September 17, 2003 – IMBA's first-ever congressional staff mountain bike ride drew 25 people  to Riverbend Park, Virginia, Sept. 12. Senate, House and committee staff joined IMBA leaders and local advocates on what was for many, their first mountain bike ride. IMBA, the Maryland Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE), and America Bikes hosted the event.

“Something so fun and simple as a bike ride can really bring people together and help illustrate the importance of the sport,” said MORE advocacy director Nancy DeVore.

IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal said, “This ride is part of IMBA's effort to increase mountain biking's presence in Washington, D.C. Between our dedicated lobbyist and legal counsel, targeted federal land management agency work and simple things like hosting congressional bike rides, we're making sure that government officials understand our sport and our needs.”

Specialized, Subaru, Clif Bar, Trails.com and SRAM provided support. Regional retailers Shenandoah Bicycle Company, The Bike Stop, Camp Horizons and City Bikes  arranged bikes for staff members to ride.

Riverbend Park, located near Great Falls, Virginia, is home to about 10 miles of trail. The park features 400 acres of forest, meadows, ponds and streams with beautiful views of the Potomac River.