IMBA Singletrack Update - January 2006

In this update:

1. IMBA NEWS
* TWELVE MOUNTAIN BIKE PROJECTS IN NATIONAL PARKS PLANNED FOR 2006
* IMBA MEETS WITH DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IN SO-CAL
* 2005 REPORT CARD SPOTLIGHTS VIRGINIA, SCOTLAND
* IMBA SUMMIT/WORLD MTB CONFERENCE WEBSITE GOES LIVE
* IMBA SEEKS TRAIL CARE CREW/BIKE PATROL COORDINATOR
* NEW TRAIL CARE CREW READIES FOR THE ROAD
* FORMER IMBA STAFFER BRANDON DWIGHT DOCUMENTS 'CROSS ACTION

2. REGIONAL REPORTS
* VIEW A NEW SLIDESHOW OF IMBA'S AUSTRALIAN EXCURSION
* SORBA CHATTANOOGA RECEIVES PROPS FROM FOREST SERVICE

3. IMBA STORE
* GET SUPER RADICAL IN A FREERIDE JERSEY
* NEW RIDE TO LIVE MUGS AVAILABLE
* NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: PROTECT TRAILS BY SUPPORTING IMBA'S ANNUAL FUND


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1. IMBA NEWS

* TWELVE MOUNTAIN BIKE PROJECTS IN NATIONAL PARKS PLANNED FOR 2006
"IMBA couldn't be more excited to help the National Park Service with
developing appropriate bike opportunities at a dozen parks this year," says
Executive Director Mike Van Abel. In 2006, IMBA will help facilitate
mountain bike pilot programs at Big Bend National Park (Texas), Fort Dupont
National Park (Washington, DC) and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio).
Additionally, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew visits have been proposed for as
many as nine park units. Read more:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_06/01_04_imba_nps_projects.html

* IMBA MEETS WITH DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IN SO-CAL
Interior Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett made time to discuss a variety of
issues related to mountain biking when she visited the Santa Monica
Mountains National Recreation Area over New Year's weekend. Scarlett, who
helps manage one of every five acres of land in the United States, met with
NPS Superintendent Woody Smeck, IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel,
Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA) President Jeff Klinger,
and Chris Orr, president of the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers
(SBMBTV). The group had planned to ride together, but opted for a tour of
Giant Bicycles because of a rare rainy day in So-Cal. A big thanks to Take
Pride in America Shari and Chris Boyer and Giant for supporting her visit.

* 2005 REPORT CARD SPOTLIGHTS VIRGINIA, SCOTLAND
The 2005 IMBA Report Card cites Virginia and Scotland as outstanding
examples for the mountain bike community to emulate. Virginia received an
"A," the highest grade in the 2005 U.S. report. Factors included epic
backcountry riding, a network of dedicated bike advocates and the innovative
negotiating approach that bike advocates used to deal with possible trail
closures. The Scots earned high praise for the government-sponsored Seven
Stanes Project - riding centers with outstanding trails - as well as
unmatched scenery. Find out how your state, province or nation fared:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/12_05/12_16_report_card.html

* IMBA SUMMIT/WORLD MTB CONFERENCE WEBSITE GOES LIVE
Whistler, Ho! Mountain bike enthusiasts, advocates and industry leaders will
gather in British Columbia on June 20-23 for the IMBA Summit and World
Mountain Bike Conference. Registration for seminars and lecture tracks
begins later this month. Attendees will also frolic on Whistler's
mind-blowing trails and enjoy special parties and events. For registration
info and program updates, visit:
http://worldmountainbikeconference.com/

* IMBA SEEKS TRAIL CARE CREW/BIKE PATROL COORDINATOR
IMBA is looking for a fulltime professional to coordinate our field
programs, specifically the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and National Mountain
Bike Patrol program. The successful candidate will have excellent
organizational, communications and interpersonal skills. For a complete list
of duties and benefits, visit:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_06/01_04_tcc_nmbp.html

* NEW TRAIL CARE CREW READIES FOR THE ROAD
Ryan Schutz and Kristin Butcher, the newest members of the Subaru/IMBA Trail
Care Crew, are preparing for an epic road trip. The pair will spend a good
deal of 2006 touring the United States in a Subaru Outback, carrying out the
highly successful educational and advocacy work for which the Trail Care
Crews are known. Ryan and Kristin hale from Deerfield Beach, Florida. They
are co-founders of Club Mud, one of IMBA's most active clubs. Learn more
about the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews:
http://www.imba.com/tcc/index.html

* FORMER IMBA STAFFER BRANDON DWIGHT DOCUMENTS 'CROSS ACTION
Cyclocross is the original venue for off-road bicycling. Lately, former IMBA
staffer Brandon Dwight has been mixing it up with the Euros and penning
entertaining articles about the Belgian racing (and beer-drinking) scene for
VeloNews.com. Read his latest essay here:
http://velonews.com/diaries/rider/articles/9336.0.html

2. REGIONAL REPORTS

* VIEW A NEW SLIDESHOW OF IMBA'S AUSTRALIAN EXCURSION
Joey Klein, IMBA's ambassador to the mountain biking world, recently wrapped
up a five-week tour of Australia. Klein racked up some impressive numbers:
- Visited 7 out of 8 territories
- Met more than 500 land managers
- Rode with 20 local bike clubs
- Gave 26 presentations
- Conducted 5 Trailbuilding Schools
- Inspected 28 mountain bike sites
- Built 1.6 kilometers of new trail
- Flagged 4.5 kilometers of trail for future projects
Check out fresh images and read more here:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_06/01_03_australia.html

* SORBA-CHATTANOOGA RECEIVES PROPS FROM FOREST SERVICE
The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association was recently recognized by the
USDA Forest Service for its volunteer contributions. Representatives from
SORBA's Chattanooga chapter, which is active in the volunteer program of the
Ocoee/Hiwassee District of Cherokee National Forest, accepted a "Certificate
of Appreciation" from Cherokee National Forest Supervisor H. Thomas Speaks,
Jr. The district itself was awarded top honors among all ranger districts in
the 13-state USFS Southern Region for its 2005 volunteer program. Read more
about SORBA-Chattanooga's innovative advocacy programs here:
http://sorbachattanooga.org/index.php?source=advocacy


3. IMBA STORE

* GET SUPER RADICAL IN AN IMBA FREERIDE JERSEY
Whatever your favorite flavor of technical challenge on the bike is, enjoy
the ride with the IMBA freeride jersey ($60). The long-sleeve, baggy style
accommodates body armor, and the lightweight fabric offers a relaxed fit for
ultimate comfort on any trail. The balanced, simple design features the IMBA
logo on the chest and the speak, build, respect and ride icons on the back.
This limited edition is highlighted in "ride" brown.
http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imredfrje.html

* NEW "RIDE TO LIVE" MUGS AVAILABLE
Our new stainless steel tumbler keeps your pre-ride brew hot. An easy to
hold gripper and spill-proof suction lid makes this ergonomic mug ($15) a
perfect travel accoutrement.
http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/imrtolitrmug.html

* NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: PROTECT TRAILS BY SUPPORTING IMBA'S ANNUAL FUND
Looking to start 2006 on an positive note? Consider making a resolution to
help protect trails. Get involved with a local advocacy movement, volunteer
for a trail building day, or help strengthen IMBA's Annual Fund with a
donation. We're close to hitting our goal of $50k, but we're not there yet.
Visit the Annual Fund web page for more information:
http://stores.yahoo.com/imba/dotoimanfu.html

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