IMBA media contact: George Chevalier
Promotions Manager
(732) 371-3855

Shimano media contact: Kristen Legan
Dispatch
(303) 506-1196

BOULDER, Colo. (April 14, 2022) – Shimano and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) announce the completion of 2022’s first round of projects for Dig In, the fundraising platform for trail projects. During the first quarter of 2022, Dig In raised funds critical to build or revitalize a variety of trail projects, including state park trails, bike parks and skills areas across the US. All nine projects raised the funds needed to receive a $2,000 contribution match from Shimano, while four of the projects from this round met or exceeded their overall fundraising goal as well. Visit Dig In to learn about the Dig In program or view Dig In projects.

As part of Shimano’s commitment to global mountain bike advocacy, the organization has supported trail projects nationwide through Dig In since the initiative began in 2020.

“Shimano supports the continued growth of mountain biking, which we have done for decades through partnerships with advocacy organizations like IMBA,” said Nolan Moser, Assistant Vice President, Bicycle Division from Shimano North America. “The team at Shimano North America have quite a few mountain bikers, and we all take pride in seeing programs be as successful as Dig In has been since Shimano and IMBA worked together to create the program. It’s been gratifying to see Dig In trail projects help meet the growing demand for trails for new, existing, and returning mountain bikers over the past few years.”

There have been nearly 50 Dig In projects across the US to date, raising $193k, matching $77k and leveraging $895k for trails. These projects have been possible because of collaboration between IMBA Local Partners and a variety of stakeholders including municipal, county and state government as well as US Forest Service, Land Trust and Army Corps of Engineers.

The next Dig In application period runs from May 1st—31st, 2022 with selected projects raising funds July 1st-September 30th, 2022. Shimano will boost Dig In projects by matching the first $2,000 raised by IMBA Local Partner organizations; full details are available at IMBA.com/DigIn.

“When Shimano and IMBA started Dig In, we believed there was significant potential to help create more trails close to home in communities across the US. We’re incredibly proud of the projects this program has facilitated across the country, and when IMBA Local organizations like Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts in Springfield, Virginia or Weatherford Mountain Bike Club in Aledo, Texas share photos of all the riders’ smiling faces as they experience their new trails or skills areas, we know countless lives are being impacted through this partnership,” said David Weins, IMBA Executive Director. 

By bridging the gap between local and national fundraising, Dig In shows new audiences how inspirational and vital trails are to local riders and communities. Countless great places to ride mountain bikes across the US have been created or improved due to the tireless efforts of IMBA Local Partners. IMBA Local Partners may apply for Dig In support to augment their communities’ local trail resources.

About Shimano North American Bicycle, Inc. 
Shimano North American Bicycle, Inc., a member of Shimano North America Holdings, Inc., along with its world-renowned subsidiaries, offers consumers outstanding sport-related products and apparel. Shimano is proud of its staff, diversity in talent, interests and backgrounds. The company is an ISO14001 certified business where environmental compliance and continued improvements are part of the business philosophy and operations.

About IMBA
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) creates, enhances and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. It is focused on creating more trails close to home to grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities across the U.S., so everyone has access to close-to-home rides and iconic backcountry experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been the worldwide leader in mountain bike advocacy and the only organization focused entirely on trails and access for all types of mountain bikers in all parts of the U.S. IMBA teaches and encourages low-impact riding, grassroots advocacy, sustainable trail design, innovative land management practices and cooperation among trail user groups. IMBA U.S. is a national network of local groups, individual riders and passionate volunteers working together for the benefit of the entire community. Learn more at IMBA.com.