courtesy of IMBA

July 26, 2002 – Improved mountain bike access in Cleveland is the goal of
an upcoming 11-day
Hot Spots campaign hosted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association
(IMBA) and the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) August 8-18,
2002. IMBA staff and local advocates will conduct a series of meetings
with land
managers, community leaders and other conservation and recreation groups to
discuss ways to improve mountain bike access in the Cleveland metro area.

This coordinated work is part of IMBA’s Hot Spots program that works to
create urban trail access solutions and inspire new mountain bike
advocates.

Preserving trail access near cities is one of the most difficult challenges
facing IMBA and mountain bikers. As urban areas continue to expand and open
space dwindles, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for trail enthusiasts to
find convenient places to enjoy the outdoors. The IMBA Hot Spots program
concentrates on addressing this problem in a handful of cities each year.

Few trails are currently open to bicyclists in Cleveland and the surrounding
Cuyahoga County. Cleveland bicyclists must travel more than an hour to access
singletrack trails. IMBA invites bicyclists and the public to attend one
or more of the following
events during the Cleveland IMBA Hot Spot visit. The events are a great
opportunity to learn about trailbuilding, trail access and other issues that
impact outdoor recreation. It’s also a chance to meet IMBA staff, the
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and get involved with your local club. These
events celebrate the spirit of mountain biking and focus on constructive
trail management solutions that benefit all Cleveland outdoor enthusiasts.

Below is the current list of events open to the public. For additional
information and directions visit the CAMBA website at
http://www.joinomba.org/camba. The IMBA Hot Spots program is made
possible in part by generous support from Clif Bar Inc. For more
information visit http://www.imba.com/hotspots.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, August 9
Event: IMBA Cleveland Hot Spots Kick-Off Party
Location: Stancato’s Cafe of Richfield, Cellar Bar
3960 Broadview Road, Richfield
Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Details: Join IMBA and CAMBA for an evening of bike culture entertainment.
More Information: http://www.joinomba.org/camba

Saturday, August 10

Event: IMBA Trailbuilding School – Part 1, Classroom session
Location: Cleveland Ski Club in Painsville. Directions provided upon
registration.
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $25 for both days (includes lunch)
Details: Join the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew for an afternoon of
trailbuilding instruction. First day of two-part sequence. Participants are
encouraged to attend both days, but it’s OK to attend just one part if your
schedule won’t allow both sessions.
Registration: Registration required at http://www.joinomba.org/camba

Sunday, August 11
Event: IMBA Trailbuilding School – Part 2, On-the-trail session
Location: Lake County Metro Parks. Directions provided upon registration.
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Details: Join the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew for a day of trailbuilding
instruction. Second day of two part sequence. Participants are encouraged to
attend both days, but it’s OK to attend just one part if your schedule won’t
allow both sessions. Please wear long pants, heavy footwear, work gloves and
be prepared for a variety of weather. Water and snacks will be provided, but
it’s a good idea to bring your own too.
Registration: Registration required at http://www.joinomba.org/camba

Wednesday, August 14
Event: Meet the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
Location: Newman Outfitters, 6025 Kruse Dr, Solon
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details: The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew builds and rides trails around the
world and lives in a car 12 months a year. Come for an entertaining
presentation about IMBA and CAMBA.

Saturday, August 17 – morning
Event: Introduction to Mountain Biking Clinic
Location: Howe Meadow on Riverview Road four miles south of Route 303. Look
for the sign.
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Details: Want to have some fun while perfecting your bike handling skills?
If so, then be sure you sign up for the free Intro to Mountain Bike Clinic,
“Bicycle Basics.” Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and watch a free bike trials demo.
Beginning at 10 a.m. meet the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and members of
CAMBA, learn how to set-up your bike properly, improve your bike handling
skills, play some bike games and possibly take home some door prizes. Also,
learn about the Cleveland chapter of the IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol.
Remember to bring your bike and helmet.
More Information: http://www.joinomba.org/camba

Saturday, August 17 – evening
Event: Cookout and group ride with the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
Location: West Branch State Park. Directions at http://www.joinomba.org/camba
Time: 4 p.m.
Details: This will be a two hour ride approximately at a social pace
exploring the West Branch State Park trail system.