3 IMBA programs and Shimano Assistance

The IMBA along with the National Park Service announced a new partnership that will

bring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamwork and to develop models for future collaboration

Three new pilot programs at Fort Dupont Park, Big Bend National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These programs will study mountain biking in the parks in an effort to learn about the effects and benefits of it.

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews also announced that they'll be visiting up to nine national parks in 2006 to provide expert advice on trail etiquette and rider education, managing mountain bikes, trailbuilding and trail repair. The Crews will work with local mountain bike clubs, other trail user groups, community leaders and park staff to foster communication and collaboration.

The parks include:

• Big South Fork National Recreation Area (Tennessee)
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (Minnesota)
• Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
• Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Cochran Shoals Unit (Georgia)
• Homestead National Monument of America (Nebraska)
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Tennessee)
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (California)
• Mammoth Caves National Park (Kentucky)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)

Shimano Provides Assistance

Shimano will sponsor the UCI World Cup in 2006 and also offer 'netural technical assistance.'

From 2006 the changes of rules decided by the UCI will authorise 'external technical assistance' by mechanics during Mountain Bike Cross-country and Marathon events. Shimano will provide the neutral technical assistance service at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events.

More on IMBA's program
More on Shimano and the UCI World Cup