IMBA Puts Out a Distress Call

Mountain bikers who don’t ride private trails seldom have to pay to pedal. But the International Mountain Bicycling Association is nervous because they believe hundreds of miles of prime trails may soon be closed to those who ride on knobbies.

And that includes sections of the Continental Divide. Goodbye Tour Divide Race?

Citing a New York Times article, an IMBA press statement notes “threats fueled by anti-bike philosophies loom large over 2010.”

Their advice? Become a member. For $35, less than a new tire, they’ll bust their humps to keep more dirt open for you. And in addition to working to ensure that you have cool places to ride, it’s a tax deduction. www.imba.com

—Stephen Krcmar