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AUGUST 2004 - COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO - Mountain biking thrives where
riders have developed four things: convenient access to appealing trails,
trailbuilding expertise, a positive image and political influence. To help
Canadian riders in these crucial areas, the International Mountain Bicycling
Association (IMBA) is opening an office this summer near Toronto.
Located in the town of Collingwood, the office will be staffed by
Ontario natives Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner. Both are three-year veterans of
the award-winning Subaru / IMBA Trail Care Crew and are widely respected for
their trailbuilding and advocacy knowledge.
Founded in California in 1988, IMBA has focused on U.S. issues, but has also
provided steady Canadian support. The Subaru / IMBA Trail Care Crew, IMBA's
flagship field program, has paid regular visits to Canada for the last eight
years - working in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British
Columbia. IMBA has helped preserve access and develop first-rate trail
opportunities near cities such as Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver.
IMBA-supported Mountain Bike Patrols are working effectively with Canadian
land managers, particularly in Ontario. IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, which
present cutting-edge trail construction and maintenance instruction, have been
conducted in several provinces.
Schmidt and Woolner will enhance IMBA's presence in Canada by...
continuing to offer trail management assistance to Canadian land
managers and cycling clubs.
improving communication among Canadian mountain bike groups.
leading the effort to develop political influence for mountain
bikers at provincial and national levels.
providing professional trail design, construction and consulting
services under the auspices of the fee-based IMBA Trail Solutions
program.
The Canadian office will strive to increase IMBA's individual membership in
Canada and develop new partnerships with Canadian companies, both inside the
bicycle industry and beyond.
IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal said, "Mark and Lora bring great
experience and enthusiasm to IMBA's expanding efforts in Canada. They developed
their passion for mountain biking in Ontario, then enhanced their knowledge and
expertise during far-ranging travels as Subaru / IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders.
Now they're returning home and Canadian mountain bikers, coast to coast, will
benefit."
Contact the IMBA Canada Office at:
Mail:PO Box 404, Collingwood, ON, L9Y 3Z7, Canada
IMBA Web Site: www.imba.com
Email: canada@imba.com
Phone: direct 705-441-6901
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