BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The International Mountain Bicycling Association has announced the latest recipients of its IMBA Ride Center designation.
IMBA says the designation is given to communities that "feature extensive trail networks, masterfully designed for mountain bikers of every skill level and built by professional trailbuilders and local volunteers. From backcountry adventures to shuttle-served gravity trails, and from expert-only trails to family-friendly riding, mountain bikers can expect the best the sport has to offer at an IMBA Ride Center. Trails systems are integrated, well-designed, and embraced by the surrounding communities for the economic, tourism and other benefits they provide."
The three recipients are Virginia's Blue Ridge, near Roanoke, Virginia; Steamboat Bike Town, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Vail Valley Silver-Level IMBA Ride Center: Eagle County, Colorado, USA
Steamboat Bike Town Silver-Level IMBA Ride Center: Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and the Vail Valley in Colorado.
"These Ride Center status designations solidify the enthusiasm for mountain biking in each of these communities, and recognizes them as some of today's greatest mountain bike destinations," said Dave Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. "Trails improve communities, from the local rider to the city's bottom line. We look forward to the many ways Virginia's Blue Ridge, Vail Valley and Steamboat Bike Town will thrive with their new Ride Center designations."
All three of the new designees are Silver Level Ride Centers. Steamboat Springs was upgraded from the Bronze Level the town attained last year.
The additions of Roanoke and the Vail Valley bring the total number of IMBA Ride Centers to 39 (six Gold, 15 Silver, 18 Bronze), nine of which are outside of the U.S.
The next application period for Ride Center designations and category upgrades will open in early June.
