IMBA Hot Spots Program - Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul

It's an important week for Midwest urban mountain bike trail access. The
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is focused squarely on
Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul between May 30-June 8, as the organization
leads simultaneous Hot Spot campaigns in both cities.
IMBA Hot Spots is an outreach program dedicated to improving trail access for
mountain bikers in urban areas. A series of events is held in each designated
Hot Spot City. IMBA staff and local advocates meet with land managers,
community leaders and other conservation and recreation groups to discuss
ways to improve mountain bike access. Other events are conducted to inspire
mountain bikers to get involved in advocacy and trailwork, including IMBA
Trailbuilding Schools, slideshow presentations and social group rides.

Two separate teams comprising Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders and IMBA
staff will work in Chicago and the Twin Cities during the 10-day long events.
The cities were designated Hot Spot locations because mountain bike trail
opportunities are limited.

"Chicago and the Twin Cities present unique challenges to mountain bike
advocates," said IMBA Hot Spots coordinator Dan Vardamis. "It's been tough
for mountain bikers, as new kids on the block, to make political headway in
Chicago. Minneapolis/St. Paul has historically been very accommodating to
other outdoor activities, but few trails have opened to mountain bikers."

The IMBA Hot Spots program is sponsored by Clif Bar Inc. In addition to
supporting the program financially, Clif Bar provides bars and Hot Spot
T-shirts to participants.

The local IMBA affiliates Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBR) and the
Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC) are playing key roles in hosting and
organizing the Hot Spots campaigns. A full schedule of events is available on
the two organizations respective websites, www.cambr.org and
www.morcmtb.org.

For more information please visit www.imba.com/hotspots or contact
program coordinator Dan Vardamis at 303-545-9011 or [email protected].