The Western Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Bike Association is hosting the 2009 Midwest Mountain Bike Summit on May 29th-31st, 2009 at the Cannonsburg Ski Area near Grand Rapids, MI.

A Welcome Reception will take place at the Comfort Suites North, from 7:00pm until 10:00pm on Thursday, May 28th. Feast on a roast pig from Crane Dance Farms and wash it down with beverages from Founders and Arcadia Brewing. A pump track will be on site for the duration of the Summit.

The Summit starts rocking at 9:00am on May 29th, with the Club-Care presentation led by Kelly and Collins Bishop from IMBA. Throughout the rest of the day, attendees can participate in workshops and seminars focusing on all aspects of mountain bike advocacy, with an emphasis on promoting and developing urban trail systems called gateway trails. Nationally and regionally known presenters including Ryan Schutz from IMBA, Kevin Marley from CAMBR, Mike Dulin from KYMBA, Mike Dunstan from GORC, and Ken Freestone from WMSA will lead discussion on topics such as working with planners, grant writing, developing skills areas, and the economic impact of mountain biking. An IMBA trail school will also be offered concurrently, with Day 1 consisting of a class-based theory session and day 2 a hands-on session at the Cannonsburg Ski Area.

The action on Saturday starts at 8:00am at the Cannonsburg Ski Area, with a morning session featuring hands–on trail building demonstrations—with equipment from Ditchwitch, Trail armoring, Stihl chainsaw safety class, and trail layout with Kelly and Collins. Later in the day, the Summit will have a festival atmosphere, with demos from Trek, Fisher, Giant, and Specialized; organized rides on local trails; a downhill race; and music by the Sinners. Additionally, attendees may submit photographs and digital “YouTube” style videos shot during the Summit, with prizes to be awarded to the top submissions on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday is reserved for the Epic Ride, which takes place at the Cannonsburg Ski Area from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Riders will cover 3 different trail systems (dirt, roads, and paved trails) and over 40 miles of riding. There will be aid stations along the way to refuel, as well as optional stops at local watering holes for refreshments. Shorter ride options will also be available.

For more information visit the Midwest Mountain Bike Summit website at www.midwestmtbsummit.com.