getting a lot of IMBA mail of late...

[geardaddy37]

...most of it I just tossed, but the most recent IMBA editorial rag was titled "get with the plan", so I decided to read on. It was a letter from our new king, a gentleman by the name of Mike Van Abel. He states that the USFS new planning rule should be "welcome by anyone who participates in outdoor sports.". (Wow", I thinks to myself..., "he's speaking directly to me...").
He goes on to say that one user group who may not be as excited as he is are the "dyed in the dirt, committed counter culture mountain bikers", people who apparently don't like to go through the "proper" channels, and who don't trust in the political process.("yes!, all 3 of us!".) He then goes on to state that the IMBA is "the way" to influence the Forest service in providing guidance and leadership for the future of developing and maintaining recreational trails. ("Well Jesus of Colorado, go on, go on...")
He lists "six important tips for getting the most out of this new planning rule." These "tips" amount to building a case for IMBA to be the representative for mountainbikers in Washington D.C. (#1 being of course that "all ridersjoin the MBA...which boils down to
A; join (read...send us your money)
B; trust us to represent our best interests (we know what is best for you...)
C; don't worry about 'small losses', as we are all about the 'big picture'. (ie can't we all just get along?)
Here is my read on it;
1. The reformist attitude of the IMBA towards recreational trail use is self serving, and is not representative of Michigan, or of the diversity of bicyclists in this country. The board is mostly made up of Westerners, and are all upper middle class whites.
2. The tone of Mike Van Abel's letter is obsequious and subserviant in tone if not in content, stating that their mere appearance warrants attention from the USFS and the powerful lobby groups that control land use and dictate the policies which make millions of dollars for the huge lumber industry and spin off corporations. The idea that the IMBA offers important guidelines for sustainability is like saying that the American Red Cross offered important guidelines to the Nazi's for humane treatment of prisoners in their death camps.
3. His patriarchal warning to those who would "short cut the process" is pedantic and misses the point. These are very emotional issues for some of us, at least for those of us who are actually living and riding our bikes in those communities. Unfortunately, wherever bureaucracy's hold themselves up as "the voice" of that community, and take the stance that "we know what is right for you", exporting the process to some governmental conference room, history is rife with examples of how that community has been left behind in the "big picture".
I am here to say, *beep* the big picture.
I am for local politics staying local.
I will not vote for or give my money, my time, or my permission for people who live in Colorado, or Oregon, or California, or Chicago, to make decisions or represent me.
I am sad that the MMBA is no longer, and I find it disturbing that there aren't more people angry about this. If anything this letter further radicalizes me, and reinforces my feelings about this.
Thanks Mike!

[Di_bear]

Wow, Bill. I'm a little shocked with this coming from you.

Some important points:

• Duplication of efforts is not the road to successful mountain biking advocacy. Your chapter covers your area. The MMBA covers state-level advocacy. IMBA covers national advocacy and provides valuable resources without which many of us believe would eventually be the end of the MMBA. I experienced this firsthand when I found that the volunteer base/commitment for state-level activities was virtually non-existent.
• Failure of using the proper channels is why the Back Country Horsemen aren't supported by even their own user group, but using the proper channels is whey the DNR trusts the MMBA. After talking in person with some DNR land managers, I'm pretty impressed with their attitude toward us.
• The MMBA still exists, and our IMBA Regional Director has brought up the idea of incorporating state-level funding into the IMBA program. This is a wait and see, but I am receptive to being part of making this happen. With that said, there is currently a Corporate Sponsorship program in place with the MMBA, and that money is currently being used to protect our trails from a damaging user group. Although we are currently battling the system, we are still enjoying previous success, and I am optimistic that we will see continued success, but we need your support. Not only is financial support helpful for your local chapter, but it is proof for people like me that I need to continue what I'm doing.
• IMBA money is currently used to support your local chapter, so lots of dollars are coming to your area--lots more. Also, IMBA has proven that they are more effective at obtaining higher membership numbers, and that is something the MMBA failed miserably at over the past many years.

This is not meant as an argument to "get you on board," but it is meant to be a reality check.

[cramer]

Almost everything important happens within the local chapters. The transition to IMBA puts more membership money in the hands of the local chapters so that makes things MORE local than before, not less.

[Roy]

Mike:
It sounds like you are making a paradoxical argument, like Jimmy Fallon's Capital One ad showing a little kid that does not want "more money" .
If you want more money: Send more money to Mr. Able Van Cain.
"Thanks Mike" for spitting your Cheerios back at "The Man", or maybe the lady. You almost misted her.
Prepare your self for an old fashion MMBA beat down!

Van Harold
(my Dutch name/if I was dutch)

[geardaddy37]

Wow, Bill. I'm a little shocked with this coming from you.

Some important points:

• Duplication of efforts is not the road to successful mountain biking advocacy. Your chapter covers your area. The MMBA covers state-level advocacy. IMBA covers national advocacy and provides valuable resources without which many of us believe would eventually be the end of the MMBA. I experienced this firsthand when I found that the volunteer base/commitment for state-level activities was virtually non-existent.
• Failure of using the proper channels is why the Back Country Horsemen aren't supported by even their own user group, but using the proper channels is whey the DNR trusts the MMBA. After talking in person with some DNR land managers, I'm pretty impressed with their attitude toward us.
• The MMBA still exists, and our IMBA Regional Director has brought up the idea of incorporating state-level funding into the IMBA program. This is a wait and see, but I am receptive to being part of making this happen. With that said, there is currently a Corporate Sponsorship program in place with the MMBA, and that money is currently being used to protect our trails from a damaging user group. Although we are currently battling the system, we are still enjoying previous success, and I am optimistic that we will see continued success, but we need your support. Not only is financial support helpful for your local chapter, but it is proof for people like me that I need to continue what I'm doing.
• IMBA money is currently used to support your local chapter, so lots of dollars are coming to your area--lots more. Also, IMBA has proven that they are more effective at obtaining higher membership numbers, and that is something the MMBA failed miserably at over the past many years.

This is not meant as an argument to "get you on board," but it is meant to be a reality check.

It is what it is Di...I have no beef with you, and you obviously spend more time than I do On this stuff. I was merely responding to the letter in the IMBA magazine. A couple of points;
- I don't agree with your point that without national advocacy there would be no MMBA. I believe that they would like you to believe this though.
- Your point about using proper channels is understood. Without geting into a big discussion about civil disobedience, or some long rant re: "Occupy Trail Street!", I just don't see how getting in bed with these people is going to do anything except water down and whittle away our control of our trails. The very term "land manager" is offensive to some of us. But this is for another thread. "Local control of local trails" is my point of departure for any serious discussion.
-I am against the idea of MMBA taking corporate money for funding the MMBA. That is why I will give my meagre funds and time and effort to my local trail coordinator, and will take my shovel to my local trail. You are correct in that we are battling the system. Which system seems to be a concern...I believe we are battling a system of greed and corruption which is the organized flow of power away from local communities and into corporations and politicans who want to be able to control public land use for a few people at the expense of the many. If the MMBA goes away it is mostly likely because of the IMBA, not in spite of it. IMBA can keep their money. I pay taxes in my county. If my county park needs money I will gladly pay my share of any millage that my local government wants to fairly assess to maintain my parks. What more is necessary?

[geardaddy37]

Mike:
It sounds like you are making a paradoxical argument, like Jimmy Fallon's Capital One ad showing a little kid that does not want "more money" .
If you want more money: Send more money to Mr. Able Van Cain.
"Thanks Mike" for spitting your Cheerios back at "The Man", or maybe the lady. You almost misted her.
Prepare your self for an old fashion MMBA beat down!

Van Harold
(my Dutch name/if I was dutch)

Roy!!!

[cramer]

Mike:
It sounds like you are making a paradoxical argument, like Jimmy Fallon's Capital One ad showing a little kid that does not want "more money" .
If you want more money: Send more money to Mr. Able Van Cain.
"Thanks Mike" for spitting your Cheerios back at "The Man", or maybe the lady. You almost misted her.
Prepare your self for an old fashion MMBA beat down!

Van Harold
(my Dutch name/if I was dutch)

I'm not sure I understand the point you are trying to make, can you clarify?

[Di_bear]

Wow, Bill. I'm a little shocked with this coming from you.

Some important points:

• Duplication of efforts is not the road to successful mountain biking advocacy. Your chapter covers your area. The MMBA covers state-level advocacy. IMBA covers national advocacy and provides valuable resources without which many of us believe would eventually be the end of the MMBA. I experienced this firsthand when I found that the volunteer base/commitment for state-level activities was virtually non-existent.
• Failure of using the proper channels is why the Back Country Horsemen aren't supported by even their own user group, but using the proper channels is whey the DNR trusts the MMBA. After talking in person with some DNR land managers, I'm pretty impressed with their attitude toward us.
• The MMBA still exists, and our IMBA Regional Director has brought up the idea of incorporating state-level funding into the IMBA program. This is a wait and see, but I am receptive to being part of making this happen. With that said, there is currently a Corporate Sponsorship program in place with the MMBA, and that money is currently being used to protect our trails from a damaging user group. Although we are currently battling the system, we are still enjoying previous success, and I am optimistic that we will see continued success, but we need your support. Not only is financial support helpful for your local chapter, but it is proof for people like me that I need to continue what I'm doing.
• IMBA money is currently used to support your local chapter, so lots of dollars are coming to your area--lots more. Also, IMBA has proven that they are more effective at obtaining higher membership numbers, and that is something the MMBA failed miserably at over the past many years.

This is not meant as an argument to "get you on board," but it is meant to be a reality check.

It is what it is Di...I have no beef with you, and you obviously spend more time than I do On this stuff. I was merely responding to the letter in the IMBA magazine. A couple of points;
- I don't agree with your point that without national advocacy there would be no MMBA. I believe that they would like you to believe this though.
- Your point about using proper channels is understood. Without geting into a big discussion about civil disobedience, or some long rant re: "Occupy Trail Street!", I just don't see how getting in bed with these people is going to do anything except water down and whittle away our control of our trails. The very term "land manager" is offensive to some of us. But this is for another thread. "Local control of local trails" is my point of departure for any serious discussion.
-I am against the idea of MMBA taking corporate money for funding the MMBA. That is why I will give my meagre funds and time and effort to my local trail coordinator, and will take my shovel to my local trail. You are correct in that we are battling the system. Which system seems to be a concern...I believe we are battling a system of greed and corruption which is the organized flow of power away from local communities and into corporations and politicans who want to be able to control public land use for a few people at the expense of the many. If the MMBA goes away it is mostly likely because of the IMBA, not in spite of it. IMBA can keep their money. I pay taxes in my county. If my county park needs money I will gladly pay my share of any millage that my local government wants to fairly assess to maintain my parks. What more is necessary?

That wasn't what I said; nor is that what I believe.

Seriously? Reread what you said and replace it with LAND OWNER. I'm starting to think you have a strong sense of self-entitlement.

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? "Corporate Sponsorship" is what we call it when a business donates to the MMBA, and yes, we provide perks for it. What's wrong with that? Bike shops have supporting the MMBA for years.

Protecting statewide access against other threatening user groups and against other ignorant citizens, purchasing supplies and tools necessary for building and maintaining trails, purchasing insurance so the trail builders don't lose their homes and land access isn't lost because some moron sued, and I'm sure there are more necessary things.

[geardaddy37]

"fnord!"
http://backtable.org/~blade/fnord/index.html

[i69whitey]

"fnord!"
http://backtable.org/~blade/fnord/index.html

no trust me, you really don't wanna click here

[SteveF]

Yes, them evil bastids are at it agin! Gawd, the nerve--this is from my latest IMBA email:

Custom Jerseys available for your Chapter or Club
Your organization's members can now order custom jerseys at preferred pricing through the Primal Wear/IMBA Jersey Program.
Every order placed earns a donation directly back to your chapter ($10 per jersey) or affiliated club ($5 per jersey) thanks to IMBA's partners at Primal Wear.
All purchases also generate a contribution to IMBA's Trail Building Fund.
Choose from full-custom kits featuring your own design or add your chapter's logo to one of the semi-custom pieces for as little as $50/jersey.
Jerseys are available in men's and women's styles in club cut or baggy fit.
Details are here: http://www.imba.com/news/imba-jersey-program
Ordering questions call Primal Wear at 1-800-275-6953

Oh, the humanity!

[Mack]

Yes, them evil bastids are at it agin! Gawd, the nerve--this is from my latest IMBA email:

Custom Jerseys available for your Chapter or Club
Your organization's members can now order custom jerseys at preferred pricing through the Primal Wear/IMBA Jersey Program.
Every order placed earns a donation directly back to your chapter ($10 per jersey) or affiliated club ($5 per jersey) thanks to IMBA's partners at Primal Wear.
All purchases also generate a contribution to IMBA's Trail Building Fund.
Choose from full-custom kits featuring your own design or add your chapter's logo to one of the semi-custom pieces for as little as $50/jersey.
Jerseys are available in men's and women's styles in club cut or baggy fit.
Details are here: http://www.imba.com/news/imba-jersey-program
Ordering questions call Primal Wear at 1-800-275-6953

Oh, the humanity!

CRAMBA jersey I'd buy one.

[dennismurphy]

Almost everything important happens within the local chapters. The transition to IMBA puts more membership money in the hands of the local chapters so that makes things MORE local than before, not less.

More money TEMPORARILY

Once each chapter has to fund their own insurance beginning in October- the money situation appears to be a near wash

Old system:
You join MMBA for $30 your chapter gets $5 and the other $25 stays in Michigan at the state level from which insurance was paid as well as Michigan advocacy

New system:
You join IMBA for $30 your chapter gets $12 and the remaining $18 goes out of state. In October each chapter will be paying insurance from that $12.

So yeah a bit more stays local ( as in chapter ) but far more exits Michigan.

[bikerstuddeluxe]

Almost everything important happens within the local chapters. The transition to IMBA puts more membership money in the hands of the local chapters so that makes things MORE local than before, not less.

More money TEMPORARILY

Once each chapter has to fund their own insurance beginning in October- the money situation appears to be a near wash

Old system:
You join MMBA for $30 your chapter gets $5 and the other $25 stays in Michigan at the state level from which insurance was paid as well as Michigan advocacy

New system:
You join IMBA for $30 your chapter gets $12 and the remaining $18 goes out of state. In October each chapter will be paying insurance from that $12.

So yeah a bit more stays local ( as in chapter ) but far more exits Michigan.

Please excuse the ignorant question but what is the MMBA being insured for? Is there a massive investment prtfolio or palatial MMBA office tower somewhere?

[Loren]

This insurance is per-member liability protection for the chapter, to protect our trail building efforts.