Seven 2005 Kona/IMBA Freeride Grants Awarded

For Immediate Release
06-23-05
Contact: Heather Sias, IMBA Advocacy Coordinator

303.545.9011

Thanks to Kona Bicycle Company's generous support, seven IMBA clubs will receive $1,000 cash grants to help create new freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping opportunities. IMBA received more than 30 applications, and the field of applicants demonstrated an impressive level of sophistication. The applications featured detailed maps and budgets and evidence of good relationships with local land managers.

Funding for the program comes from Kona and the Kona/IMBA Bowling Party, an annual Las Vegas fundraiser held during Interbike, the bicycle industry trade show. The program's goal is to support the development of freeriding opportunities on public land.

Here are the 2005 winners:

Gunnison Valley Freeride Association, Gunnison, Colorado
GVFA will build a dirt jump area near the popular Hartman Rocks area. They have the blessing of Gunnison's Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Ampietro, who writes that he is "very proud of these young adults for acting as professionals, forming an association, patiently wading through the political process and living up to their promises."

SORBA Freeride Alliance, Atlanta, Georgia - www.sorba.org, www.ridesofa.org
SORBA is constructing a skills area in a public park. They are building two sets of freeride runs, which will cater to beginning and advanced riders.

Blue Ridge Bike Club, Asheville, North Carolina - www.blueridgebicycleclub.org
The BRBC will improve the Alexander Mountain Bike Park by building a new loop that will incorporate a skills area. The BRBC has already acquired the pro bono assistance of a trail consultant.

Mississauga Urban Trails Club, Mississauga, Ontario
MUTC will expand a park for mountain bicyclists by adding more trails and building freeride features. The park is a creation of local cyclists, and is supported by IMBA Canada.

Whatcom Independent Mountain Pedalers, Bellingham, Washington - www.whimpsmtb.com
The WHIMPs will expand technical trail feature (TTF) construction on local trails. The TTFs will provide a sustainable and exciting way to ride in sensitive areas.

Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke, Vermont - www.kingdomtrails.org
The Kingdom Trails Association will construct a downhill freeriding trail on Burke Mountain. They plan to apply funds to make sure that the trail is both challenging and sustainable.

New Orleans Metro Area Mountain Biking Organization, New Orleans, Louisiana - www.nomambo.com
NOMAMBO will build a dirt jump park in New Orleans. This park should be a boon to urban riders who are looking for new challenges.

More IMBA Freeriding Resources

More IMBA Grant & Funding Resources