It is sometimes difficult for bicyclists to convey their

experience to non-bicyclists, especially to those traditional users

and established land managers with whom we interact most frequently.

How does one explain that an experienced bicyclist becomes one with

the bike and the land and at speeds that seem alarming to others,

still appreciates the scenery, notices the wildlife, and is in fact,

in control? How do we demonstrate that we are legitimate users; that

we won't cause environmental damage, and that we can ride safely in

multiple-use environments? How do we demonstrate that large numbers

of bicyclists are an asset to the parks? The answer: we must

organize.

This is a problem for mountain bicyclists, who have traditionally

been less organized and more individualistic than other backcountry

users. Most mountain cyclists ride alone or in small groups. It is

also a fact that the logistical demands of forming an organization

and meeting with members, land managers, and other user groups can

take an extraordinary amount of time. Unfortunately, the alternative

is often closure of the backcountry to bicycles. In most of the

access situations to date, trails were closed and then mountain

bicyclists got organized. We must reverse this sequence. It is

extremely important that mountain bicyclists unite at the local and

national levels to stem the tide of closure. If there is no organized

group of mountain bikers in your area, form one. If you have a riding

club, increase your trail maintenance and trail committee work. Have

your club join IMBA and participate in the national movement that

promotes responsible riding, trail volunteerism and open trails.

ORGANIZING:

First, you must generate membership. Put petitions or sign-up

sheets in all of the local bike shops. If you do this, make sure you

ask respondents to PRINT their names, full addresses and telephone

numbers or you'll get hundreds of illegible and incomplete responses.

Send a mailing to all of the respondents that provides an outline of

your reasons for starting a club, and includes the time, date and

place of your first meeting. The Post Office will sell a bulk mail

permit for approximately $75.00 a year. You must have more than 200

pieces of mail and you must sort them by zip codes according to bulk

mail guidelines (available at the Post Office). Talk to your

postmaster about pre-printed permit stamps. They'll save you a lot of

time.

If your club has access to a computer, take the time to set up a

database (membership date, name, address, phone, volunteer

activities). This is extremely useful later when contacting members

who have volunteered for a specific activity, who live in a specific

area, or who need to renew their membership.

Contact bike shops directly. They're often able to provide mailing

lists, photocopying, postage meters, meeting space, and other

resources. Remember that they're in business and thus, they may want

to know what you'll do for them. Remind them that there's a direct

connection between their sales and the availability of local trails.

Let them know that your club riders appreciate the support of dealer

members and sponsors. Tell members to support (shop at) the dealers

who support your club. Encourage them to participate in the education

of new mountain bicyclists. Ask shops to distribute IMBA's Rules of

the Trail and a membership form with every new bike sold. But be

careful not to become so closely identified with a particular shop

that other local retailers won't get involved.

LAND MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS:

Government land management agencies have a responsibility to serve

the general public, but often serve their perceived constituencies.

Bicyclists have every right to contact appointed officials to discuss

trail cycling concerns. You will find that most government employees

are helpful and willing to work with you. You may find that they are

worried about other users' reactions to mountain bikes. Be rational

and well organized. As a rule, agencies move slowly. Be prepared and

be patient.

Inform your local officials that you wish to be informed of all

deliberations relating to mountain biking. Be specific in requesting

policy changes, and in discussing particular trails or riding areas.

Ask them how your mountain bike club can help them. Also, let them

know that you appreciate their work.

You may also need to get involved with elected officials. This can

range from taking a politician on a ride, speaking to a politician on

the street or over a meal, getting a large group of cyclists out to

testify at a hearing, or even trying to influence elections.

OTHER USER GROUPS:

Shared use of the backcountry demands cooperation between

different user groups. Sooner or later, you'll have to meet with

representatives of other outdoor groups. Some members of these groups

may be completely hostile to mountain bicyclists. Most members will

be curious or worried about the impact of mountain biking. on their

outdoor experience. Establish your legitimacy, your commonality, and

your willingness to work together.

Individuals resist change and are suspicious of strangers. Try to

find mountain bicyclists within the other groups and encourage them

to get involved. Join the groups if it is appropriate. Work from

within. Work with other groups in trail building and maintenance,

political lobbying, and other environmental efforts. Show them that

mountain bicyclists appreciate the backcountry for the same reasons

they do, follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail and practice the Leave No

Trace philosophy.

PUBLICITY AND FOLLOW-THROUGH:

No matter how important your work or how successful your efforts,

few people will know about it unless you publicize. Write letters to

the editor of appropriate publications. Send press releases on

activities and events, and have flyers and newsletters available at

local bike shops. Don't let negative impressions of mountain bikes be

publicized without a response. Talk about your mountain biking and

trail access issues with other bicyclists, co-workers, friends,

family, etc. After a while, others will seek you out for information.

Similarly, follow through on your contacts. Officials, groups and

agencies may have expressed great interest and cooperation when you

met with them. Give them a date when you'll get back to them. Ask

them when you can expect action. Make inertia and momentum work with

you, not against you.

NETWORKING:

There is no need for us to reinvent the wheel. Share your

expertise and your materials. Many of the bike magazines list clubs

and organizations. List yourselves, and make contact with others.

Affiliate with IMBA and plug into the international network of trail

cycling advocates.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, concerns or comments

call or write IMBA's international headquarters at: IMBA Post Office

Box 7578 Boulder, Colorado 80306-7578 USA Telephone: 303/545-9011

Fax: 303/545-9026