Chad & Deanne @ The Kingdom Trails

You may remember a recent post calling for applicants for the Canadian Trail Care Crew. Well we’ve hit a major milestone for IMBA Canada by hiring our first ever IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew — Deanne and Chad Lazaruk! From our press release:

Chad and Deanne started their journey in mountain biking when they formed the Asessippi Mountain Bike Club in Manitoba, which led to hosting regular races, and weekend-long bike festivals. Since then, they have worked their way up as national level commissaries and mountain bike coaches, taking time to help with the Kids of Mud program based in Winnipeg, MB, the Rundle Mountain developmental cycling program in Canmore, AB, and formation of a women’s club called the Velodonnas.

Deanne is a graduate of the Mountain Bike Operations Program at Capilano University, and just finished a job as Trail Crew Supervisor and Trail Builder for the BC Off-Road Motorcycle Association. Chad will be taking a leave of absence from his position as a diagnostic imaging technologist. The couple also brings French language, and amateur vintner skills to the table. Together they have enjoyed many travel and outdoor pursuits, including a van trip through New Zealand and backpacking the Juan de Fuca Trail.

Please welcome Deanne and Chad!

The latest IMBA Trail News was the Annual Report issue. If you were keen and read it (you do read each issue don’t you?) you may have noticed something missing. Canada. Oops, a bit of an oversight, but not to fear, here is the Canadian 2009 Annual report in a fancy virtual flip book format.

If you’re following the IMBA Canada blog you will have already seen it. If you’re not following the IMBA Canada blog you really should it covers different material than I do here. (You might be thinking to yourself “Why don’t they merge the blogs.” Good idea, we’re working on it.)

One thing that stood out to me for is the great growth we’ve had over the last three years. In 2007 we had a budget of $158k, last year it was $341k. Wow, chock that up to the great leadership of our former ED Mark Schmidt and our current ED Lora Woolner. That’s 58% growth year over year. I bet most of your stocks aren’t doing as well.

Some other tidbits:

• In the report are a list of our corporate supporters. Vote with your money and support the companies that support trail access and mountain bike advocacy. And if you really like a company that isn’t a corporate member of IMBA Canada, ask them to become one. You can put them in touch with me and we’ll get them signed up.
• The last page has the details of the newest, and first Canada dedicated, IMBA Trail Care Crew. Welcome aboard Chad and Deanne. I got a chance to meet, and ride, with them at the World Summit in Augusta. Nice folks, a great addition to the IMBA Canada team. If you’d like a TCC visit in your area, get in touch and we’ll hook you up.

So what is your “typical” IMBA member? Glad you asked, because recently we got back the results from the Leisure Trends survey conducted earlier this year in February and March. If you’re an IMBA member you may have taken part, if so thank you.

To quote the executive summary your “typical” IMBA member (and by extension mountain biker???) “is 43 years old, male, married, well educated, affluent and Caucasian.”

Our Riding Habits:

• Almost all respondents have participated in mountain biking, with road touring and urban commuting having the next highest rates of participation.
• Cross country/all mountain riding is the most common type of mountain biking participated in by current IMBA members (91%) with recreational riding next (68%).
• Singletrack trails are the most common type of trails respondents ride (98%), followed by gravel bike paths (58%) and paved bike paths (49%). (I wonder if we’re only riding these gravel and paved paths to get from one section of singletrack to the next?)

In early May I attended the IMBA World Summit in Augusta Georgia. I have been to two previous summits and learned a great deal, but way more in the first than the second. I was expecting not to learn too much at this summit, after all mountain bike advocacy is not exactly a fast moving field (like say computer security which is my day job). So I wanted to focus my energy on a few of the IMBA (US) programs that have been in the works for the last little while. In particular I wanted to better understand the IMBA Chapter program, the Regional Leadership Advisory Councils and the Regional Director. After hearing it explained four different ways, by three different people I think I finally understand each program and how they fit together.*

The programs have two main drivers: 1) IMBA wants every mountain biker to be a member, and 2) IMBA wants professional support for mountain biking advocacy across the entire USA.

The programs don’t, and effectively can’t, exist independently of one another. The results of one feed into the other in a positive feedback loop. As more clubs become chapters this means more IMBA members, and hence more revenue, allowing for more paid staff in more regions of the USA. This staff can then provide support to this larger membership base. The end result is IMBA becomes financially sustainable in the long run so that it can not only continue to advocate for mountain bikers, but increase its efforts on this front.

IMBA has made it clear that it wants everyone who mountain bike’s to be a member. What we’ve been finding is that individual mountain bikers will join either their local club or IMBA, not both. While there are some exceptions this is true in general. On the other hand all clubs have certain administrative processes that have to be carried out. Things like sending our membership cards, mailing list administration, product fulfillment. These two issues dovetail nicely and result in the main drivers of the chapter program. At present the Chapter program is in “beta.” Some former affiliates have become full fledged Chapters sharing membership with IMBA and offloading their administrative overhead. Contrary to what you might think size doesn’t weigh into it, SORBA is a chapter as are the GOATS. I don’t intend to fully explain the IMBA Chapter program. If you want the details you should talk to your local IMBA Regional Director.

What about RLAC’s? From the RLAC information page:

An IMBA Regional Leadership Council is a collection of mountain bike enthusiasts who are committed to growing and educating the network of mountain bikers that support advocacy throughout a region.

Why do we need RLCs?
RLCs will strengthen mountain bike advocacy by helping to build a broad community of supporters. IMBA and its associated organizations have become leaders in trailbuilding, volunteer stewardship, and the fight for access to our public lands. But, mountain bike advocacy has largely neglected the importance of broad networking within the local community or with advocates across a region. Currently, less than one half of one percent of mountain bike enthusiasts support either IMBA or their local advocacy organization. Building the social network of mountain bikers independent of policy and trail work efforts will facilitate access to the human and economic resources necessary to fuel these efforts, as well as cultivate the political will necessary to make sure our ideas and concerns are respected by decision makers and fellow stakeholders.

What is the role of RLCs in local advocacy?
It is important that RLCs do not simply create another level of bureaucracy or try to tell local advocates what to do. RLCs will augment local clubs through shared best practices, improved communication across a region, and targeted networking aimed at accessing new resources. The ultimate goals are to build club capacity and provide paid staff that can focus on fundraising, access, events, or whatever the leadership in a region sees as a critical need.

This last point is key. Not only is the RLAC not another level of bureaucracy it is also not a Chapter. It is an organization that is complementary to IMBA Affiliates and Chapters that helps them achieve their, and IMBA’s mission in a particular region. It is not too far of a stretch to view an RLAC as a kind of board of directors for a particular region. On the one hand the RLAC is leveraged by the affiliates/chapters/director in the region to further advocacy. On the other hand the RLAC sets high level goals and objectives for the regional director and (less so) for the the affiliates/chapters.

That leaves us with the Regional Director position. This paid position has emerged out of the former State Rep volunteer position. According to a news release from early 2009:

Regional directors will be responsible for collaborating with IMBA’s grassroots partners to assess opportunities, cultivate leadership within the mountain bike advocacy community, and generate the resources to make potential trail projects a reality. The position reports to the executive director and works closely with IMBA’s staff, including other regional directors from across the country. Regional directors will also organize and manage a 10-15 member Regional Leadership Council (RLC) in their region and collaborate on the organization and management of councils in adjacent regions. The RLCs are advisory panels established to assist in the development of regional resources.

IMBA has already placed Regional Directors in most of the regions across the US. I met many of them at the Summit. In Ryan Schutz’s words he connects resources to opporunities. It’s not much different than what I do with IMBA Canada.

It’s a 3-fold approach. And I understand what and why the US office is doing this. With the maturity of IMBA, the much larger mountain bike community, and support from industry I think these programs have a pretty good shot of delivering on their promise. I for one will be watching with interest to see how they can be applied and adapted for the Canadian environment. You see that is what this post was really about, to show you what IMBA in the US is up to, provide a high level explanation, and then to say…

Canada is not the USA. We’ve got our own unique challenges that we don’t think would be addressed by simply adopting the US programs. In that light we’ve got our own ideas of what we need to do, and what will work in the Canadian milieu.

We’ve made announcements about our own RLAC in Ontario and that is still moving forward but will be tweaked. We’re also looking to hire our fourth Provincial Representative, in Alberta. BC looks eager to have some form of provincial level of representation/organization. NS just formed a provincial organization and would like some kind of closer relationship with IMBA.

We will announce something this summer, stay tuned to this page, and the other rep’s pages.

(*If anyone from IMBA US is reading this and I’ve gotten it wrong, please post a correction in the comments.)

Looking for something to do on June 6th, or maybe you’d just like a new trail to ride. Well head out to Wildwood CA in the Stratford area. Upper Thames River Conservation (UTRCA) will be holding the Grand Opening, and Ribbon Cutting of the new Lake Trail. 25km of new trail! I’m not sure of the difficulty rating though. Probably beginner to intermediate in nature. Why don’t some of my loyal readers go check it out and report back. Upper Thames River Conservation has been doing some good thing for trails and mountain bikers. Why I even heard they installed a rather large TTF at their Pittock Conservation Area.

Here are the deets:

• Where: Wildwood CA, UTM Zone 17 X:494450 Y:4790630
• When: Sunday June 6th, 10am - 3pm, ribbon cutting @ 1pm in Shelter B
• What: Run, walk or bike the new 25km loop

About this time last year I spoke about the need to support IMBA Canada’s legal advocacy fund. Well I’m back roughly 12 months later to ask you once again for support. For a quick refresher from last years post go here.

So what’s new this year in the legal front? Well at the top of mind there is the legal threat in Bruce County that has forced the removal of all the wooden TTFs. Then there is the judgement in the USA that bans mountain biking from areas in Montana because it disturbs others solitude. Let’s hope that precedent doesn’t stand or migrate North to Canada. However there was some good news, a good precedent was set regarding the occupiers liability act.

Just in case you’re still not an IMBA Canada Member (Still!?! Join now) and don’t get our emails here is what our new Executive Director Lora Woolner has to say:

Your donation funds our efforts in Ottawa and across Canada where policies that influence what happens in your area are decided. Help us achieve our goal of $10,000 to keep our advocates at the table when issues surrounding mountain bike access arise. Because of your support we’re able speak loudly on behalf of Canadian mountain bikers. IMBA Canada staff meet with political leaders, testify before decision making committees and conduct workshops on behalf of riders like you. Just recently, we participated in Parks Canada’s National Assessment of Mountain Biking, to ensure our place in Canada’s national parks. We also put advocacy staff on the ground in places like British Columbia where anti-mountain biking policies in the provincial parks are debated. By donating you are empowering grassroots advocates to get the job done. Think about the magnitude and the importance of challenges we face as trail users: Today there are threats from lawsuits to some of the best-loved trails in Canada, and we can’t let this legal action set negative precedents for future access. The inclusion of discriminatory language in land management plans could ban bikes from trails around the country — even though our low-impact use is compatible with land protection. Take the lead with IMBA Canada today and help address these tangible, local issues: - Giving input on the dozens of trail plans that will be decided in upcoming months - Providing risk management education, so that potential lawsuits can be prevented - Meeting with cities and municipalities that are considering new bike parks and trails As a mountain biker I know you are passionate about the outdoors. We all know that managing public lands as a public trust is an investment in tomorrow, but we need YOUR help. Make your donation today and help IMBA Canada achieve its goal — you’ll thank yourself on your next ride. Thanks in advance for your support!

We all know that Toronto has had its share of challenges when it comes to establishing a group advocating for mountain biking. Way back there was the DVMTB group, a group so scarring that the few people who I’ve met who will admit to being a part don’t want to talk about it. Then there was the short lived DVTUC. They had good intentions, but went to big and too inclusive too fast and fizzled before they really got started. Lately there has been TORBA.

TORBA has its own colourful history, but yes it is still around, and yes it still has dedicated passionate mountain bikers involved. Have there been challenges in the past? Sure, but that is the case with all new groups starting out. If London, Ottawa, Durham, Hamilton, Guelph, Waterloo, Windsor, Woodstock (to name a few) have strong clubs advocating for mountain biking why shouldn’t Toronto?  It’s time for Toronto mountain bikers to stop letting their differences get in the way of accomplishing great things. It’s time to focus on the common interests: better trails in the Don Valley (and other watersheds), retaining as many TTFs as possible, Toronto’s first Bike Park, etc.

The current leadership (and me) are hoping that this will be the year that some good forward momentum can be generated. That leadership has been talking to other groups like Sacred Rides, and the Lapdogs to some success. It’s through partnerships like this that the community will get connected and our voice will grow. Only when we’re seen as a unified voice will we be taken seriously.

Here’s the details:

TORBA AGM
When: Wednesday, June 2, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Whistler’s Grille, 995 Broadview Ave (Corner of Broadview Ave and Pottery Rd)
If you want to contribute ideas, be involved, or have a beer with us, feel free to come along. This meeting is open to everyone and new people are more than welcome.
Main agenda items:

• Elect board and executive
• Plan for next 12 months of activity
• Don Valley Bike Park: Plans are completed and funds are floating about - now we just need to organise our community to motivate Councilors and the City
• Lobbying efforts to further recognise and enhance Don Valley trails
• Other items and ideas from participants

From our man Dan at Substance Projects:

substance projects and Africyle will offer more than just a bike ride on May 2, 2010 at the Durham Mountain Bike Festival

substance projects and charity Africycle will work together for the first time at the Durham Mountain Bike Festival on May 2, 2010. They are asking all riders are asked to bring in their used bikes and parts to give to Africycle.

“This is the kind of partnership that we know makes a real difference,” says Dan Marshall, founder of substance projects. “On May 2, riders who bring in their used bikes, parts, or make a financial donation to Africycle will help men and women in Malawi, Africa, to ride their way out of poverty.”

Africycle refurbishes used bikes and ships them to Malawi to support community enterprises. Africyle also accepts financial donations to help with shipping costs. Find out more about this charity at africycle.org.

substance projects fuses founder Dan Marshall’s passions for mountain bike racing, well-organized biking events and charitable work. He created substance projects to provide mountain bike racers with the opportunity to experience a new kind of racing event while making a difference in the community.

If you’re interested in attending and maybe even competing at the Festival, you can register here, or via the OCA’s event registration page.

Here’s a challenge for you, can you get 50 volunteers out at your local trailhead for a trail work day? With help from GORBA, the Campbellford Crew, and the Mambo Kings, Halton Conservation did just that. A ton of work was done including rebuilding a washed out bridge. IMBA Canada sent the Tool Trailer, and Mark Schmidt (our former ED) lend a hand as well. Good on ‘ya folks.

Word spreads fast. The flooding that took place in March did a lot of damage to the park. Hilton Falls Conservation Area put out the word for volunteers and bright and early yesterday morning about 50 volunteers of all ages arrived eager to get things up and running on the park’s trail network. People on bikes, loaded with hand tools, departed to the far reaches of the park to do grooming and litter collection. Two big work parties headed to the falls and beyond to repair bridges and boardwalks. To see a bunch of photos from the day visit www.mambokings.org There is now a big new bridge across the river above the falls, so access to the west part of the trail network is back.

Thanks to the volunteers from GORBA, Freewheel Cycle and a tip of the hat to Brian Sanderson from OGC, and former IMBA Canada Director Mark Schmidt (now with Parks Canada). Thanks also to IMBA Canada for the use of their trailer and tools. It is most appreciated. Thanks also to Hilton Falls staff for their own hard work, feeding us pizza afterwards and for keeping the park one of the most bike friendly places in Southern Ontario.

Hilton Falls is definitely open for riding. The trails are in pretty good shape, but there is still more work to be done in places. Stay tuned for an announcement about another trail work day sometime in the near future. For more info visit www.conservationhalton.on.ca

So you aren’t quite ready to live two years of your life in a Subaru as part of the IMBA Canada TCC? But you still want to work with trails somehow. Well good news, especially if you live West of Toronto. Conservation Halton is looking for a volunteer mountain bike ambassador. The pay isn’t great, but at least you get to ride your bike (a lot) for free at Kelso and Hilton Falls.

Full details after the jump.

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