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IMBA Canada update: March 2006
Since the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) opened its doors in Canada two years ago, the interest level north of the border has been growing. I’m a member of IMBA and a big supporter of the efforts they’re making to improve existing trails and fight for access issues.
Starting today, we’ll be posting some monthly news from IMBA’s Canadian branch, which is located in Collingwood, Ontario. Each news item has a link at the end of it where you can get more information.
Canadian Urban Hot Spot Announced
Toronto has been picked as the site of IMBA’s 2006 Canadian Urban Hot Spot, a campaign dedicated to creating urban trail access solutions and inspiring new mountain bike advocates. The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) will sponsor the year-long Toronto campaign, which will kick off March 24 with an event at Sport Swap. The campaign is a partnership between IMBA, BTAC and the city of Toronto, and the goal is to promote and improve the existing trails as well as to promote IMBA’s retail members.
For more information, check out the IMBA website.
Specials offered for IMBA Summit
Whistler, B.C. is hosting the 2006 IMBA Summit and World Mountain bike Conference June 20-23, which is looking to be the largest single gathering of mountain bike advocates ever. The event is open to bike advocates, trailbuilders, land managers, tourism professionals, ski resort managers, members of the bike industry and anyone else with a passion for the sport. If you register before March 31 you can save $100 and get your name in a draw for a number of prizes, including passes to Whistler Bike Park.
Apply for Trail Grants
In 2006, the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) and IMBA Canada will award cash grants to fund trail creation and enhancement projects across the province. Three $500 grants are available and the application deadline is June 1. For more details on the grant process, visit www.imba.com/resources/grants/ontario_grants.html. For information on other grants available to IMBA clubs across Canada, check out www.imba.com/canada/programs/grants_canada.html.
Help write a book
IMBA is working on a new book focused on strategies and techniques for managing mountain biking trails and facilities. This is a chance to share research papers, success stories and other resources with mountain bikers around the world. IMBA is looking for model trail management plans, trail user surveys, partnership agreements, adopt-a-trail agreements, trail standards, trail maintenance plans, and more. Contact project director Pete Webber at pete@imba.com.
IMBA Canada Gear Now Available
A new Limited Edition IMBA Canada Jersey is now available. The jersey has the IMBA Canada logo on the front, the “speak, build, respect, ride” slogan on the rear, and the IMBA maple leaf on the sleeve. They come in either crimson or smoke and are 3/4 length from MACE’s 100 percent Polyester “Slickwick” fabric. The price is $55 CDN and the jerseys as well as other IMBA items are available through IMBA’s Yahoo store.
New Clubs and Retailers
Here’s a look at new IMBA Members:
CLUBS:
- Lakes District Freeriders - Burns Lake, BC
- Our Own Friendly Cycling Club - St George, ON
- Ecclestone Cycle Club - Bracebridge, ON
- North Bay Cycling Club - North Bay, ON
Retailers
- Red Shred’s Bike And Board Shed - Williams Lake, BC
For a complete list of IMBA Canada affiliates in your province, visit: www.imba.com/canada/contacts.html