BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — After a year on hold, IMBA is relaunching its Model Trails program, which recognizes outstanding mountain bike trails and locations. Trails are awarded with Epic designations and gold, silver and bronze-level Ride Center designations.
Trails that have received the designations have become mountain bike destinations and influenced trail design around the country.
"It was time for IMBA to evolve its Model Trails program to mirror the evolution of our organization and our sport," said Dave Wiens, IMBA's executive director. "We're ready to roll out a program that continues elevating communities showing a commitment to mountain biking, from the essential backyard trails to those backcountry classics."
The revised application process for 2017 designations will open in early May and close in late June. An in-person, in-depth review of each application by IMBA's team of reviewers will take place over the summer and early fall, and designee announcements will be made in November. Tiered fees will be associated with the application and review process, based on the length of review required and optional additional technical support requested by applicants. Exact dates and more information will be announced and listed at imba.com/model-trails as the 2017 timeline is finalized.
The review process helps IMBA chapters, community stakeholders and land managers understand the strengths of a trail system as well as identify areas for improvements.
"The Ride Center designation is as much about the process as it is the award, by helping community partners use the process as the blueprint for creating amazing places to ride," said Andy Williamson, IMBA's program director.
