The other day I got a sweet new IMBA 2010 calendar in the mail. Why did I get it? Not because I’m staff, but because I contributed $40 to the Annual Fund. What’s the Annual Fund? Glad you asked.

Each year IMBA asks all it’s members, and the broader mountain biking community, to pledge their support for our efforts to accomplish our mission: the create, enhance and protect trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA’s annual fund makes this possible. Last year your gift of $40, $75, $100 or more made the following accomplishments possible:

  1. Taught 20 IMBA trailbuilding workshops in 9 provinces, educating more than 500 people on sustainable trailbuilding practices nationwide.
  2. Expanded IMBA Canada’s Regional Office Program. We currently have part-time regional staff in BC, Ontario and Quebec, with plans to add more in 2010.
  3. Secured new benefits for IMBA Canada members – Such as the Canadian Subaru VIP Program, and the addition of individual insurance benefits to the existing IMBA Canada insurance program.
  4. Hired a full-time Trails Specialist – allowing significant growth in our on-the-ground efforts.
  5. Hosted the first-ever IMBA Canada Provincial Mountain Bike Summit in Kitchener, Ontario.
  6. Secured Federal Infrastructure Funding for trail expansion at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta. IMBA Canada clubs in BC, Ontario and Quebec also received federal money to expand their trails locally.
  7. Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, enabling further collaboration with regards to trails planning, rehabilitation, management and use in Gatineau Park.
  8. Created new Canadian resources - Such as the Take a Kid Mountain Biking Guide and the ADSVMQ’s Guide d’aménagement de sentier de vélo de montagne.
  9. Launched the Ontario Tool Trailer program with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion. The end result: more trails on the ground, and free tools for use by IMBA clubs.
  10. Provided assistance that has carved the way for new bike parks in urban areas.
That was 2009, what’s in store for 2010? Our goals are simple yet ambitious:

  1. Unite the mountain bike movement by strengthening our grassroots network of affiliated clubs and their members.
  2. Provide truly world-class riding experiences and model trail systems nationwide.
  3. Protect natural lands and open space by bolstering volunteerism and sustainable trail design.
  4. Expand on 2009’s successes with programs like Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day to get more riders on bikes at every level.
  5. Expand our Regional Office Program, by adding part-time staff in Alberta, central Canada, and the Maritimes — to help provide more IMBA resources, closer to you.
  6. Increase our Canadian presence and foster new national-level partnerships.
  7. Develop a Canadian-based Mountain Bike Patrol Program – improving relationships with land managers, and gaining access to more trail.
  8. Create more youth mountain biking resources – the future of our sport depends on it.
  9. Re-build IMBA Canada’s dated website and online store – placing cutting-edge Canadian trailbuilding and advocacy resources at your fingertips, and making your online ordering a more seamless experience.

But we can’t do this without your support. Please include IMBA Canada in your year-end giving. Your dollars will be leveraged with contributions from fellow riders, unprecedented bike industry support and numerous grants from provincial and federal agencies. Visit the IMBA Canada Store and make your contribution today.

PS if you want the calendar you’ve got to give at least $40. Where else can you get such a fantastic calendar and support such a great cause all in one fell swoop?

IMBA 2010 Calendar