Sports
“At the end of a hard work I head out and ride for two hours let all of the stressed of the day melt away.” - David Wiens Are you a mountain biker? We used to think that question didn’t need to be asked, because if you were, you knew it. But mountain biking is unique (in many ways) in that there’s access in so many regions and communities for so many levels of riders. The question ‘are you a mountain biker’ really needs to be rolled out to a far larger group of people. Verde works across many markets within outdoor active lifestyle. The non-profits in trail, for example, have six-figure memberships. IMBA has stayed the same size for many years – around 40,000 people. The organization knows that there are many, many more riders out there, they just need to discover IMBA and sign up. That’s partially the purpose of this episode of the Take Me Outdoors podcast. There are other purposes behind it too – but bolstering the numbers of mountain bikers in the national advocacy, access and educational conversation IS THE MOST important. If ever there was a time for us to be heard and taken seriously, it is NOW. Here we are, mid-year, during one of the craziest years in conservation, government regulation, outdoor sports and recreation, and frankly, in business. The Trump Administration and the way we engage with and discover trail sports like mountain biking is changing – and fast. This change is affecting access. It’s also affecting how we come together as a passionate ‘user group’ united by the love of a ribbon of single track weaving through high-desert sagebrush or desert or forest. Enter the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). This non-profit, headquartered in Boulder, Colo., is turning 30 next year. And, with that pivotal anniversary and the precipitous changes in participation, variation of trail users and the public lands landscape – access to great places to ride has never been in more of a precarious position. That’s why today’s episode of the Take Me Outdoors podcast is a super important one. Dave Wiens joins us today. Dave is the Executive Director of IMBA and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have one of us at the helm of our organization at such a cruxy time. He’s now leading IMBA from an incredible background. Dave founded and led Gunnison Trails, and launched the Gunnison, Colo., Growler, an iconic mountain bike race that takes place over Memorial Day weekend. He’s also a founder of the Outdoor Sports program at Western States Colorado University (also in Gunnison). And, as an aside, he’s an inductee of the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame. Credentials aside, Dave embodies what it means to be passionate about living for, and loving, a trail sport. “Mountain biking has given me everything that’s important to me in life,” Wiens said. Dave’s here to further mountain biking internationally. He’s open minded. He listens. And? He shows up and implements! If you love mountain biking, or know someone who does, please share this episode with them and also, send them to IMBA.com. If ever there was a time for us to unite, it’s now. Mountain bikers need to have their voice heard as new policy and approaches to access are developing under this new presidential administration. Thanks for listening! Bulletpoints IMBA tries to bring trails and biking opportunities to places it doesn’t exist right now. The Growler has started making events for kids. 131 kids registered for The Growler this year. There’s a lot of next generation kids interested in mountain biking. There’s still a lot of uncertainty for these agencies. Mountain bikers are fast, quiet, and can share the mountain with others. There are more places designated for mountain biking only. Trails are becoming more crowded. Mountain bikers need to ride responsibly to keep everyone else on the mountain happy. Parent’s have more control issues and safety issues today. Tails always rise to the top of amenities desired by communities. There’s a growing interest in high school mountain bike racing. Bikes are finally starting to properly develop for children. Getting out to trails is a great way to clear the mind and change your life. There are epic trails sprinkled around the country. Today mountain bikers have become connoisseurs of trails. IMBA has always have around 40,000 members. More members would help the cause to develop and protect new trails. There’s a large number of mountain bikers that don’t consider themselves mountain bikers. The portal is open to mountain biking. Links IMBA’s Website Gunnison Trails