IMBA Australia

Way back when I was just a humble trail builder, living in Melrose SA, I was inspired to write this article for the Bicycle SA Newsletter.

Bowmanic Philosophy: My Dreamtime and the Fine Line in Design

Long have I stared at that mountain. While the sun sets and the breeze in the trees reminds me of the distant ocean. Its’ rugged beauty erupting from the dry plains and casting a cooling shadow on the dry land.

On Monday the 15th, Tony Scott and I met with Parks Vic Strategic Planners and Staff.

The meeting was very positive and focused on the means and methods that are required to provide legal MTB access in the Parks around Melbourne. As with all our cities, the open spaces that are closer to metro areas are the ones where illegal MTB trail construction and user conflicts are the most contentious issues.

IMBA Australia is travelling to WA to assist the Cape Mountain Bikers in Dunsborough and the Shire of Busselton to review existing trails in Meelup Regional Park. This review of existing trails will facilitate the development of a Trails Master Plan for the Park, whereby new trail proposals and trail closures will be put forward for community comment. The partnership between the local riders and the Shire Council is an excellent example of how trail develoment can proceed in both regional and urban areas.

IMBA Australia has "Roots in the Dirt"
(see images http://imba-au.com/gallery)

It started with a seed of hope. In fertile soil, the roots have grown deep. Now well established, with branches reaching for the sky, the tree can grow strong. It will bear fruit if you can provide sustenance. In the right conditions, IMBA Australia will be fruitful. That means great trails in all Australia landscapes!

DECLARE YOUR LOVE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING!

Help to grow trails down under. Join IMBA Australia

Joey Klein will return to Australia for a series of workshops around the country in April 2010. The intention of these workshops is to develop partnerships with state agencies and key land managers by providing insight and training in the most effective and sustainable methods for managing MTB in Australia's Parks and Reserves. IMBA Australia wants to work with Rangers and Park Staff, be it in National Parks, Forests or Local Councls, to create high quality trails and encourage the formation of "Trail Care Crews" to help maintain trails well into the future.

A Blog, thought that was a good idea and it still is, just didn't realise how busy this was going to get. i.e. Being National Director for a brand new national trail advocacy organisation - IMBA Australia. So here I am, 4 months in and it is easily the most challenging endeavour I have ever embraced. There's no finish line, no drinks station, just obstacles and paperwork extending on into infinity. But hey, that's what life is all about, pushing yourself to new limits to see what you can do. The main reward, as always, is to see smiling people out there, in the bush, enjoying the trails.

AMB ran a story on the start up IMBA Australia earlier this year.

Attached is the result kindly reproduced here with the editor's permission.