March 2013 National eNews – Special Youth Issue

MEC TO SUPPORT TAKE A KID DAY THROUGHOUT 2013

IMBA Canada believes that Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day can be much more than just one day on the calendar each year. To achieve this goal, we’ve partnered with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) for 2013! Together we intend to make each and every day Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day.

As Presenting Sponsor MEC has pledged to supply gear and prizes for Canadian events, as well as promote the Take A Kid program, and wherever possible, attend official events.

October 5, 2013 marks the tenth annual celebration of Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day, and with MEC’s support, it is our goal to grow the program to at least 40 events in Canada (a 25% increase over last year) and also to have every province represented on the events calendar.

+ Press release

TAKE ACTION

Want to help support the future of our trails? Get kids on bikes.

Here are three ways you can take action today:

1) Plan an official Take A Kid event and register it online

2) MEC members can vote in the 2013 Board of Directors election and choose to support IMBA

3) Donate to the Trail Love Campaign– a portion of this year’s proceeds will be directed to developing more resources for youth

TAKE A KID REGISTRATION NOW ONLINE

2013 is the 10th Anniversary of Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day and we’re celebrating!

Its our goal to get as many kids on bikes as possible this year. Find new resources, posters, and a revamped event planning toolkit on ourwebsite.

With a dedicated staffer running the program, clubs hosting events will see their official events on our national map, as well as receive goody packages as early as April 2013.

And while the official international date falls on Saturday, October 5, 2013, we’re encouraging clubs and partners to host events throughout the year.

+ Register your event now

‘YOU VOTE, YOUR CAUSE’ CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING TKMBD

As a national Partner of Mountain Equipment Co-op, IMBA Canada has been selected for the ‘You Vote, Your Cause’ campaign.

MEC members are invited to vote in the 2013 Board of Directors election. As a thank you for participating, MEC has pledged to donate $1 per vote to a community project of your choosing – this includes IMBA Canada, the Canadian Avalanche Centre, and Leave No Trace Canada.

Funds from MEC will support IMBA Canada’s Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day events, part of the world-wide celebrations which pledge to put 30,000 kids on bikes in 2013!

+ Press release

RESOURCES: LET’S GET KIDS BUILDING & BIKING

+ Read Lee McCormack’s tips for taking kids out on great, memorable bike rides. Suggestions include choosing the right bike, picking your destination, trail style, and proper fuel for little bodies! Article.

+ Coach and owner of the Creative Wheel Centre / La Rocca XC Mountain Bike School, Dominique Laroque, offers a how-to guide on productive and engaging trail building with kids and teens. Article.

DID YOU ATTEND A TRAIL BUILDING SCHOOL LAST YEAR?

If so, we want to hear about your experience with the IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew! Take this short survey and you’ll have the chance to win a sweet IMBA Canada t-shirt! Remember to provide your name if you’d like be entered into the draw for the tee!

+ Survey

THANK YOU CORPORATE MEMBERS!

A hearty thank you to the following corporate members who have pledged to support IMBA Canada through 2013. Because of the generous donations from these,and other corporate members, IMBA Canada is able to create, enhance, and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers across Canada.

+ Community Futures Crowsnest Pass
+ Conservation Halton – Kelso/Hilton Falls
+ Mountain Equipment Co-Op [Above and Beyond Member]
+ Zeptechniques Mountain Bike Coaching and Instructor Training

Learn more about how your company or organization can join the mountain bike movement and support trail access in Canada – 2013 Corporate Membership Package.