Advocacy

IMBA vs. Sustainable Trails Coalition

There is an ongoing debate in the Mountain Bike Advocates circle around how to approach the use of mountain bikes on public lands designated as wilderness.

One one side of the table sits IMBA, and on the other the Sustainable Trails Coalition. Let me clarify by saying that both groups are fighting to get mountain bikers access to wilderness areas but they are on opposite sides of the spectrum as far as their respective strategies. 

Drew Sanford, @Cotharyus, hosts Trail Cast, a trail advocacy podcast on Mountain Bike Radio and recently did an episode on the differences between the two groups. More importantly though, how Mountain Bike Riders as a whole need to support both organizations and stay united as a group to succeed.

It's just under an hour long but worth listening to. Here is the link to the episode. 

Rex

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Takeaways From The IMBA California Regional Summit

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This year the International Mountain Bike Associations (IMBA) California Regional Summit was held in Mammoth, Ca on September 11th - 13th. There were around 80 people from 32 organizations like IVMTB represented there. Most were from California but there were a couple of groups from other states. 

There was a lot of great information shared and great conversations had but here are two key consistent points I took away.
 

Present our Organization as a resource to the community

One of the most effective ways to build relationships and a good reputation within the community is to serve the community. Our typical approach should be as a resource, asking what we can do to help. This is not to say that we cannot defend our position when we need to but our standard operating mode should be one of service. Here is an example.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation

Approach 1 - Hi, we are the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association. We are a non profit organization with over 225 members and we want you to ..... or.. we want to.....

Approach 2 - Hi, we are the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association. We are a non profit organization with over 225 members that care about healthy kids, the environment and mountain biking. What current problems or challenges are you having with your mountain bike trails that we can help with?

Which approach do you think will be more effective in building a long term working relationship?  My guess is the second one.. 

By showing them that we are part of the solution and not the problem they are much more likely to work with us on the things our members would like to see a the Santa Rosa Plateau vs. shutting us out. 
 

Develop relationships outside of the cycling  and land management communities

There are a lot of resources within the community that we have not approached as partners, yet we share common values. Our organization values community, healthful activity, preserving the environment, and stimulating the local economy. 

- Community - Putting on and supporting group rides, movie nights, community events like parades, etc. Partnering with other local charities to raise money for causes that support our values. 
- Healthful activity - Work with local hospitals, recreational centers and youth organizations to see how our organization could support cycling programs they may have or want to build. Hospitals have been known to help fund bike parks to get kids outside riding their bikes. Work with local land developers to ensure that natural terrain bike trails are put into the master plans of new neighborhoods going in. They don't have to be hard core mountain bike trails to get people involved in our sport. 
- Preserving the environment - Partner with other local groups on initiatives that support trail development. The Sierra Club has been a primary driver for the development of the Murrieta Creek Regional Trail that will connect Temecula to Lake Elsinore via a multi-use trail. We can find common values and goals with the majority of organizations in the area but we have to develop a trust based relationship. 
- Stimulating the local economy - Work with local city tourism offices to see what kind of things we could help with or promote. Mountain biking is becoming a huge revenue center for cities all over the country. Some cities are building huge trail systems to draw tourist to their communities in an effort to revitalize the local economy. 

This is just a quick off the top of my head list, and knowing that I am not the smartest guy in this group I am sure we could come up with an impressive list of ideas to go after. 

Rex Roberson - IVMTB President

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Volunteers Needed - 2015 Annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

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2nd Annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day - Oct 3rd, 2015

It's time to start planning for our 2nd Annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

We need to identify a few folks that want to help with the event.

Things that we will need help with are:

  • Planning and organizing
    • Identifying location of ride
    • Identifying routes and ride leaders
    • Registering the event with IMBA
    • Determine logistical needs (tables, water, snacks, shade, etc)
    • Assign volunteers to tasks
    • Advertising the event
  • Day of the event volunteers
    • Setup and teardown
    • Greeting riders
    • Bike safety checks
    • Ride leaders

If you are interested in helping please send an email to info@ivmtb.org ASAP. Please let us know what areas you might be able to help in.

For more information about IMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day please visit https://www.imba.com/kids

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2015 - Status Update

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2015 CLUB UPDATES 

WEEKLY RIDES

In 2015 we have changed our Rides strategy. In an effort to help promote our local shop rides and ride groups we will focus on promoting and participating in those weekly rides instead of hosting one. However, IVMTB will continue to put on occasional special rides and events. You can find the ride / event schedule on our websites Calendar Page and our main Facebook Page.

If you host or participate in a weekly that you want us to know about and promote please shoot us an email. info@ivmtb.org

ADVOCACY WORK

RONALD REAGAN SPORTS PARK

We are continuing our work with IMBA and the City of Temecula in the development of a detailed proposal for the City to review and hopefully approve. This has required a lot more work than we thought and the individuals working on the plan have limited time so it makes it even more challenging. 

If you have experience in developing site plans, creating presentations for cities, land managers or government agencies and would like to help please send an email to rex@ivmtb.org. 

VAIL LAKE

Jason Ranoa with SoCal Endurance continues to work with the new management at Vail Lake to ensure we can continue to ride and hold events at the Vail Campground.

EVENTS

Our first official IVMTB Event was held on Saturday, Feb 21st. We had a Trail Ride / Rummage Sale at Wiens Brewing Company in Temecula. We raised $1454.00 to help fund the Ronald Reagan Sports Park project and other trail projects that might come up. We also want to thank Wiens Brewing Company and BC Cafe for providing great beer and food to the attendees.

We are in the planning stages of our first IVMTB Member Gathering. We are looking at a camping / riding weekend at the Vail Lake Resort. We are trying to nail down a date that does not conflict with another event and provides some nice weather. More details to come as we figure them out. 

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Now that we are an IMBA Chapter all of our memberships will be run through IMBA. 

If you are interested in joining us please visit our IVMTB / IMBA membership page.

The benefits of this membership include:

  • 1 year IVMTB / IMBA membership.
  • IMBA Membership Kit with stickers and membership card
  • Subaru VIP Discount; Get $1,300 - $3,300 off MSRP on a new or leased Subaru
  • Subscription to a magazine of your choice — choose Bicycling magazine, Dirt Rag digital edition, Peloton digital edition or Velo digital edition
  • Discounts on bike gear and outdoor equipment, IMBA events, trips and insurance
  • 4 issues per year of IMBA Trail News and monthly eNews
  •  Discounts on IVMTB Merchandise
  • Free or heavily discounted IVMTB member events
  • Discounts from IVMTB sponsors and supporters (Discounts listed here)
  • Being part of a unified voice on Mountain Bike Trail use issues in Riverside County.
  • Knowing that you helped make the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association become a reality.
  • Both IMBA and IVMTB are 501(c)3 Non Profit Organizations so your donations are tax deductible.

Menifee Parks Master Plan - Input needed!!

We have a great opportunity to help get some legal trails built in Menifee. 

The City of Menifee is working on it's Parks Master Plan and are asking for feedback on how parks, trails, open space and recreation amenities should be developed in the city.

If you are a Menifee resident or would like to see a legitimate trail system built in the Menifee area here is your opportunity to get involved.

Menifee New Announcement

Menifee Workshop Flyer

WE ARE AT RISK OF LOSING THE PALM CANYON EPIC RIDE ROUTE FOREVER!!!

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement addressing environmental effects of a proposed land exchange between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Tribe) is now available for public review and comment.

Several of the proposed exchange scenarios, including the "Preferred" scenario, would remove sections of "The Palm Canyon Epic" trail from the public ownership.  We need everyone to send in comments in support of keeping trails publicly owned, before March 29th.  A sample letter that you can cut-and-paste, add your name and personal experience, then send, is below.

Here are some thoughts from Jeff Slepski on the issue. Jeff is one of the people responsible for the legal trails that are in Simpson Park and is on the IVMTB Board.

The Agua Caliente Land Exchange is Really a Big loss for the Public and the Local Environment

The proposed land exchange with the Agua Caliente tribal interests would remove a classic land use area and trail system from the Public owned lands that are presently valued and enjoyed by Southern Californians. This area is a yearly destination for outdoor enthusiasts that appreciate the unique features of a mountain to desert environment with the rare experience of a desert riparian habitat. It has been recognized as an opportunity for people from all demographics to appreciate.

This land has been successfully utilized by diverse groups including hikers, backpackers, equestrian and bicyclists. It has been an area of study and appreciation for natural history enthusiasts. It affords a unique experience of the California geoflora not available to Californians anywhere else in the state. It is known as a “classic” or “epic” adventure that is eagerly looked forward to every year by the public. One has only to go online and do a simple search to see how many people have made this a positive part of the southern California experience.

The truth is that most of the public consider this land use a “success story.” It is an example of where the BLM has “done it right.”

The proposed land swap has the stated purpose “to promote effective and efficient arrangement of the public and Tribal lands by reducing the extent of “checkerboard” land ownership, thereby providing the BLM and the Tribe with more logical and consistent land management responsibility in the Monument.” However, the logic behind the checkerboard land ownership has not been a problem for the public or the BLM.

In fact, the Aqua Caliente’s (checkerboard) land ownership in the area has been incredibly profitable as it exists today.

What if an argument was made that Tribal Lands such as Indian Canyons that is adjacent to the BLM land in question were “swapped” to promote a more logical and consistent management system? The tribal interests would rightfully present a tremendous objection to such a swap and would consider it stealing their land.  That is exactly how the public feels about this proposed land deal.

The public has backed and are interested in protecting Tribal interests throughout our region. This has been evident in the prevalent respect of lands owned by Tribal groups by the public and not encroaching or interfering with these lands. The same respect should be shown to the public use of BLM lands. At present, several trails from the national forest enter into this area and would be subject to restricted access either entering or leaving the national forest. 

This is not a local tribe issue. This is a federal land use issue.

This decision will last forever so please contact the BLM for public comments ending March 29th.

THE SAMPLE LETTER BELOW NEEDS TO BE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING:

The BLM
Fax to: (760) 833-7199,
Email to: AguaCalienteExchange@blm.gov
Postal Mail to: National Monument Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Your Congressman via the webform 
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

The Congressman of Palm Springs Raul Ruiz via webform
https://ruiz.house.gov/email-me

County Supervisor of Palm Springs John Benoit via web form
http://www.rivco4.org/web/contact/

SAMPLE LETTER

Subject: BLM-Agua Caliente Land Exchange

ear National Monument Manager,

I am a member of the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association (IVMTB)  submitting comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the proposed land exchange between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI).  I support Scenario 1, which would keep all the BLM parcels containing popular trails (T.5S. R.4.E. section 36; T.4S. R.4E.  section 16 & 36) as BLM managed land and help reduce the "checkerboard" landownership by consolidating BLM land base.  These trails should remain within public ownership to preserve recreation and access, as the ACBCI has historically not allowed mountain bike access on their trails and charges for hiking/equestrian access.

To increase the viability of Scenario 1, the appraisal should consider that the ~2 ACBCI parcels lack infrastructure for traditional (dense high monetary value) suburban development and have similar value as the ~6 BLM parcels proposed for exchange in Scenario 1.  All other Scenarios are not in the environments or public's best interest.

The "Palm Canyon Epic" (Palm Canyon-Indian Poterro-Hahn-Cathedral Canyon-Wild Horse-Goat Trails) is nationally regarded as the best long distance desert mountain bike ride in Southern California.  I strongly support having the entire trail system under BLM management (including a short rerouting of Indian Poterro to not cross ACBCI land) so that future generations can experience the natural beauty and remoteness of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument on their mountain bikes.  Recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, and horse back riding help promote the protection of public lands.

Sincerely,

Name
Address

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Weekly IVMTB Ride Update

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Good day all,

The IVMTB Board wanted to provide an update regarding the IVMTB Monday Night rides.

When we formed this organization last year our mission was defined as "the development and care of sustainable, multiple-use trails while fostering a community that participates in healthful activity, preserving the environment and stimulating the local economy through advocacy, education and participation." 

We wanted to build a group that could help unite local ride groups, shops and industry in the development and protection of local trails. Our board felt that hosting a weekly ride would help spread the word on who we are and what we are about. While that has worked, we also feel that we may have inadvertently caused a decline in participation with some of the other local ride groups, and it has also made it difficult for us to find time to participate in those groups ourselves. 

During the next few weeks we will be communicating the cancellation of our weekly Monday Night IVMTB ride. Instead we want to focus on increasing participation in other clubs and shop rides. Our board members, committee members and general members will be encouraged to join other groups rides to build awareness of IVMTB, learn new trails and understand the struggles in different areas of the county.

Stay tuned for more exciting news..

Thanks for all of your continued support..

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2014 Wrap Up

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CLUB UPDATES

Founding Membership Drive

Our “Founding” Membership drive went extremely well. We had 154 people sign up as founding members. To see a list of our Founding Members please visit our Founding Members Page.

IMBA CHAPTER STATUS 

The application has been submitted so we are on track to becoming an IMBA Chapter by mid March. 

Website Updates

We have moved the website to a new platform. It should be much easier to navigate and more mobile friendly. It also has a ride calendar, a shopping cart and a blog.

2014 Accomplishments (September - December)

  • 165+ Active members
  • Over 600 followers on Facebook
  • Received 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation
  • Sold 132 Founding Member Jerseys
  • Sold 202 T-shirts
  • Presented at 2 local city government meetings.
    • Introduced the Organization to the Temecula City Council – 50 local mountain bikers attended the meeting to show support
    • Presented a proposal to the Temecula Community Services Commission asking for approval to build ~4 miles of single track and 2 pump tracks at the Ronald Reagan Sport Park – 25 local mountain bikers attended the meeting to show support
  • We received a $2500 Grant from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) to get the Ronald Reagan Sports Park Project kicked off
  • We have put on over 30 local mountain bike rides
  • We participated in the Temecula Christmas Parade
  • We participated in a trash cleanup day at Vail Lake
  • We assisted a local land owner in putting up no trespassing signs and educating local mountain bike riders of the status of those trials.

Weekly Rides

We have put on over 30 rides and continue to host a weekly Monday evening ride and some weekend rides. You can find the ride schedule on our websites Calendar Page, our main Facebook Page, and our Meetup Page.

ADVOCACY WORK

Ronald Reagan Sports Park

We are working with the City of Temecula on getting 3 to 4 miles of multi-use single track and two pump tracks built at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park in Temecula. We presented our proposal to the Temecula Community Service Commission on November 10th. The meeting went very well. The commission liked our proposal and passed it onto a sub-committee. The sub-committee will work with us to get the proposal ready for the Temecula City Council.

On Thursday, November 13th we met with a Press Enterprise reporter at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park to discuss the project. The article was in November 16th's paper. Link here

We also received a grant from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) for $2500. This grant was used to have an IMBA trail specialist come out for 3 days to consult on the project. The trial specialist visited Monday, November 17th – Wednesday, November 19th. We are currently working with the IMBA specialist to draft the final proposal for the city. 

vail lake

Jason Ranoa with SoCal Endurance continues to work with the new management at Vail Lake to ensure we can continue to ride and hold events at the Vail Campground.

EVENTS

We are in the planning stages of our first IVMTB Member Meeting / Event. We are looking at a camping / riding weekend at the Vail Lake Resort around the end of January / first of February time frame.

MEMBERSHIP Options

We are currently offering a Basic Membership that is $30. This includes the benefits below. This membership will be offered until we become an IMBA Chapter. After that, memberships will be run through IMBA. Memberships are good 1 year from date of payment.

The benefits of this membership include:

  • 1 year IVMTB membership (your IVMTB membership will convert to an IMBA membership when our club becomes an IMBA Chapter)
  • Membership card
  • Discounts on IVMTB Merchandise
  • Free or heavily discounted member events
  • Discounts from our sponsors (Discounts listed here)
  • Being part of a unified voice on Mountain Bike Trail use issues in Riverside County.
  • Knowing that you helped make the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association become a reality.
  • IVMTB is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization so your donations are tax deductible.

If you are interested in joining us please visit the Membership Section of the website.

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Mid November Update

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Club Updates

Our “Founding” Membership drive is going very well. We currently have 90 members with new people joining daily.
To see a list of our Founding Members please visit our Founding Members Page.

In just short of 6 weeks we have accomplished the following:

  • 90 members have signed up
  • We have 469 followers on Facebook
  • We became a 501(c)3 Non-Profit & Insured Corporation
  • We have designed a cool Founding Members Jersey and ordered the first batch. Our next and final batch will be ordered in December
  • We have presented at 2 local city government meetings.
  • We introduced the Organization to the Temecula City Council – 50 local mountain bikers attended the meeting to show support
  • We presented a proposal to the Temecula Community Services Commission asking for approval to build ~4 miles of single track and 2 pump tracks at the Ronald Reagan Sport Park – 25 local mountain bikers attended the meeting to show support
  • We received a $2500 Grant from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) – This will fund one of IMBA’s Trail Specialists to spend 3 days consulting on the Sports Park Project (Nov 17 – 19)
  • We have put on 10 local rides

If you are not already a member and are interested in becoming one of our Founding Members please check the membership section at the bottom of this post.

Corporation and Non-Profit Status

We are officially a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization.

Weekly rides

We continue to host a weekly Monday evening ride and some Saturday rides. You can find the ride schedule on our main Facebook Page, our Rides and Events Facebook Page and our Meetup.

Advocacy work

Ronald Reagan Sports Park  (Update) – We have been working with the City of Temecula on getting 3 to 4 miles of multi-use single track and two pump tracks built at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park in Temecula. We presented our proposal to the Temecula Community Service Commission on November 10th. The meeting went very well. The commission liked our proposal and passed it onto a sub-committee. The sub-committee will work with us to get the proposal ready for the Temecula City Council.

We also received a grant from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) for $2500. This grant will be used to have an IMBA trail specialist come out for 3 days to consult on the project. The trial specialist will be here Monday, November 17th – Wednesday, November 19th. If you are interested in meeting him he will be joining us on our Monday night ride.

On Thursday, November 13th we met with a Press Enterprise reporter at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park to discuss the project. The article will be in Sundays paper.

Vail Lake (Update) – Jason Ranoa continues to work with the new management at Vail Lake to ensure we can continue to ride and hold events at the Vail Campground.

Hogbacks – This has been put on hold so that we can focus on the Ronald Reagan Sports Park Project

Events

We will be participating in the 2nd Annual Cranksgiving Day Ride on November 15th @ 9am. This event is a 20 mile SOCIAL road ride (on any bike you want to ride) and food drive. We meet at The Bike Shop Temecula and ride to Organic Roots to buy groceries. Then we ride back to the bike shop with our groceries. The groceries are then loaded in a van and taken to The Community Mission of Hope to be distributed to families in need. This ride was started last year by The Temecula Bike Train. If you want to participate all you need is a bike, a backpack, and $15 cash to buy items from the food drive list. This event is FREE FOR ALL AGES. We will also post details on our Facebook and Meetup Ride pages.

We are also working with Zak Schwank, founder of The Temecula Bike Train and a Commissioner on theTemecula Community Services Commission to participate in Temecula’s Santas Electric Light Parade on December 5th. Keep an eye on the Facebook and Meetup pages for details.

Thank you all for your support!! I look forward to meeting and riding with you in the future.

Membership

This Founding Membership will only be offered until December 1st, 2014. After that, memberships will be run through the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Memberships are good 1 year from date of payment.

The benefits of this membership include:

  • 1 year IVMTB membership (your IVMTB membership will also get you an IMBA membership when our club becomes an IMBA Chapter)
  • Limited edition Founding Members card
  • You will have the option to purchase a limited edition Founding Members Jersey (These will only be offered until Dec 1)
  • Free or heavily discounted member events
  • Discounts from our sponsors (Discounts listed here)
  • Recognition on the Founding Members page of the IVMTB.org website
  • Being part of a unified voice on Mountain Bike Trail use issues in Riverside County.
  • Knowing that you helped make the Inland Valley Mountain Bike Association become a reality.
  • IVMTB is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization so your donations are tax deductible.

If you are interested in joining us please visit our Join IVMTB page.

Rex