Fall Tahoe Mt. Bike Conference

Mountain bike conference set for fall


Staff Report
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For three days, starting Oct. 1, the International Mountain Bicycling
Association and the U.S. Forest Service will host a Tahoe Trails
Conference at MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa, according to a statement
from the Forest Service.

The event, which is open to all members of the mountain bike
community, will create an opportunity for collaboration between
riders, land managers and the bike industry, according to the
statement.

The goal is to ensure the future of sustainable and enjoyable trails
in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“I'm looking forward to this opportunity to share information, improve
understanding and keep the lines of communication open,” said IMBA's
Tom Ward, in the statement. “This is a critical juncture for relations
between people who are passionate about riding their mountain bikes in
the forest, and those charged with protecting the incredible resources
in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We will focus on this area, but I have no
doubt that these discussions will be relevant to mountain bikers and
land managers in other regions.”

Registration for the Tahoe Trails Conference will open on IMBA's home
page in upcoming weeks.

Registration costs will be kept to a minimum and a limited number of
scholarships will be made available, with the goal of attracting as
many leaders from the local mountain bike community as possible.

Specific conference goals include:

• Create a sense of environmental stewardship and ownership for the
trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

• Enhance riders' awareness of Lake Tahoe's sensitive environment.

• Develop understanding of design and engineering elements that go
into creating enjoyable and sustainable trails.

• Create understanding of what is needed to develop a strong and
effective mountain bike community.

• Facilitate networking among land managers and activists in the
mountain bike community.

Conference Outcomes:

• The creation of an informed mountain bike community that takes pride
and ownership of the trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

• Encourage trailbuilders to partner with land managers on the
planning, construction and maintenance of trails.

• Promote better understanding of the trail experiences riders desire.

• Foster long-term protection of the environment in the Lake Tahoe
Basin.

• Ensure long-term protection and expansion of mountain biking
opportunities.

In addition to informational sessions and presentations the conference
will feature group rides, networking opportunities and planned social
gatherings.