International Mountain Bicycling Association

Have you seen Brice Shirbach's latest Underexposed film? It showcases the incredible trails and passionate community in the New England gem Bethel, Maine: https://lnkd.in/g2i5emxu IMBA is thrilled to announce that, through an IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant, the next phase of new trails is coming soon! This means even more opportunities to experience the unique and rewarding riding that Bethel offers.

What does this new trail system bring? ?? Views for days ?? Opportunities for runner, walker, rider progression ?? Fast, flowy and fun ?? Despite the adverse weather conditions that early Spring brings in the high desert, IMBA Trail Solutions is making quick work of completing the Prospectors Trail System in Pioche, Nevada! One team of three is connecting the finished dots on the lower trails, allowing for access to three trails from the main trailhead. The other trio is up at the top, snaking through granite gardens and dense sagebrush to complete an intermediate 3.5-mile cross-country loop that boasts valley views at every turn. Adding to 2024’s 10.6 miles of completed trail, finished mileage once this team wraps in April is estimated at 15 total miles. All miles will be wheel and foot shared use; 4 miles are considered beginner-friendly, and 11 are considered intermediate. Although these trails are all bidirectional, likely local users and visitors alike will quickly determine preferred directionality. All of this amounts to many combinations of loops, routes, and opportunities for progression. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the work of the Bureau of Land Management, Town of Pioche, and the Caliente Area Mountain Bike Association – thank you all for your fantastic partnerships as our team helps bring more trails close to rural areas of Nevada!

From our Executive Director David Wiens: The IMBA Singletrack Society descended on Tucson, AZ for the second year in a row! What we didn’t get in great weather, we got in great riding, camaraderie, discussions, and brainstorming about trails and mountain biking. Next up will be Park City, Utah in late July and Sun Valley, Idaho in early September. Good times! Want to ride with IMBA's Singletrack Society? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gtq_pv72

IMBA is stoked that Traci Berry, a true champion for trails and human-powered recreation, was recently profiled by Outdoor Alliance! ?? As mountain bikers, we know how vital it is to have advocates like Traci working to protect the places we love to ride. She emphasizes the importance of getting involved at the local level, noting, "There are plenty of local issues to get involved in… that's the training ground!" This is a fantastic reminder for all of us – our local trails and advocacy efforts are where we can make a tangible difference. Check out the full Q&A to learn more about Traci's work: https://lnkd.in/gv8hut3a

IMBA Trail Solutions is seeking dedicated and hardworking individuals to join our team as Construction Crew Members! This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of high-quality mountain bike trails across the country. This is a physically demanding, hands-on position involving extensive travel. You will work as part of a skilled team, learning and applying sustainable trail building techniques. Responsibilities include site preparation, excavation, rock work, drainage installation, and the use of hand and power tools. Ideal candidates possess a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Prior construction or landscaping experience is a plus. Build a rewarding career with IMBA Trail Solutions - apply now: imba.com/careers

Brady went above and beyond after he won last Fall’s sweepstakes for a top of the line Yeti Cycles. Thanks Brady for putting together this unboxing and ride test video and the kind words about IMBA’s mission: https://lnkd.in/gnbNMq4Z

820 communities across the country are leading with trails - see the impact in IMBA's 2024 Annual Report! From urban pump tracks in Omaha to rural reinvestments throughout Nevada, our 2024 report is filled with inspiring stories of communities making trails happen. Read about everyday trail champions like Tommy Riffe, the Boy Scout turned trail advocate in Minnesota, and how a decade of advocacy led to historic progress for Mad Rabbit Trails in Colorado. See how IMBA is "Un-Paving the Way" with shared knowledge, financial leverage, and dedicated advocates. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gZXvNB8R

IMBA's Trail Accelerator Grants have a proven track record to make new trails happen in communities across the country. Proof in point: Check out the project taking shape in West Virginia, thanks to TAG! Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, local Elkins Area Shared Trails, and the USDA Forest Service teamed up with IMBA Trail Solutions and conceptualized a 100-mile trail network: https://lnkd.in/e8sf48sF Ready to unlock your region's trail potential? ?? Read on to learn how to apply for this grant!

Investing in Trail Stewardship: IMBA Trail Care School Empowers Texas Volunteers Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas, recently hosted an IMBA Trail Care School, bringing together volunteers and land managers from Borderland Mountain Bike Association, Texas State Parks, and other organizations. Participants gained hands-on training in sustainable trail design and maintenance, enhancing their capacity to manage and protect valuable trail assets in the harsh desert environment. Explore the outcomes of this successful training program and the collaborative spirit driving trail preservation in the Borderlands: https://lnkd.in/gskXNz_C Elevate your community's trail stewardship capabilities. IMBA Trail Care Schools provide professional development opportunities for volunteers and land managers alike. Learn how to bring this valuable program to your area: https://lnkd.in/d-gJa3di

IMBA is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Trail Accelerator Grant (TAG) program, designed to drive strategic community development through the creation of sustainable and accessible trail systems. This year, we are introducing a two-tiered approach: Spring Round: Focused on providing professional planning and design services, enabling communities to lay a solid foundation for their trail projects. Fall Round: Dedicated to delivering essential education and training, empowering communities with the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term trail management. The TAG program has demonstrated significant success, with past recipients in Patten, Maine; Lost River State Park, West Virginia; and Erwin, Tennessee, showcasing the critical role of strategic planning and community engagement. Since 2018, we have invested $675,000 across 48 communities, leveraging a remarkable $14 million in local support. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for communities to enhance recreational infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and foster environmental stewardship. Applications are now open: https://lnkd.in/gupM3EBT Deadline: April 30, 2025