March 4/10 11:17 am - IMBA Canada March News

Posted by Editoress on 03/4/10
 

IMBA Canada News

Join Us In Augusta For The 2010 IMBA World Summit

We expect the 2010 IMBA World Summit in Augusta, GA to be our largest international gathering yet. Topics will include developing destination trails and urban trail networks. We will address land conservation and sustainable trails, youth outreach and new programs designed to grow local capacity for the 700+ clubs and patrols in IMBA's global network.

In addition to informative seminars and networking, the gathering will feature great parties and plenty of riding -- including a closing day tour of the Forks Area Trail System , an IMBA Epic.

Registration for the 2010 World Summit is now open. Take advantage of the early bird discounts before March 12.

IMBA Canada Partners With MEC To Boost Regional Office Program In 2010

IMBA Canada is excited to announce a national partnership agreement with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) for 2010. The Vancouver-based outdoor gear and clothing retailer has made a generous contribution towards IMBA's regional office program. Funding will enhance existing offices in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario, as well as expand the program to other provinces.

IMBA Canada's goal is to have four regional offices up and running in this year, adding a staff position in Alberta for 2010, and eventually expanding to six regional offices by 2012 - with the Maritimes and Central Canada being next on the list. Read the full press release here.

IMBA Canada Hosting Inaugural Ontario Mountain Bike Leadership Council Meeting At Toronto Bike Show

IMBA Canada members and guests are invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the IMBA Ontario Leadership Council (OLC) on Friday, March 5, 2010. The meeting, which will take place at the Toronto International Bicycling Show, is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Better Living Centre's seminar room, located next to the show office.

The goal of the meeting is to present an overview of the Regional Leadership Council Program within Canada, invite applications and nominations for positions on the council, and choose a development committee that will vet the candidates and settle on the final composition of the council. The meeting will begin with an Annual Update from IMBA Canada's Executive Director, Lora Woolner, and then move into the specifics of the council formation. More .

New Contact Information For IMBA's Canadian Office

As part of the recent staffing changes within IMBA Canada's office, some contact information has changed. Please take note of our new office phone number: (519) 208-2820. For all questions regarding membership, corporate support, partnership opportunities and operational issues, contact IMBA Canada's Executive Director Lora Woolner at (519) 208-2820, or lora@imba.com . All general inquiries can be emailed to canada@imba.com. Check out IMBA Canada's home page for links to our national and provincial blogs, and all other staff contacts.

Rachael Raven Hired As Communications Coordinator

Rachael Raven has recently joined IMBA Canada as part-time Communications Coordinator. Her hiring reflects IMBA Canada's efforts to expand its resources and support its growing network through a more robust communications platform. In addition to writing for Trail News and other IMBA publications, she will be helping to revamp IMBA's website and grow IMBA Canada's online presence. More.

IMBA Welcomes Sacred Rides As Our Newest Corporate Member

Since 1996, Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures have been leaders in mountain bike tourism, offering singletrack adventures to some of the world's most spectacular destinations. All trips are guided by locals, and feature plenty of local culture and a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility, with a percentage of trip revenues supporting local community projects. To check out their rides, visit www.sacredrides.com. Save 5% off the cost of any trip or camp by entering promotional code 'imba' when booking.

Study Mountain Biking At Capilano University In British Columbia

The Mountain Bike Operations Certificate Program at Capilano University's Sunshine Coast Campus is currently accepting applications for September 2010. The 8-month program provides you with the introductory knowledge and skills to work in the following sectors related to mountain biking: Mountain resorts, government, non-profit (clubs, national and provincial sport organizations, etc.) and consulting and private business.

The highlights of the program are two "Park and Trail Design and Building" courses and one "Guiding and Teaching for Mountain Biking" course taught by industry experts. Other courses focus on the tourism industry as it relates to mountain biking. This program is the only one of its kind in the world and has generated interest internationally. For more information check out


MEC’s Access & Activity Grant Deadline Quickly Approaching

The deadline to apply for Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Access and Activity Grant (formerly the Access Grant Program) is March 10, 2010. Past grant recipients include the Ontario Cycling Association’s Kids CAN Bike Camp, The Stanley Park Bike Festival, and the Olympia Cycling Club’s Birds Hill Mountain Bike Trail Network. Go to MEC’s website for more information, and to link to the online application.