IMBA taps Santa Fe, N.M., to host its 2012 World Summit
Originally posted on July 3, 2012 at 14:59 pm
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) chose Santa Fe for its 2012 World Summit, October 10-13, 2012. Coming to town will be 400 of the most dedicated, experienced, and well-traveled mountain bikers in the country including national cycling journalists, bike manufactures, and IMBA members.
Santa Fe’s outstanding biking terrain combined with a city rich with outstanding art, culture, history, cuisine, and an Old World feel not duplicated anywhere in the U.S. and represents an ideal city for the IMBA conference. As part of their conference the group will be taking a number of different rides on Santa Fe’s diverse terrain, from mountain single track to land conservation trails.
Places to ride in Sante Fe
After years of planning and countless volunteer hours the City of Santa Fe recently opened La Tierra Trails, a 1,500-acre recreation site with more than 25 miles of multi-use trails. Located within biking distance of downtown, the new complex incorporates clear signage, interconnected loops to vary a ride’s length, separate single-track terrain, and stunning views. The family-friendly area also provides hiking and equestrian terrain plus a purpose built BMX area.
The Dale Ball Trail System uses a similar interconnected trail strategy that provides more than 30 miles of single-track trail with multiple trailheads and a wide variety of terrain and challenges accessible from the city limits. The Dale Ball system is a model for forward thinking land conservation in an urban-wilderness interface.
The newly created La Piedra Trail is a link connecting the northern Dale Ball trails with the more extensive trail system in the Santa Fe National Forest, including the towering Winsor Trail. The three-mile connector makes it possible to ride from the Plaza in the heart of Santa Fe to the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains high above the city.
The city’s in-town trails system is growing and includes an extension to the Chamisa Trail, connecting with the Santa Fe Rail Trail. The newly paved portion turns to dirt after the city limits and goes for 12.5 miles to the city of Lamy. This is a popular out and back ride for locals and visitors alike.
The Caja del Rio (box of the river) Bureau of Land Management area is covered in twisting single and double track that runs through a field of extinct volcanoes. From the expansive views at La Bajada escarpment to Rio Grande overlooks there is more to explore here than any one trip can hold.