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ADIRONDACK PARK MOUNTAIN BIKING INITIATIVE

The APMBI is a 30-person, 19-organization partnership organized to increase awareness and improve opportunities for mountain biking in the Adirondack Park. The Steering Committee includes representatives from several organizations that have a park-wide focus or responsibility, including the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, DEC, APA, Adirondack Sports Commission, Adirondack Mountain Club, and New York State Economic Development.

2 0 0 2 M i n u t e s

Minutes from the latest steering committee meeting (11/07/02)

Minutes from Towns Sub-committee meeting (11/07/02)

Grand Opening of Speculator Mountain Biking Center Flyer & Press Release

Short summary of the economic impacts of Mountain Biking in Utah

O v e r v i e w o f A P M B I

Steps to Developing a Mountain Biking Center

Mountain Biking Trail Signage Specifications

Local contacts for the Adirondack Park Mountain Biking Initiative

Ready to Riding in 2002 - Where We Go From Here

Role of Initiative

Plans for 2001

P r e s s R e l e a s e s

Mountain Biking Trail Building Workshops a Huge Success (August 16, 2001)

Mountain Biking Trail Crew Coming to the Adirondacks in Early August (July 2, 2001)

Press Release on 1st Steering Committee Meeting (January 29, 2001)

Press Release on 1st General Meeting (December 15, 2000)

T i m ' s T i p s

Here's how to develop the Adirondacks into a leading Northeast mountain biking destination.
by Tim Blumenthal-Executive Director, International Mountain Bicycling Association, e-mail: tim@imba.com, website: http://www.imba.com

1.	You need excellent trail maps--maps that clearly show the best trails for bicycling. Supplemental elevation profile maps and concise ride descriptions are also helpful, as are estimates of ride difficulty, descriptions of ride features, and seasonal and safety considerations.

2.	You need abundant trails for cyclists of all abilities. From paved bike paths that link towns to rail-trails, to easy, dirt-surface fireroads, to winding forest paths to narrow, challenging singletrack: being able to provide all of these experiences, in abundance, will be key in establishing the reputation of the Adirondacks as a first-rate mountain biking destination.

3.	Adirondack mountain bike rides must offer great views. (This will pretty much take care of itself because the North Country is so scenic. But rides that lead to (or pass) spectacular vistas should be encouraged.)

4.	You should consider offering hut-to-hut and/or inn-to-inn riding possibilities. Hut-to-hut rides have become popular in Colorado. Inn-to-inn (or hotel to hotel) rides are especially appealing to mountain bikers because they allow cyclists to ride freely and lightly, point-to-point, while the innkeeper(s) arrange for transfer of baggage. (Note: this feature isn't essential for Adirondack mountain biking tourism success, but it would help develop a positive buzz in the cycling community.)

5.	You need great photos that can be sent as slides or online files to magazines and newspapers. Back when I worked in the Vermont ski industry, we used to laugh about the brochure photos used by Wildcat and Attitash ski areas in New Hampshire. They'd always picture a smiling guy and a smiling girl skiing fast, side by side, on a perfectly sunny day with the towering face of Mount Washington in the background. So what if the reality was shadowy, 15-below boilerplate and a howling wind off the Atlantic, with Mount Washington fully obscured by the clouds? These photos served as a tremendous magnet. Every dollar spent on professional mountain bike photography by the Adirondack group will pay off 10-fold. Elk River Touring Center in Slatyfork, West Virginia, has built a stellar image as a mountain bike destination using just a few rolls of excellent mountain bike photos. (IMBA can suggest photographers if you want.)

6.	You need to offer press fam. (familiarity) trips, when you're ready. A nice article in Outside, Men's Journal, or the travel section of the Sunday New York Times will jumpstart your effort to promote the Adirondacks as a mountain biking destination.

7.	You need to design, produce and post accurate trail signs to supplement the excellent trail signs and markers that are already in place. No one likes sign pollution (too many signs), but simple attractive markers that direct mountain bikers will be well received.

8.	You need durable, sustainable trails. IMBA is ready to help evaluate Adirondack trails for their suitability for mountain biking. A well-built, well-maintained trails will stand up well to heavy use by cyclists, hikers and horses.

9.	You need to offer other recreational activities and vacation elements that appeal to mountain bikers. Hiking trails in the High Peaks will always be a magnet, as will the lakes and rivers of your region. Mountain bikers love to eat--and need to eat following a long day in the saddle--so abundant restaurant options are always appreciated. You shouldn't have any problems in this area.

10.	You need to develop package deals that appeal to mountain bikers, i.e. bed & breakfast plans, and maybe combo trips that include whitewater trips or a one-day boat rental or ????? A mountain bike booklet akin to the Adirondack Great Walks & Day Hikes (produced by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council) would be very useful.

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