On the Trail with IMBA

We took some time last week to make a very important stop to say ‘thanks’ to another Public Lands Initiative supporter.  We visited Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) in Bloomington, MN.  Located in the heart of some really cool cycling culture, QBP is also at the core of the bicycle advocacy movement.  They walk the talk in every aspect of their business, and are undeniably, a phenomenal example of what every corporation should strive to be.

A ‘thank you’ hardly equals what QBP brings to the mountain bike community, but we offer it anyway.  We appreciate the support in helping us to protect the places we play!

This fall (Oct. 1-3), IMBA and the U.S. Forest Service will host the Tahoe Trails Conference at South Lake Tahoe’s Montbleu Resort and Casino. The event, which is open to all members of the mountain bike community, will create a valuable opportunity for collaboration between riders, land managers and the bike industry. The goal is to ensure the future of sustainable and enjoyable trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and beyond.

Tahoe Rides!

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to share information, improve understanding and keep open the lines of communication open,” says IMBA’s Tom Ward. “This is a critical juncture for relations between people who are passionate about riding their mountain bikes in the forest, and those charged with protecting the incredible resources in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We will focus on this area, but I have no doubt that these discussions will be relevant to mountain bikers and land managers in other regions.”

Registration for the Tahoe Trails Conference will open on IMBA’s home page around August, and costs will be kept to a minimum! If you or someone you know would benefit from attending but can’t muster the dough, don’t fret! A limited number of scholarships will be made available, with the goal of attracting as many leaders from the local mountain bike community as possible.

Look to accomplish the following goals at the conference:

• Create a sense of environmental stewardship and ownership for the trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
• Enhance riders’ awareness of Lake Tahoe’s sensitive environment.
• Develop understanding of design and engineering elements that go into creating enjoyable and sustainable trails.
• Create understanding of what is needed to develop a strong and effective mountain bike community.
• Facilitate networking among land managers and activists in the mountain bike community.

Conference outcomes:

• The creation of an informed mountain bike community that takes pride and ownership of the trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
• Encourage trailbuilders to partner with land managers on the planning, construction and maintenance of trails.
• Promote better understanding of the trail experiences riders desire.
• Foster long-term protection of the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
• Ensure long-term protection and expansion of mountain biking opportunities.

In addition to informational sessions and presentations the conference will feature group rides, networking opportunities and planned social gatherings.

Keep your eyes peeled to imba.com for registration info.

The White House Initiative on America’s Great Outdoors, or AGO, is coming to a town near you, with public listening sessions slated for July and August. The topics include land conservation, outdoor recreation and public health — topics that mountain bikers care about deeply. These sessions pose a great opportunity for mountain bikers to help shape national policies on recreation and conservation.

One of the stated AGO goals is to inspire Americans to support community-based efforts. Because IMBA-affiliated clubs are often at the forefront of such initiatives it’s important to attend these sessions and ensure our efforts get noticed.

Four federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, will host the sessions. Some will be open to the public while others are by invitation only. Please stay tuned to IMBA’s home page for information on dates and locations as it becomes available.

Talking points to consider raising during the sessions include the following:

• Mountain bikers want to see the forests and mountains where we ride protected in their natural state, with clean air and clean water.
• Bicycling draws young people to outdoor activities and improves their stewardship of public lands as adults.
• Bicycling is a sustainable, low-impact activity and a viable economic redevelopment option for many communities.

If you would like more information or guidance on representing mountain bikers’ concerns at the sessions, please send a message to info@imba.com.

“Big things come from taking risks and following what you believe” – Matt Simpson, Pedro’s

On our way to Portland, ME we had the pleasure of stopping in at Pedro’s to express our sincere thanks for supporting IMBA.  We got to sit down and chat with Matt, Matt, and Jason about the new and exciting things going on in their world.  As longtime mountain bikers, it was an honor for us to hang out with some of the coolest folks in the bicycle biz.

Just over a month ago Pedro’s was part of the synergy that electrified the Bicycle Leadership Conference during the Sea Otter Classic.  The broad spectrum of the bicycle industry came together to support our publics lands (those important places where we love to ride our bikes).  When all was said and done over 35 companies, including Pedro’s, pledged their support to IMBA’s new Public Lands Initiative.

Throughout their 20+ years of work the folks at Pedro’s have been committed to advocacy.  It’s just as important today as it was when they started.  We’re sure glad that they’ve followed what they believe!  

Spokes make the world go 'round

6. The League of America Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Communities might just be the catalyst to get those trails on the ground in your community. Give it a look.

5. “Nothing good will happen to you if you don’t get out and move around.”

4. Spend just enough time accurately identifying your problems and/or conflict to allow plenty of time to develop constructive solutions.

3. Create value in everything you do, for everyone involved.

2. Find the things that you’re very good at, and do those things with extraordinary focus.

1. Are you for bikes? SIGN THE PLEDGE!