September 11, 2002 – Four bicycle groups have been awarded 2002 IMBA/Koobi
Club Assistance Grants. The $500 US grants – part of Koobi’s growing commitment to
mountain bike advocacy – support projects that enhance, preserve and
maintain trail opportunities for mountain bikers.

Colorado Springs-based Koobi is an innovative maker of high-performance
bicycle saddles. The support comes to IMBA from the Koobi Freedom
Foundation, which was established this past year to fund various advocacy
projects.

The 2002 IMBA/Koobi Club Assistance Grants first-round winners are:

* Singletraction, North Yorkshires, United Kingdom – This model UK club
will purchase high-quality trailwork tools to boost their volunteer
stewardship efforts. The heavy-duty tools – not readily available in the UK
– are
designed to endure the rigors of regular trailbuilding work.

* Ramapo Valley Cycling Club, Oakland, NJ – The club will construct a
trailhead kiosk in Ramapo State Forest that includes trail descriptions,
maps, emergency contacts and information on responsible riding.

* Mountain Bike Australia, Canberra, Australia – The national
organization will continue to develop projects that unify and enhance
mountain bike advocacy work across Australia.

* Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association, South Lake Tahoe, CA – TAMBA is
helping to develop a 30-mile trail system in the Tahoe Basin. The grant
will assist the group in creating a series of coordinated trail signs to
guide visitors and to provide information about low-impact recreation.

Koobi and IMBA will award four more grants later this year. The
application deadline for the next round has been extended to October 15.
All IMBA-affiliated clubs are invited to apply. For more information
please visit: http://www.imba.com/resources/grants/koobi_grants.html