IMBA: Level Up Leadership Summit
Foundations: two-day intensive workshops during which IMBA staff and local experts and stakeholders lead participants through the process for a model community trail system: planning, design, building, activation, promotion and measuring success. Attendees also get a firsthand look at components of an intentional and diverse mountain bike trails community through field visits.
Individuals best-suited to attend the workshops are land managers, community officials, recreation professionals and tourism/economic development staff. In addition to helping you understand the benefits of trails and the experiences desired by mountain bikers, we will provide the knowledge you need to get started making great trails happen locally and help you identify the next steps needed to bring more trails to your own backyards.
The cost to attend is $600, which includes registration, breakfast and lunch, shuttles for field workshops and evening festivities. 10 Scholarships will be available, please contact John Cox for scholarship questions and details.
This event is designed to help attendees learn how to get more trails close to home learning from the benefits and challenges the community in Winona, Minnesota has experienced through their targeted focus and investment in trails. A key element of Foundations is to have local stakeholders—such as parks and recreation, tourism and economic development professionals—all present and involved in the workshop so you get to interact with and hear from them directly.
Note that afternoon site visits will be walking and talking tours. We will not get our hands dirty during this event (no trail building), nor will attendees be returning home with a complete, detailed trails plan, but you will walk away with the knowledge and resources to gain momentum in your own community leading to site-specific plans for more trails close to your home.
Reservations: Due to the demand of Foundations we do not allow spots to be reserved for anticipated registrations. We encourage your group to register early as we are limited to 40 spots. If you would like to know how many spots remain please contact us.
Cancellations & Refunds: A registration may be canceled with a full refund issued if cancellation is requested up to 30 days prior to the event. Within 30 days of the event date a 50% refund will be issued up to two (2) weeks prior. No refunds will be issued if canceled within two (2) weeks of the event. In the event IMBA must cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, IMBA will refund the full cost of registration. However, IMBA does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses; such as charges made for travel and lodging.
Schedule
(please note this schedule is subject to change)
Tuesday, May 6
- 5:00 – 8:00pm Welcome reception
Wednesday, May 7
- 8:00am – 1:00pm Classroom workshop
- 1:00 – 4:00pm Field sessions at Local Trail Systems (shuttles will be provided)
- 5:30 – 7:00pm Optional MTB Ride
Thursday, May 8
- 8:00am – 1:00pm Classroom workshop
- 1:00 – 3:45pm Field sessions at Local Trail Systems (shuttles will be provided)
- 3:45 – 4:30pm Community Panel
- Closing
Get There and Enjoy Winona
AIRPORTS
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (2hr)
Rochester International Airport (1hr)
La Crosse Regional (30min)
EXPLORE
Winona, MN
Winonans playfully refer to their town as the Miami of Minnesota, but there is more than beaches and a big river flowing through this small, midwestern port city. From mountain biking and hiking, to ice climbing, paddling, camping, hunting, and fishing, Winona has always been a mecca for four seasons of outdoor recreational opportunities. Leveling up the incredible historical trails in and around town, in the last five years, the community has invested in a world-class trail system and has become a mountain biking destination.
Within less than a mile of the banks of the Mississippi River, you can rip a lap in the Oberton Family Bicycle Skills Park, experience some world class riding on the Holzinger Trails at Bluffside Park, take the Troll Stroll, crossing a whimsical and artsy new bridge, and climb to the top of bluffs that overlook the river east and west seeing all the way to Wisconsin. Want a good recommendation on where to start? Stop down to Adventure Cycle and Ski where the owner and most staffers are members of Winona Area Mountain Bikers (WAMB).
From locally owned and operated restaurants and breweries, to a robust and dynamic arts scene, Winona has a taste of it all. And it is less than an hour from La Crosse, Wisconsin and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance Trails and Vernon Trails, too!
LODGING
Hotels
Plaza Hotel & Suites: River City Grill is located within the same building
Holiday Inn & Suites: located just across the parking lot from Plaza Hotel and River City Grill
Riverport Inn Express Suites: Brewski’s Pub & Grill is located within the same building
Super 8: close to the trailhead of Sugar Loaf
All hotels listed above are on the east side of town, within easy walking/biking/riding distance from the Sugar Loaf Trail System and Bluffside Park.
Airbnb & Short Term Rentals
Winona has 30+ unique Airbnb and short-term rental options within city limits, many of which are in the heart of downtown.
BIKE RENTALS/SHIPPING
Bike Shop
Adventure Cycle and Ski
Renting
Bikes can be rented from Adventure Cycle and Ski. It is strongly recommended that you reserve a rental before you arrive.
Shipping
Bikes can be shipped to your lodging destination with BikeFlights
