IMBA 2010 World Summit

It’s not every day that a world summit regarding mountain biking lands in your back yard. But thanks to the draw from the amazing trail systems we have here in the Southeast, IMBA chose Augusta, GA for their biannual event. The 2010 International Mountain Bike Association World Summit kicked off this past week (May 5-8) with executives, government officials and riders alike all on hand to discuss anything from building sustainable trails to securing sponsorship for your next local race. Mike Mecuri, SRAM Vice President of Sales and Marketing opened the Summit with a few reasons why SRAM is one of IMBA’s largest supporters. “Honestly, we’re like twins. SRAM and IMBA both started in 1988, how could we not support them, we’re almost related. Seriously, the amount of effort that IMBA puts in for mountain biking is staggering. Our visions are similar, we’re kindred souls. Of our 450 million dollar annual income, 380 million is mountain bike related.”

One reason this year’s Summit chose the Southeast was to highlight an IMBA Epic trail, FATS, as well as to celebrate the merging of SORBA, (Southern Off Road Bicycling Association), under the IMBA umbrella. Several SORBA chapter officials were on hand to lead sessions on the highs and lows of mountain biking in the Southeast and how that translates to chapters around the world. While leading a session on funding trail projects, Rick Moon, Northwest Georgia SORBA, had this to say, “When we came up with the Snake Creek Gap race we had no idea that we’d pull racers from all the way up North, we just thought it would be a local thing. But due to the timing of our race it was a way for Yankee mountain bikers to get some training in while their ground was still frozen back home. We had no idea this would happen. To learn from what others have done, that’s why all of us are here.” Twenty-two sessions were held daily, ranging from starting a school mountain bike program to insurance and risk management.

After a long day of talking about good riding, the much anticipated group ride was a huge success. Over three hundred different people flocked to FATS each day to experience what an IMBA Epic trail is all about. The Forks Area Trail System is a ten year effort between local mountain bikers and the forest service, culminating in 40+ miles of groomed, flowing, single track. A lot of work, sweat and tears went into FATS, but it’s a shining example of what like minded individuals can do when they follow systems laid out by IMBA. Other IMBA Epics in the Southeast are: Alafia River, FL, Bull Mountain, GA, Pinhoti Trail, GA, Dupont Forest, NC and the Tanasi Trails, TN.

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