Start With What You’ve Got. Build Toward What’s Possible.
IMBA’s assessments help communities, destinations and organizations understand where they stand today and how to level up with purpose. These tools provide a clear, objective look at trails, access, amenities, and organizational capacity so you can focus energy where it will have the greatest impact.
All assessments are available anytime, and designed to support smart planning.
IMBA offers three assessments:
- Community - Live / Work / Play
- Destination - Mountain Bike Tourism
- Organization - Trail/Mountain Bike Nonprofits
Assessments
Insight Without Obligation
It’s a two-part system of assessments and designations. You don’t need to be ready for a designation to benefit.
Many communities and organizations complete an assessment simply to:
- Understand current strengths and gaps
- Align partners, staff, and volunteers around shared priorities
- Inform strategic plans, funding requests, and growth decisions
- Establish a baseline to measure progress over time
Assessments provide clarity first. Recognition comes later if and when you’re ready.
Designations
Recognition That Accelerates Progress
Each assessment is also the first step toward an IMBA designation, offering third-party validation that signals quality, readiness, and leadership.
One Community. Multiple Strengths.
IMBA Trail Towns
An IMBA Trail Town embodies the essence of a welcoming and vibrant locale, where the beauty of nature intertwines seamlessly with community life. It's not just a place, but an ethos—a commitment to fostering a diverse array of outdoor experiences within reach of every resident and visitor. Trails aren’t merely pathways in an IMBA Trail Town; they're the arteries of connection, inviting exploration and adventure.
Ride Center™
IMBA’s Ride Center™ designation is the gold standard for mountain biking destinations. These world-class locations deliver it all: epic variety, unmatched quality, and progression that keeps every rider stoked, whether you’re an advanced shredder chasing flow, a family looking for a weekend getaway, or a first-timer discovering the joy of trails.
Trail Organization Designation
Launching Fall 2026
Take an Assessment
Because these assessments measure different, but complementary aspects of a place or organization, many communities pursue multiple designations demonstrating strength as:
- A great place to live, work, and ride
- A compelling destination for visitors
- A high-performing organization capable of delivering long-term impact
Explore each designation to learn more about assessments, designation benefits, and how to get started.
