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15 Tips from IMBA on Developing Mountain Biking Tourism |
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15 Tips from IMBA on Developing Mountain Biking Tourism
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Create excellent trail maps -
maps that
clearly show the best trails for mountain biking. Elevation profile
maps and concise ride descriptions are also helpful, as are estimates
of ride difficulty, descriptions of ride features, and seasonal
(weather) and safety considerations. Maps can include pictures of
trailheads and parking informaion. Map revenues can help fund trail and
bicycling improvements.
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Identify and promote trails for cyclists of all
abilities:
Lightly traveled paved roads from towns and cities to
trailheads; dirt roads and wide dirt paths that are easy to ride;
twisting forest paths and narrow, challenging singletrack; plus
downhill runs (if available). Being able to provide all of these
experiences, in abundance, will help establish your area as a
first-rate mountain biking destination. Adverise a whole system of
trails, not just one.
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Recommended rides should pass by sites with historical interest and beautiful views.
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Consider offering hotel-to-hotel or hut-to-hut riding
possibilities.
Hut-to-hut rides have become popular in Colorado and
elsewhere. Inn-to-inn (or hotel to hotel) rides are especially
appealing to mountain bikers because they allow cyclists to ride light
and free.
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Commission photographers to take photos of your riding
area,
which can be sent as slides or digital files to magazines and
newspapers. These photos will serve as a tremendous magnet. Moab, Utah;
Fruita, Colorado; and Slatyfork, West Virginia have built stellar
images as a mountain bike destinations using just a few rolls of
excellent mountain bike photos. IMBA can suggest photographers. These
photos should also be used in widely distributed mountain bike tourism
brochures and booklets.
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Offer FREE media mountain bike trips when you're ready -
not only to cycling magazine editors but to general magazine editors
and even daily newspaper writers.
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Design, produce and post accurate trail signs to
supplement the trail signs and markers that are already in place.
No
one likes sign pollution, but simple attractive markers that direct
mountain bikers will be well received. This effort needs to be
coordinated with other trail groups.
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Develop durable, sustainable trails.
IMBA can help with trail maintenance and design advice.
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Offer other recreational activities and vacation
elements that appeal to mountain bikers.
Hiking, climbing, surfing and
other tourism activities make an area attractive to visitors. Mountain
bikers love to eat - and need to eat following a long day in the saddle
- so abundant restaurant options are always appreciated. Mountain
bikers will appreciate lists of restaurants that offer good food in a
comfortable, casual atmosphere.
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Develop package deals that appeal to mountain bikers: by combining lodging, meals and bicycle shop support.
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Build community support for bicycle tourism by
emphasizing the economic benefits.
Cyclists spend money on gas, food,
lodging, souvenirs, etc. "If your commuity is not involved, you're
sunk. Visitors' first stop is often the gas station, grocery store or
welcome center. If the person there is not inviting to mountain biking,
the next bicycling place may be just a short drive further." -- Troy
Rarick, Fruita, CO
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Build the sport by facilitating the presence of quality
retail bicycle shops.
Shops can have a guest host who's entire job is
to talk about where to ride, camp, be responsible, etc.
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Singletrack is essential.
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Differentiate bicycling from motorcycling.
Some people don't understand the difference.
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Quantify everything -
numbers before trails, numbers after trails, etc.
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