IMBA Summit: Days 2 & 3 reports

Here are Day 2 and Day 3 reports from the 2006 IMBA Summit in Whistler, British Columbia, by Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Manager.

Day 2

The 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference continued in Whistler, BC, today (6/22/06) with a keynote address by Joey Klein. An IMBA Trail Specialist, Klein oversees the planning, design and construction of trail systems all over the world. Addressing an audience of more than 400 delegates, Klein described some of the mountain biking destinations he's crafted, including planning Olympic Mountain Bike courses, helping create Welsh and Scottish national mountain bike centers, and promoting the sport of mountain biking in several countries. Klein was also instrumental in jump-starting IMBA's Trail Solutions program in 2002, after a three-year stint in the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program.

Whistler's Success, Industry Trends Examined

After Klein's address, leaders from the bicycle advocacy movement -- as well as land managers, resort representatives and bicycle manufacturers -- gathered for seminars, including the following:

How Does the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Do It?
Join this open question and answer session with the minds and strength behind the highly successful Whistler Mountain Bike Park. From trail design and construction to marketing strategies, no question is off the table. Speakers: Dave Kelly, Whistler Mountain Bike Park; Rob McSkimming, Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Anticipating Trends in the Bike Industry
Does the mountain biking movement shape the industry or the industry shape the mountain bike movement? Speakers will present current trends and address this "chicken and egg" question. Retailers, advocates land managers and anyone in the trails community will benefit from this examination of where mountain bicycling is headed. Speakers: Rob Jones, President Canadian Cyclist; Gary Sjoquist, Quality Bike Products.

Partnering for Conservation
The synergy between the mountain biking movement and conservation is exemplified by the joint work of Parks Canada and IMBA Canada. This national effort combines singletrack and national parks, and could be precedent-setting worldwide. Join speakers as they describe current pilot projects, and the immense potential of this partnership. Speakers: Jim Hasenauer, California State University; Frances Gertsch, Parks Canada; Ed Yaeger, Parks Canada; Mark Schmidt, IMBA Canada.

Day 2 Concludes with Trials Demonstration and Banquet

The Thursday program concluded with a banquet dinner, held in the Whistler Conference Centre. World-famous trials rider Ryan Leech and mountain unicyclist Kris Holm performed amazing feats for the attendees.

Day 3

Today (6/23/06) was the final day of the IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference, held in Whistler, BC. A plenary session titled "Trails and Communities" focused on the tourism and health initiatives needed to make trails work in urban areas.

Andy Clarke, of the League of American Bicyclists; Keith Bennett, from the Resort Municipality of Whistler; Chris Laforest of Bruce County Planning and Economic Development and Mountain Trails Foundation's Carol Potter presented strategies fielded delegates' questions.

Concurrent Workshops Tackle Tourism

Enhancing mountain bike tourism and promoting female participation were some of the issues addressed in the afternoon sessions:

Marketing Mountain Biking
Is it preferable to market mountain biking as a sport or a tourism product? Speakers will present marketing strategies, and discuss the economic impact trails can have on a community. Hosted by Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler; Chris Hughes, Bruce County Tourism; Mike Fox Tourism Vancouver

Mountain Bike Centres
Regional mountain biking centres are a testament to the power of big-picture planning. They offer a proven model for promoting mountain bike tourism on a large scale. Panelists will discuss the planning, implementation, and funding mechanisms for large-scale projects. Hosted by Eitan Hevroni, Israel's Samson Riders Bicycle Club and Tony Scott of MTB Australia.

Reaching Out to Women Riders
Women present the best opportunity for growth in the mountain bike movement. Learn how to open the door with targeted clinics, products, clubs, races, marketing techniques and more. This workshop is relevant to anyone involved in the mountain biking movement -- from industry to tourism to mountain bike advocates. Hosted by Mary Monroe, Trails 2000 ; Candace Shadley, Sugoi Dirt Series; Eron Chorney, Specialized Bikes.

Film Festival Finale

The 2006 Summit/Conference concluded with a film and slideshow night, hosted by rider Ryan Leech. Films include the acclaimed "Roam," and the world premier of the trailer for "Progression Kranked 6." "Defect," an extreme unicycling film, was hosted by Kris Holm. Proceeds from the film night go to Epic Riders and Future Heroes, non-profit organizations that benefit young riders in British Columbia.