Apply now for a visit from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
Originally posted on October 13, 2014 at 18:41 pm
IMBA Trail Care Crew Jordan and Lani.
Courtesy of IMBA. Photo by Joshua Lawton.
IMBA is now accepting applications for Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew (TCC) visits in 2015. This is one of IMBA’s oldest and most successful programs, now entering its 18th year. Trail Care Crew visits present an opportunity for land managers, trail organizations and IMBA chapters to teach new volunteers sustainable trail design, construction and maintenance; reenergize existing volunteers; grow their organizations; expand their knowledge and strengthen their networks of supporters.
Groups are invited to apply for a TCC visit from now until November 1, 2014. This is the only time the application window will be open for 2015 events. The primary focus of each visit is the highly regarded IMBA Trail Building School, during which the crew teaches sustainable trail building—building lasting trails that require minimal maintenance. This helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment and enhances visitor enjoyment. Please note that it is a 101-level course. Those interested in advanced trail building techniques should consider hiring IMBA Trail Solutions for specific training.
Additional presentations have been added over the years to target land managers, improve club organization, educate city officials and train grassroots mountain biking advocates. Applicants may choose one of the additional presentations for the TCC to present.
The application process is detailed, so applicants should not wait until the last minute to start the process. Proposed trail projects must have land manager approval to be considered. Due to the large volume of applications, we regret that we cannot accommodate all requests. IMBA Region Directors will be involved in the selection process, so get to know them if you haven’t already.
Click here to learn more about the application.
Trail building guide book now available
If the Trail Care Crew can’t make it to your neck of the woods, but you want to work on a sustainable trail building plan in your community, you can check out the book from IMBA—”Bike Parks: IMBA’s Guide to New-School Trails.”
While mountain biking got its start using existing roads and trails, more and more communities are building specifically designed bike areas that are more sustainable, cause fewer trail conflicts, and accessible to all types of riders.
The new book includes information about building and maintaining purpose-built bike parks, flow trails and other purpose-built facilities. It goes from planning and designing to building and maintaining with real-world examples, schematics, photos, maps, charts and more.
The author is Mountain Bike Hall of Fame member Bob Allen, who has promoted the growth of the sport for more than three decades.