Osprey Packs, Inc., a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative packs to comfortably and efficiently carry gear, announced today the donation of four cash grants through the IMBA “Let’s Build Trails” Program to support the growth of recreational mountain biking in the United States.

The grant recipients include:

• Central Illinois Trails Association (Chatham, IL)
• Team Dirt (Corvallis, OR)
• South Alabama Mountain Bike Association (Mobile, AL)
• Southern Kettle Moraine Chapter of IMBA (Whitewater, WI)

“It is very rewarding to work with IMBA in providing trail grants to grass roots mountain bike organizations who are working hard to maintain and improve recreational cycling opportunities in their communities,” said Jeff Fox, Bike Marketing Manager for Osprey.

The Central Illinois Trails Association (CILTA) will use the grant to improve the trail at Lewis Memorial Acres on the west side of Springfield, IL, incorporating sustainable design, effective signage and risk mitigation. CILTA intends to use the trail to facilitate education of users, land managers, and singletrack advocates regarding the capabilities of an IMBA chapter.

The newly opened Alsea Falls Trail System is located southwest of Corvallis, Washington. The IMBA/Osprey “Let’s Build Trails” grant allows the IMBA Chapter Team Dirt to add an advanced flow trail to the existing six mile system, enhancing the trail’s appeal to all levels of riders in the area.

Southern Alabama Mountain Bike Association plans to elevate the USA Trails to allow accessibly to riders of all ages and skill level. Many sections of this trail system have eroded, requiring rerouting and repair. The grant will assist in the purchase of equipment necessary for maintaining and improving this beloved trail system.

The Southern Kettle Moraine Chapter will use the grant for Phase II of the development of a skills park in State Forest Land in the Southern Kettle Moraine Start Forest, located near Whitewater Wisconsin.

“Small grants are a great way to kick start local efforts and often are combined with community funding to drive a larger project like a bike park or new trail, ” said Rich Cook, IMBA Development Director. “We appreciate that Osprey Packs gets this by contributing to the growing IMBA small grants program.”

Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trail work participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s staff, chapters, clubs and members work to benefit the entire mountain bike community.

Contact

Julie Atherton
JAM Media Collective
julie@jamcollective.net
415-839-7546

Logo courtesy Osprey Packs