique’s vision and how she and her partner Steve, with a lot of volunteer help, are turning it into a reality here. Watch an inspirational video here, in which David Chernushenko, of the Living Lightly Project, visits the Creative Wheel Centre in Val-des-Monts, QC to take part in a sustainable trailbuilding day with some keen environmentally-conscious mountain bikers.

IMBA Canada at the Toronto Bike Show – March 7 to 9, 2008 – New Hat for ’08!
A perfect topper for trailwork days or post-ride hair management, the newest IMBA Canada hat is made from a washable nylon cotton twill for improved durability and comfort. Click here to take a look. Available in black and brown. $20 at the IMBA Canada Store here.

IMBA Canada will once again have a booth at the Toronto International Bike Show. Use this opportunity to join, renew, purchase IMBA Canada gear, and/or talk to IMBA Canada representatives. Affiliated clubs are invited to bring brochures to display at the IMBA booth.

Welcome to IMBA Canada’s Newest Corporate Members
IMBA Canada is thrilled to welcome its newest corporate members!

TransRockies Inc
Organizers of the toughest mountain bike race on earth, the TransRockies Challenge. Over 600 kilometres and 12,000 vertical metres through the most rugged and majestic terrain the Canadian Rockies have to offer.

ZEPtechniques
Based in spectacular Whistler, BC, ZEPtechniques offers mountain bike instruction and instructor training in multiple formats, including downloadable instruction! Check out their clinics in both Whistler and Kelowna.

Capilano College
The Capilano College Mountain Bike Operations Certificate program is the only program of its kind in North America and around the world. Highly supported by industry professionals, the program provides introductory knowledge and skills needed for work in the mountain resorts, government, and non-profit sectors.

Single Track Mind Cycles
Your mountain biking resource for Minden and Haliburton, ON. Based on 3 Booth Street in Minden, this little shop has everything from mountain bike rentals to parts and accessories, full bikes, and great service.

Complete listing of IMBA Canada’s Corporate Supporters here.

Save the Date: Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits for 2008
Dates have now been set for the Canadian Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to attend an IMBA Trailbuilding School, make sure to mark your calendars and register with the appropriate contact below.

– Toronto, ON: Sept. 11-14, 2008. Contact Jason Murray jmurray@disillusion.ca
– Edmundston, NB: Sept. 18-21, 2008. Contact Luc Michaud lucmicha@nbed.nb.ca
– Quebec City, QC: Sept. 25-28, 2008. Contact Jerome Pelland jerome@adsvmq.org
– Duncan, BC: October 23-26, 2008. Contact Brian Kuhn brian@experiencecycling.ca

Mountain Biking Scene in Wales Keeps Growing Stronger
From Gwyydr Forest to CWM Carn, mountain biking centers in Wales continue to expand. IMBA has worked with planners and trail builders in Wales for more than a decade now, and the experience there will help our North American ride centers develop into a similar success story.

December 7, 2007 – Here is the December newsletter from IMBA Canada. Topics include: Rossland’s Seven Summits Trail Voted “07 Trail of the Year” – Mountain Bike Community Profile Published for the Central Okanagan – Kids Drop Video Players, Take to Trails – IMBA Canada Legal Fund Almost at Its Goal – IMBA Teaches Sustainable Trailbuilding in Israel – Ride Great Trails in 2008 – Donate to the IMBA Canada Annual Fund – Give the Gift of Trails this Christmas and Get a Free Gift!

Rossland’s Seven Summits Trail Voted “07 Trail of the Year”

Bike Magazine has chosen the Seven Summits Trail in Rossland, BC as the magazine’s overall Trail of the Year. Built by Kootenay Columbia Trails Society, an IMBA Canada affiliate, the trail was also selected as an IMBA Epic in 2006. Read the full story here.

Mountain Bike Community Profile Published for the Central Okanagan

The City of Kelowna, together with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and BC Parks, has recently published a Mountain Bike Community Profile to research key issues relating to mountain biking, identify demand for mountain bike facilities, and outline the role that local governments should play in their creation. The profile is the first step in the preparation of a city-wide mountain bike strategy which will review current and future mountain bike opportunities in the Central Okanagan area. Click here to read more.

Kids Drop Video Players, Take to Trails

This October, IMBA clubs convinced scores of kids to put down their gaming devices and explore the outdoor world on their bikes. The fourth annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebration drew rave reviews from young riders around the world. Five clubs and five individual riders won bicycles courtesy of Schwinn, including the Durham Mountain Biking Association in Durham, Ontario. Click here for more.

IMBA Canada Woolie Socks are Here!

Keep your tootsies warm this winter with the newest offering from the IMBA Canada gear collection. The Woolie DeFeet brand “Classico” socks feature a tall, ribbed cuff with the IMBA Canada logo on the band. Charcoal in colour, with white and grey accents.

$20 each – On sale for $18.

Visit the IMBA Canada online store here.

IMBA Canada Legal Fund Almost at Its Goal

IMBA Canada’s Legal Fund has almost reached its goal of $6,000 for 2007. A huge “thank you” to each of you who has contributed to this important cause! Donations continue to be accepted year-round here.

IMBA Teaches Sustainable Trailbuilding in Israel

Following previous visits by IMBA staff in 2005 and 2006, Trail Specialist Pete Webber journeyed to Israel in October. Webber conducted five days of trailbuilding seminars, focusing on club development and sustainable trailbuilding techniques. Click here for more.

Ride Great Trails in 2008 – Donate to the IMBA Canada Annual Fund

IMBA Canada’s Annual Fund campaign was launched last week to give us the momentum we need to kick-start some much-needed projects – such as funding regional staff, translating resources into French, and expanding our trailbuilding efforts. Help us build this momentum by donating here today, and asking your friends to do the same. Your year-end boost will help make 2008 our best year ever – a year of better riding! View Annual Fund details here.

Contributors of $35 or more will receive a full colour 2008 IMBA Calendar.

Give the Gift of Trails this Christmas and Get a Free Gift!

Looking for a unique gift for a riding buddy this Christmas? Consider giving the Gift of Trails by clicking here. Purchase a supporting level gift membership for a friend for only $30, and we’ll send YOU the gift of an IMBA Canada t-shirt or toque for free! That’s $10 off the normal membership price of $40, and a great Christmas gift for each of you. Last order date for guaranteed delivery before Christmas is December 13, 2007. Order here today.

May 24, 2007 — IMBA has become a world-renowned leader in trailbuilding. But quality trails are expensive””more than $10 per metre. Help build sweet singletrack — click here and build the resources to make those trails a reality. Simply put, help turn IMBA’s expertise into sweet singletrack near you.

Your gift of $40, $60, $100″”or more, if possible””will fund important projects:

– Develop and implement innovative trailbuilding techniques.
– Enhance mountain biking experiences on public land.
– Build trail systems that provide the ultimate riding experience.

Contribute $40 or more and you’ll receive an IMBA shop apron – click here

Please donate now!

IMBA Canada eNews May 2007

Not a member? We need your support! Join IMBA Canada today.

Canadian News

Apply Now! Money Available for Ontario Trails

Ontario Clubs, don’t forget to apply for the Ontario Trail Improvement Grants, available to clubs that are affiliates of both IMBA and the Ontario Cycling Association. Three $500 grants will be awarded. Application deadline is June 1, 2007.

IMBA Canada Welcomes New Corporate Support

IMBA Canada is pleased to welcome three new corporate members this month: Loeka Clothing, Valhalla Contracting, and Sustainable Trails.

Born out of frustration in the lack of stylish, fitted, comfortable, and sexy clothes for women, Loeka began in the spring of 2005. In addition to creating great clothing, Loeka strives to help build a strong community of female riders by encouraging more women to take up cycling. Want to look sexy on the trail? Click here for Loeka’s clothing line before your next ride!

Primarily trail specialists, Valhalla Contracting offers a variety of related services including construction, recreation planning and design, GIS and GPS data collection, management and analysis, as well as remote sensing.

Valhalla Contracting has two offices: one in the Cowichan Valley, BC and one in Breckenridge, CO. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive and sustainable approach to environmental and outdoor recreation projects. Find out more at: info@valhallacontracting.com

Located in Port Perry, ON, Sustainable Trails is a professional trailbuilding company that provides turnkey contracting and hybrid construction services. Sustainable Trails also offers a selection of trailbuilding handtools, including Pulaskis and Macleods. IMBA Canada members get a discount. Please email info@sustainabletrails.com or call 1-866-348-7366 for more information.

Both trailbuilding companies are members of the Professional Trailbuilders Association.

Skoolz Out – Who says college can’t be fun?

At the end of April, when most college students were cramming for exams, the students at Capilano College’s Mountain Bike Operations Certificate Program were busy finishing their new trail. Appropriately named “Skoolz Out”, the trail was the final project required to graduate from the program’s Trail and Park Design courses, taught by IMBA Canada’s Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner. Check out the trail from top to bottom in this video created by IMBA Canada. Recent graduates of the program are now building trail in various locations across the country – just one more way that IMBA Canada is helping build trails in your backyard.

IMBA Canada at Ontario Provincial Trails Summit

Trail enthusiasts from all over Ontario gathered for 2 days of professional trail workshops in Niagara Falls, Ontario May 15-17. The Ontario Trails Summit, organized by the Ontario Trails Council, covered the topics of land use management, risk management, and provincial programs for trails. IMBA Canada’s Mark Schmidt presented on Best Practices for Mountain Biking and Trails to over 50 trail enthusiasts and professionals, with support from Ontario’s Ministry of Health Promotion.

Ryeka Sport Offers DeFeet Sock Deal to IMBA Canada Clubs

As a new benefit to IMBA Canada club members, Ryeka Sport (distributer of DeFeet socks in Canada) is offering an incredible deal on DeFeet custom sock orders. Create a custom sock for your club or team, and Ryeka Sport will give $1.00 from every sock purchased back to IMBA Canada! Minimum order is 144, at a price of $6.25 each. Get cool custom socks and support Canadian mountain biking. Contact Sarah at Ryeka Sport to place your order: Toll Free: 1-866-602-9988, ext. 225 or sarah@ryekasport.com.

As an added bonus, if you sign up before June 11, 2007, Ryeka Sport will waive the $30 set-up fee!*For retailers looking for custom socks, please contact Erik Davis at 1-866-602-9988, ext. 226.

April 17, 2007 – Here is the latest news from IMBA:

Managing Mountain Biking:
IMBA’s Guide to Providing Great Riding

Written for professional land managers, volunteers, and recreation providers alike, Managing Mountain Biking offers an essential collection of best practices for planning, designing, and managing successful trail networks and bike parks.

Buy now
Managing Mountain Biking is a companion to IMBA’s popular trailbuilding how-to book Trail Solutions. Together, the two books provide a complete resource for better trail recreation.

While Trail Solutions covered trail construction, Managing Mountain Biking focuses on solving mountain biking issues through innovative trail design, effective partnerships, and visitor management strategies.

This book breaks new ground with startegies to overcome user
conflict, minimize environmental impact, manage risk, and provide
technically challenging riding.

Buy now


IMBA Canada eNews April 2007

Not a member? We need your support! Go to www.imba.com today!

Canadian News:

IMBA Grants Available to Canadian Clubs
Dynamic Mountain Bike Images Needed for 2008 IMBA Calendar
IMBA Canada Goes to Reno
Hope for Mountain Biking in Victoria
IMBA Canada to Give Keynote at Ontario Trails Summit
Trail Unveil: Capilano College Mountain Bike Festival
BC’s Recreation Officers to be Trained by IMBA
Save the Date: Squamish, BC Trails Workshop
IMBA Canada Welcomes its Youngest Member
Now in Stock: IMBA Canada Hat

IMBA Grants Available to Canadian Clubs

As the ground begins to thaw in many parts of the country, it’s time to plan the summer’s trail projects. IMBA Canada can help. Check out the following grant programs to see if your club is eligible for funding:

<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=MFp9v82l6gKxbyKtsUbTJw..>Kona/IMBA
Freeriding Grants – Available to help develop freeriding
opportunities on public land. 13 $1,000 USD grants will be awarded.
Application deadline is May 15, 2007.

<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=wUdMadJ7YXXPSYsaPCCbDw..>Ontario Trail
Improvement Grants – Available to clubs that are affiliates of both
IMBA and the Ontario Cycling Association. 3 $500 CAD grants will be
awarded. Application deadline is June 1, 2007.

Dynamic Mountain Bike Images Needed for 2008 IMBA Calendar

The IMBA wall calendar, an enduring favorite from IMBA’s online store, has become incredibly popular – so much so that the 2007 edition sold out in record time. The 2008 print run will be substantially increased to meet demand. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur photographer, if you have high-quality images that you’d like to share with riders around the world in next year’s calendar, IMBA would be honored to receive your submission. <http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=3923PyoZbHCqgQz_JvVnBQ..>Find out how your photo could end up in the 2008 IMBA Calendar. Submissions due by May 1, 2007.

IMBA Canada Goes to Reno

IMBA Canada Director and Trail Specialist, Mark Schmidt, represented
IMBA Canada and Capilano College at
the<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=k33tma2cFskjOwj-GtkoTA..>Professional
Trailbuilders Association’s Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada March
6-8. In addition to speaking on both risk management through trail
design, and trail education at the college level, Schmidt helped
design and build a pump track to demonstrate the effectiveness of
mechanized trailbuilding equipment. IMBA Canada’s
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=Ly5_Q0f9N3AGNRDHYP8H7A..>Trail Solutions
Program is a member of the
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=L6meZ3yTyai_W7EorX0q0Q..>Professional
Trailbuilders Association and is available to consult on trail design
and construction projects.

Hope for Mountain Biking in Victoria

IMBA Canada visited BC’s capital March 13-14 to present on trail and
mountain bike management for a newly proposed park. The Harbourview
Park has the potential to create many more trail opportunities for
Victoria area mountain bikers. While there, IMBA Canada’s Mark
Schmidt and local IMBA Rep, James Brown, also met with Ministry of
Tourism, Sports, and the Arts to discuss the new Crown Land mountain
bike policy and the implementation process. For more information on
the policy, visit
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=Gj3zUZn3W6sbE9DDMJsi3A..>IMBA Canada’s
Resource Section.

IMBA Canada to Give Keynote at Ontario Trails Summit

This Saturday April 14,
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=yFJKAzHfQPV3d68I8XvlEg..>Huronia Trails
and Greenways will be hosting a summit on Best Practices for Simcoe
County Active Trails. IMBA Canada will be giving the keynote address,
as well as leading a workshop focusing on best practices for creating
sustainable trails and managing mountain biking. IMBA’s participation
in the summit is made possible with funding from Ontario’s Ministry
of Health Promotion. For more information, or to register for the
summit, visit the
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=_Jk8eIwfC_Rd2JoZrs6_cA..>Huronia Trails
and Greenways website.

IMBA Canada has a mandate to present “best practices” to key
stakeholders in all four regions of the province. Stay tuned for more
Ontario workshops in the next two months.

Trail Unveil: Capilano College Mountain Bike Festival

The <http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=FpM-GS-7qWoWYuFxOqw3aA..>Mountain
Bike Operations (MtBO) students of Capilano College’s Sunshine Coast
campus will be hosting “Trail Unveil: Capilano College Mountain Bike
Festival,” on Saturday April 21st at Sprockids Park in Gibsons. The
event runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm and is provided free of charge to
the community. At the event’s focal point is the unveiling of a new
skills development trail that the students have designed and
constructed throughout the year-long program, taught by IMBA Canada’s
Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner. For more information, contact Caroline
Depatie MtBO Program Co-ordinator by phone: 604-885-9310, or
email:mtbo@capcollege.bc.ca

BC’s Recreation Officers to be Trained by IMBA

April 24-26, IMBA Canada and
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=MikgLoZCWatOxtZXKZwRww..>Capilano
College will be conducting a three-day trail education workshop for
BC’s Ministry of Tourism Sports and the Arts. The Ministry’s
Recreation Officers will be taught the basics of sustainable trail
construction as well as how to assess and inspect trails. This will
be the first trails education workshop offered as part of the
implementation of the Ministry’s new
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=o8KBq8nhP8iumfn11RYqOA..>mountain bike
policy that effects trails on Crown Land.

Save the Date: Squamish, BC Trails Workshop

Join IMBA Canada for a trail design and construction workshop,
sponsored by the
<http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=Xydh8b957D-HQCKHH_UW4A..>District of
Squamish, April 28-29. This workshop is open to local clubs and their
members. Contact District of Squamish Trails Coordinator, Todd Pope,
for more information or to register:
tpope@squamish.ca

IMBA Canada Welcomes its Youngest Member

Congratulations to Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner, IMBA Canada
Directors, on the birth of their new daughter, Suri Ella Renate
Schmidt, born March 16, 2007.

Now in Stock: IMBA Canada Hat

A perfect topper for trailwork days or post-ride hair management. New for 2007, the latest <http://go.imba.com/site/R?i=nAV0r9Bni7HLVQBONTCi3A..>IMBA Canada Hat is made from a rip-stop cotton/poly fabric for improved durability and comfort. Features the IMBA Canada logo, an adjustable velcro back, six eyelets for breathability, and a hang tag. Price: $20 CAD.

November 29, 2006 – Here’s the latest news from IMBA Canada, dedicated to preserving and expanding trails for mountain biking and we need your help. Join us today!

IMBA Announces New Epic Rides
IMBA Epic Rides are why we love mountain biking. They create great memories and inspire us to save trails. To fuel this passion, IMBA has selected three new outstanding routes as Epic Rides inductees for 2006, adding to the 37 great rides we’ve picked since 1999.

2006 IMBA Epic Ride inductees:

– Comfortably Numb, Whistler, BC
– High Country Pathway, Pigeon River State Forest, MI
– Santos Trail System, Ocala, FL

This year we honor a technically challenging backcountry ride (Comfortably Numb), an 80-mile adventure (High Country Pathway), and a trail system with a state-of-the-art freeride park (Santos Trail System). The sky’s the limit to the experiences that the Epic Rides program can embrace. Like the sport itself, the definition of an Epic Ride will continue to evolve. Whether you are into flowing singletrack, hang time, or a mega challenge, IMBA Epic Rides feature something for everyone.

The Epic Rides designation is an honor given through a competitive application process. IMBA Epic Rides are at the top of many mountain bikers’ “must-ride” lists. We invite you to nominate your favorite trail for a 2007 IMBA Epic Ride designation

Norco Riders Support IMBA Canada
This summer, enthusiastic Norco riders raised almost $1000 for IMBA Canada through their purchase of t-shirts and other items at VPS-Fests across Canada!

Each year Norco hosts Customer Appreciation Days (VPS-Fests) where riders can take in some free lift-accessed riding, enjoy Factory Team tech support, and win free gear. But this year, they were also given the opportunity to raise cash for trailbuilding and cycling advocacy in Canada!

“It was great to see people so willing to support IMBA,” commented Trisha Petrella, Norco’s PR/Marketing Coordinator. “Not only do Norco riders say they care about the future of cycling in Canada, they are willing to back it up with their dollars.”

Norco sold a wide variety of gear at VPS-Fest, from t-shirts to beer mugs, with all the proceeds going to IMBA Canada, and plans to do so again next summer. Thanks again to everyone who attended VPS-Fest this summer, and especially to those who supported IMBA Canada by purchasing a t-shirt!

IMBA Canada Affiliate ADSVMQ Recognized for Volunteer Efforts
Following the closure of Mont Tremblant a few years ago, the area north of Montreal, QC was left with no downhill mountain bike opportunities. However, in May 2006, Ski Mont Blanc decided to open its doors to mountain biking. Less than two months later, a chairlift was put into action to carry visitors to three new downhill trails that were built by Benoit Prud’Homme, Laurent Goyet, and countless local volunteers.

IMBA Canada affiliate, l’Association pur le développement des sentiers de Vélo de Montagne (ADSVMQ), under the direction of Jerome Pelland, IMBA Québec Rep, helped manage the project and organized a well-attended trailbuilding weekend in June. By summer’s end, the mountain boasted seven downhill trails, a small cross-country loop, and the biggest dirt jump park in eastern Canada. To thank the volunteers, Mont Blanc presented a plaque to the ADSVMQ and IMBA during their annual ChromeFest in October.

Congratulations to all the the volunteer trailbuilders and their tremendous success at Mont Blanc!

IMBA Board of Directors Gains Three New Members
Online and mail-in votes cast by members of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) this fall elected three new members to IMBA’s board of directors. The balloting also saw three standing members — Hill Abell, Tom Clyde and Steve Flagg — reelected to two-year terms.

Earlier this fall, Chris Distefano and Andrew Herrick stepped down from the IMBA board. Distefano, sales and marketing director at King Cycle Group, served on the IMBA board for four years. Herrick’s tenure was two years; he is a partner at Crank Brothers.

“The IMBA board and staff are extremely grateful to Chris and Andrew for their contributions to our efforts to protect and enhance trail access for mountain bikers,” said Hill Abell, board president.

“Chris brought a wealth of industry knowledge and shared with us great insights on how to better serve the multiple interests represented within the bicycle industry. And Andrew’s contributions to our recent strategic planning process were instrumental as we crafted a compelling new story on how IMBA can lead the mountain bike community and achieve new successes for everyone who rides a mountain bike,” said Abell.

IMBA enters 2007 with 10 active members on its board of directors. The three newest members add substantial and diverse leadership skills to IMBA:

– John Bliss is the privacy strategist for Entity Analytic Solutions, a unit within IBM’s Software Group. He has worked as a lawyer and lobbyist in Washington, DC. Bliss has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and was Chief Counsel for United States Senator Hank Brown. An active mountain biker racer, Bliss resides in Colorado, and competes in regional and national expert-class events.

– Blair Clark is senior vice president of marketing and sales at Smith Optics. He spent 13 years working at a variety of bicycle shops, directed business affairs for Specialized USA, and was president of Giro Sport Design. Clark currently serves on the board of directors for the Outdoor Industry Association. He recently founded the Paul David Clark Fund within Bikes Belong as a means of promoting bicycle safety and awareness. The native Californian now lives in Idaho.

– Janet O’Connell is the executive director of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada. She previously served as director of strategic initiatives for the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, and has substantial experience in the advertising and publishing industries. O’Connell is a current board member for the Canadian Association of Exhibition Managers. The first Canadian to serve on IMBA’s board, she enjoys exploring trails with her two children.

IMBA is already benefiting from the unique perspectives and strengths represented by the new additions. “Our board will continue to grow and diversify its membership to better understand the needs of the mountain bike community and to protect trail access for every style of rider,” commented Abell..

Online Video Documents Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Experience
“Constantly Moving,” a new online video  offers great riding footage and tales from road, as told by Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew  leaders Nat and Rachael Lopes. 

Register with host site Current.tv and you can help give “Constantly Moving” the green light for a future release on CurrentTV’s cable television programing

“We spent two days working with the producer on this project,” says Rachael Lopes. “Nat and I are really happy with the result. It incorporates video clips that we’ve shot at mountain biking locations around North America, and gives viewers an up-close look at our life on the road.”

Fans of Nat and Rachael’s work should also visit the online repository of videos at IMBA’s website.

www.imba.com/canada/index.html

February 15, 2006 — Here is the latest news from IMBA Canada.

MEC/IMBA Canada Trailbuilding Tour
With help from Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Environment Fund, IMBA Canada is able to build on the work of the US-based Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews by making trail education visits to four provinces. The most recent visit took place February 3-5, 2006 in Victoria, BC, where 17 people learned the art and science behind sustainable trail management. Read more: www.imba.com/canada/trails_tales/mec_victoria.html

2006 Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Schedule
Now beginning its tenth year, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program is in greater demand than ever before. Three Canadian visits have been confirmed for 2006, with another still in the works. Most Trail Care Crew visits last four days, allowing the crews to assess local trails, strengthen partnerships with local clubs and land managers, host an evening event, conduct a two-day Trailbuilding School, and squeeze in a ride or two. For a complete list of visits across North America, visit:
www.imba.com/tcc/schedule.html
Make sure you are able to take advantage of the crews’ expertise, by attending a Trail Care Crew visit near you!
* May 25-28: Coaticook, Quebec
* June 1-4: Caledon, Ontario
* June 15-18: Cowichan Valley, BC

Have Lawsuits Affected Your Trails?
Has there been a trail-related lawsuit in your area? IMBA is looking for details on mountain biking lawsuits both past and present. Even if the case was settled out of court, we’d like to hear about it. Send details to pete@imba.com. Read about an Oklahoma club’s litigation woes here: www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_06/01_26_oef_lawsuit.html.

Need for Urban Freeride Areas
A 2006 report released by the Outdoor Industry Association says that outdoor enthusiasts increasingly seek activities that can be done close to home. “The outdoor industry and policy makers must expand focus to include front country and urban recreation areas,” reads the OIA release. IMBA couldn’t agree more. Read an article about urban freeride parks, published in Parks and Recreation magazine, that outlines the time-tested advice of IMBA and its affiliates: www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=3477.
IMBA’s comprehensive freeriding resource pages can be found here: www.imba.com/resources/freeriding/index.html.

Norco/IMBA Canada Fundraiser at Toronto Bike Show
The 20th annual Toronto International Bicycle Show is coming up March 3-5. Visit the IMBA booth for great deals on membership and product, and enter to win a Norco Black Top Bomber cruiser. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support IMBA Canada’s work in the Greater Toronto Area.

Join IMBA Canada in Whistler
Join us for the first-ever Canadian IMBA Summit in Whistler, June 20-23! The joint IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference will be a precedent setting event – everyone who attends will leave armed with new knowledge, contacts, and in many cases, new bike skills. Visit the conference website for a growing list of workshops and speakers. Online registration will soon be available: www.worldmountainbikeconference.com

New IMBA Clubs and Retailers
Welcome to the following new IMBA Canada affiliated clubs and retailers! To join as an IMBA bicycle club or retailer: www.imba.com/canada/membership/
CLUBS:
Kamloops Bike Riders Association – Kamloops, BC
Vancouver Bicycle Club – Vancouver, BC
www.vbc.bc.ca

RETAILERS:
Wildways Adventure Sports – Christina Lake, BC
www.wildways.com
For a complete list of IMBA Canada affiliates in your province, visit: www.imba.com/canada/contacts.html

Classic Trailbuilding Book Revamped
Trail docents will be excited to hear that the second edition of “Lightly on the Land – The SCA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual” is now available at IMBA’s online store: www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/lotl.html

** Please note: While ALL Canadian memberships are charged in Canadian dollars, merchandise is only available from the US online store in USD at this time. Proceeds from Canadian orders will benefit IMBA Canada. **

December 19, 2005 – Here is the latest IMBA Canada News:

CANADA EARNS HIGH MARKS IN 2005 IMBA REPORT CARD
The 2005 IMBA Report Card awards Canada with an “A minus,” just behind Scotland in the international category. The IMBA report, now in its seventh edition, utilizes input from IMBA’s network of reps, online polling from IMBA members and staff evaluations to gauge the riding opportunities and advocacy strength in the United States, Canadian provinces and nations with significant IMBA activities. Check the international results here:
http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_4/itn_18_4_report_card.html#world

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MEC/IMBA CANADA TRAILBUILDING TOUR – PROMOTING ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY THROUGH
SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

In the second half of 2005, IMBA Canada received a grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Environment Fund to help fund trail education visits to four provinces. The MEC/IMBA Trailbuilding Tour aims to train more than 200 people in the art of sustainable trailbuilding by the summer of 2006.

Read about the Tour’s first visit, in the National Capital Region: http://www.imba.com/canada/news/mec_trailbuilding_05.html

CAPILANO COLLEGE TO OFFER “MOUNTAIN BIKE OPERATIONS” CERTIFICATE

Capilano College (Sunshine Coast Campus) in British Columbia, will offer a “Mountain Bike Operations” Certificate program in September, 2006. The program is a full-time, eight-month program (26 credits) and covers courses in tourism, risk management, event planning, first aid, mountain bike skill development, trail design and trailbuilding. http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/programs/sunshine/Mountain_Bike_Operations_Certificate.html

TALES FROM THE TRAILS

This month’s story features the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew’s visit to
Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Read how crew leaders Nat and Rachael Lopes
worked with clubs to improve racecourses in central Canada:
http://www.imba.com/tcc/2005/manitoba_saskat.html

NEW IMBA DEALERS AND CLUBS NEAR YOU

Please welcome the following list of dealers and clubs that have recently
joined IMBA Canada!

* DEALERS

Radical Edge – Fredericton, NB
http://www.radicaledge.ca/
Lunenburg Bicycle Barn – Lunenburg, NS
http://www.bikelunenburg.com/
Martin’s Bicycle Shop – Southampton, ON
http://www.martins.ca/bikeshop.html

* CLUBS

Arrow Racing – Meaford, ON

To join as an IMBA bicycle club or dealer visit:
http://www.imba.com/canada/membership/

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LOOKING FOR A LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT? GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAILS!

Give a riding buddy or loved one the gift of trails this Christmas. Buy a supporting level membership for only $30 CAD, and we’ll send you (or your friend) a fancy new IMBA Canada T-shirt for free! That’s $10 off the normal membership price of $40 CAD, and a great Christmas gift for both of you!

Canadian dollars for Canadian trails:
http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/spofimmespsa.html

DONATE TO THE IMBA CANADA ANNUAL FUND

IMBA Canada is taking mountain biking to the next level. Help us make sure that you have outstanding trails to ride close to home by donating to the IMBA Canada Annual Fund. Our immediate goal: raise $5,000 CAD before the end of the year to kick-start our work in 2006.
Contributors of $30 CAD or more will receive our all-new full-colour 2006
calendar: http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/caledefu.html


READ DIRT RAG’S TRIBUTE TO GNURPS

Check out Phillip Keyes’ “Gnurps: Mountain Bike Environmentalist Pioneer,” a
tribute to former IMBA staffer Gary Sprung.
http://www.dirtragmag.com/print/article.php?ID=720&category=departments


VIEW THE WORLD-RECORD MTB JUMP

You’ll be cleared for launch after you view images of Nathan Rennie’s mega-jump world record in the Painted Desert, South Australia. http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtbphotos.php?id=photos/2005/news/nov05/rennie_ju mp/gallery-rennie_jump

TAKE A 10-MINUTE MOUNTAIN BIKE SURVEY

Researchers at the University of Colorado, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Padua in Italy want to know about you and your mountain biking. The survey will help IMBA show land managers what kinds of riding experiences riders enjoy. One IMBA staffer in Boulder completed all the forms in five minutes, but don’t attempt that pace unless you’re an expert survey taker. http://bike.colorado.edu/THE “I” IN IMBA – STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

* DESERT BLOOM: WESTERN TRAIL CARE CREW VISITS VERNAL, UT
Nat and Rachael Lopes, the Western Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, spent a perfect September weekend working with BLM’s Recreation Specialist, Dan -Gilfillan, riding local trails, assessing sustainability, teaching methods of trailbuilding and user management, and helping Vernal take the next step in enhancing their trail system. View a slideshow here: http://www.imba.com/tcc/2005/vernal_ut.html
* FALL FOLIAGE: EASTERN TRAIL CARE CREW IN RUTLAND, VT
The Eastern Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew – AKA Chris Bernhardt and Jill Van
Winkle – conducted an IMBA Trailbuilding School and helped organize a
cleanup event at Rutland, Vermont’s Pine Hill Park. Check out a slideshow
and learn how the popular trail system was improved and expanded:
http://www.imba.com/tcc/2005/rutland_vt.html

* INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: IMBA’S JOEY KLEIN TRAVELS THE OUTBACK
Ace trailbuilder and mountain bike advocate Joey Klein recently concluded a six-week tour of Australia. Riding opportunities in Oz are increasing at breakneck pace. View a slideshow here: http://www.imba.com/international/slideshows/oz_index.html

ONLINE BOOKSTORE FEATURES NEW “STONEWORK” TITLE

Stonework is one of the most important skills a trailbuilder can have. That’s why IMBA is offering this unique new book focused on working with rocks. We’ve checked out lots of books about stonework, and most of them have limited relevance to trailbuilding. They focus primarily on stone walls, landscaping projects and using mortar to hold the stones in place. But “The Art and Craft of Stonescaping” by David Reed focuses on dry-stacked stonework – no mortar here dude! This is a key difference and is a big reason why we recommend this book. http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imbabookstore.html

April 18, 2005 — There’s lots going on with IMBA in Canada — please review IMBA’s newsletter to find out what initiatives are happening in your backyard.

CANADIAN NEWS:

* WELCOME NEW CANADIAN IMBA REP
* IMBA CANADA IS BACK IN OTTAWA!
* SUGOI DIRT SERIES
* WELCOME NEW CANADIAN CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
* IMBA TRAIL GRANTS AVAILABLE
* USE IMBA’S LAND MANAGER MOUNTAIN BIKE MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
* IMBA TO PRESENT AT ONTARIO TRAILS CONFERENCE
* WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERENCE
* NEW IMBA DEALERS NEAR YOU
* IMBA HELPS BUILD MISSISSAUGA CHALLENGE PARK
* SEATTLE URBAN BIKE PARK IN THE WORKS
* SOUTHERN ONTARIO PATROL TRAINING – MAY 14, 2005
* NEW IMBA LOGO AND GRAPHICS AVAILABLE ONLINE
* EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE NEXT IMBA TRAIL NEWS
* MOUNTAIN BIKERS PUSH CONGRESS AT IMBA’S 24 HOURS OF D.C.
* SAVE THE DATES

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WELCOME NEW CANADIAN IMBA REP

Please extend a warm welcome to Ed Wozney, IMBA’s new Representative for Northern Ontario!

ED WOZNEY ˆ NORTHERN ONTARIO
eddywozney@hotmail.com
705-752-4278

Ed is taking over the Northern Ontario Rep position from Hendrik Weigeldt, who recently moved to Rossland, BC.

Learn about becoming an IMBA field Rep here: http://www.imba.com/repcenter/

Do you know advocates in your province that might be interested in becoming an IMBA rep? Contact canada@imba.com.

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IMBA CANADA IS BACK IN OTTAWA!

IMBA will be back in Ottawa April 21-24, 2005 meeting with area mountain bikers, IMBA-affiliated clubs, and the National Capital Commission. Please join us for the following public events:

“ACROSS CANADA WITH IMBA” SLIDESHOW – THURSDAY APRIL 21 at 8:00pm

You’re invited to an inspiring presentation and talk with IMBA Canada representatives Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner at the Ottawa Public Library.

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CAMP FORTUNE OPEN HOUSE – SUNDAY APRIL 24

IMBA Canada will have a booth at the Annual Camp Fortune Open House. Visit us at the Camp Fortune Main Lodge, Gatineau Park, between 10:00am and 3:00pm.

For more details on the upcoming Ottawa events, contact IMBA’s National Capital Rep, Dominique Larocque at: creativewheel@sympatico.ca

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SUGOI DIRT SERIES

In the past four years, the world-class coaches of the Sugoi Dirt Series mountain bike camps have given hundreds of women new skills and confidence on their bikes. This year, the Whistler, British Columbia-based Dirt Series has undertaken the most ambitious-ever schedule of women’s camps to spread their love for the sport further than ever before.

The 18 camps, of which 15 are women-only and 3 are co-ed, are being held across BC, Alberta, the US Pacific Northwest and the Bay area. Each runs on a two-day format and includes morning skill sessions, followed by afternoon rides to put those techniques into practice.

The program also dedicates time to bike fit and maintenance, correct trail etiquette, and offers a host of opportunities to demo new gear. There’s a limit of 36 riders per camp, and the participant to coach ratio never exceeds 6:1. The small camp size ensures that every rider gets the individual attention and personal feedback that they need to progress.

Details: http://www.dirtseries.com or 604-905-8876.

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WELCOME NEW CANADIAN CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

MANSFIELD OUTDOOR CENTRE

Located one hour north of Toronto in the beautiful Mulmur Hills, the Mansfield Mountain Bike Centre offers 50 kms of some of Ontario’s best riding. Mansfield was the site of a 2003 IMBA Epic! Visit it here: http://www.mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca

Would your company or organization like to join IMBA? Contact canada@imba.com or visit the link below to find out how: http://www.imba.com/canada/membership/corporate_membership.html

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IMBA TRAIL GRANTS AVAILABLE

In 2005, two IMBA grant programs are available to Canadian groups seeking to jump-start their trail improvement projects (listed below). Visit http://www.imba.com/resources/grants for details.

Kona/IMBA Freeriding Grants: IMBA-affiliated groups in North America can apply for seven $1,000 awards to support the development of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping projects. The application deadline is May 1, 2005.

Ontario Trail Improvement Grants: Ontario clubs affiliated with both IMBA and the Ontario Cycling Association are invited to apply for this new grant program. Projects that create or improve trails used for mountain bike racing will receive the highest consideration. Three $500 grants will be awarded. The application deadline is June 1st, 2005.

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USE IMBA’S LAND MANAGER MOUNTAIN BIKE MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Your local land managers will really dig this online collection of awesome resources: http://www.imba.com/resources/managers/index.html

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IMBA TO PRESENT AT ONTARIO TRAILS CONFERENCE

“Sharing the Experience” is the theme at this year’s Ontario Trails Conference, to be held April 29 to May 1 in the Haliburton Highlands. IMBA Canada’s Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner will give two presentations and conduct a one-day trailbuilding workshop.

For more information or to register, visit: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/conference2005.htm

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WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERENCE

The North Shore Credit Union World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability will take place June 1 – 3, 2005, in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. Join IMBA and other mountain biking leaders for three days of education, networking and discussion covering the environmental, social and economic issues surrounding mountain biking. IMBA Canada is a sponsor. http://www.nsmbfc.com/conference

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NEW IMBA DEALERS NEAR YOU

IMBA dealers across the country are working hard to preserve the trails you love to ride. No trails, no sales – right? Please support these new IMBA dealers near you:

Cyclepath Vancouver – Vancouver, BC
http://www.cyclepathvancouver.com
Overtime Sports – Coquitlam, BC
http://overtimesportsinc.com
Northern Cycle – Ajax, ON
http://www.northerncycle.com
Gears Bike Shop – Mississauga, ON
http://www.gearsbikeshop.com
Ollie’s Cycle and Ski Limited – Georgetown, ON
http://www.downtowngeorgetown.com/ollies
King Street Cycles – Waterloo, ON
http://www.kingstreetcycles.com
The Bicycle Shop – Sarnia, ON

To join as an IMBA bicycle club or dealer, contact canada@imba.com or visit: http://www.imba.com/canada/membership/

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IMBA HELPS BUILD MISSISSAUGA CHALLENGE PARK

Local mountain bikers will soon have a safe, sanctioned facility to indulge their passion – and they’re helping to build it themselves. The Mississauga News article: http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/03_30_05_nississauga.html

The next scheduled work day is Saturday May 7, 2005. Contact Joanne Uhlmann to register: joanne.uhlmann@mississauga.ca

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SEATTLE URBAN BIKE PARK IN THE WORKS

The Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) is building Seattle’s first mountain-bike park on a 1.5-acre site under Interstate 5. Seattle Times article: http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/03_26_05_seattle_urban.html

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SOUTHERN ONTARIO PATROL TRAINING – MAY 14, 2005

If you are interesting in starting a patrol, or becoming a patroller, you will want to come to this mountain bike patrol training. The one-day course will take place at Humber College in Etobicoke. For all the details contact: mark@imba.com

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NEW IMBA LOGO AND GRAPHICS AVAILABLE ONLINE

IMBA encourages use of our new logo and graphics in your group’s newsletter, website and apparel: http://www.imba.com/resources/logos/index.html

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EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE NEXT IMBA TRAIL NEWS

The Spring 2005 IMBA Trail News will be in your mailbox soon. We have a big announcement in this issue that you won’t want to miss. To make sure you are a member and receive IMBA Trail News email us at membership@imba.com or call 888-442-4622.

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MOUNTAIN BIKERS PUSH CONGRESS AT IMBA’S 24 HOURS OF D.C.

Mountain bikers converged in the U.S. capital April 7 for the newest 24-hour event: IMBA’s 24 Hours of Washington, D.C. Attendees spent the entire day on Capitol Hill, meeting with their U.S. representatives, senators and staff to introduce IMBA and key mountain biking issues. More at: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_05/04_07_mtb_lobby.html

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SAVE THE DATES

June 4: International Trails Day
October 1: Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

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Do you like this IMBA Canada eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member? Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com/canada