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IMBA Hot Spots Program Focuses on Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul
For Immediate Release: 05-30-03
It's an important week for Midwest urban mountain bike trail access. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is focused squarely on Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul between May 30-June 8, as the organization leads simultaneous Hot Spot campaigns in both cities.
IMBA Hot Spots is an outreach program dedicated to improving trail access for mountain bikers in urban areas. A series of events is held in each designated Hot Spot City. IMBA staff and local advocates meet with land managers, community leaders and other conservation and recreation groups to discuss ways to improve mountain bike access. Other events are conducted to inspire mountain bikers to get involved in advocacy and trailwork, including IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, slideshow presentations and social group rides.
Two separate teams comprising Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders and IMBA staff will work in Chicago and the Twin Cities during the 10-day long events. The cities were designated Hot Spot locations because mountain bike trail opportunities are limited.
"Chicago and the Twin Cities present unique challenges to mountain bike advocates," said IMBA Hot Spots coordinator Dan Vardamis. "It's been tough for mountain bikers, as new kids on the block, to make political headway in Chicago. Minneapolis/St. Paul has historically been very accommodating to other outdoor activities, but few trails have opened to mountain bikers."
The IMBA Hot Spots program is sponsored by Clif Bar Inc. In addition to supporting the program financially, Clif Bar provides bars and Hot Spot T-shirts to participants.
The local IMBA affiliates Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBR) and the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC) are playing key roles in hosting and organizing the Hot Spots campaigns. A full schedule of events is available on the two organizations respective websites, http://www.cambr.org and http://www.morcmtb.org
For more information please visit http://www.imba.com/hotspots or contact program coordinator Dan Vardamis at 303-545-9011 or dan@imba.com
Contact: Dan Vardamis, IMBA advocacy coordinator
dan@imba.com, 303-545-9011
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