IMBA media contact: Eleanor Blick
IMBA Senior Communications & Advocacy Manager
(720) 900-4622
Shimano media contact: Kristen Legan
Dispatch
(303) 506-1196
(Boulder, Colo., April 3, 2020) – Shimano today announced the expansion of its longstanding commitment to global mountain bike advocacy by growing its support for the International Mountain Bike Association’s (IMBA) efforts. In addition to its ongoing partnership and working relationship with IMBA, Shimano will become the Founding Sponsor of IMBA’s Dig In program through a multi-year donation to fund the creation of new mountain bike trail projects.
Also today, Shimano released its Shimano Originals video feature, “Shape Your World,” that celebrates mountain bike trail builders. The video showcases their efforts to create and sustain places to ride and make their mark on the sport. Please click here to view the video.
“Shimano understands that we all must play a part in contributing to the future of the sport of mountain biking and for decades we’ve created partnerships and efforts to make a difference globally,” said Nolan Moser, Vice President, Bicycle Division from Shimano North American Bicycle, Inc. “We’re excited to grow our support for IMBA at the ground level with the Dig In program as it will support local trail projects being planned or currently underway in a variety of locations serving a diverse group of riders.”
IMBA recognizes that all trails are local, and many great places to ride mountain bikes owe their existence to the tireless efforts of IMBA Local Partner organizations. IMBA wants to strengthen its collaboration with local partners to put as much money toward local projects as possible. Dig In will provide a new avenue to raise funds for mountain bike projects through crowd-sourced contributions and matching industry donations.
“Our Dig In Campaign will be a fresh take on IMBA’s traditional ways of providing funds. Bridging the gap between national and local fundraising efforts will put more trails in more places, more quickly, to grow the number of mountain bike trail communities. When everyone has access to great trails, people, communities and economies benefit,” said Dave Wiens, IMBA Executive Director.
The inaugural round of Dig In projects will launch on July 1st, 2020 and run year-round. Projects will be refreshed quarterly. IMBA Local Partner organizations will be able to submit project applications beginning May 1st. Funds may be used to support trail construction, trail access efforts, trail assessment, trail plan creation or trail maintenance. To stay in touch on Dig In and support projects near you, visit https://www.imba.com/digin.
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.
