Trail Development Process
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. Ten scholarships will be available, please contact Marty Caivano 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 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, Sept. 30:
- Optional welcome event, 6:00-7:30pm, Ursa Major Brewery, 2415 W Superior St Suite B, Duluth, MN 55806. Come check in, meet your fellow attendees, and have a beer on us!
Wednesday, Oct. 1:
- Breakfast on your own
- Workshop begins at 8:00 am at the Grand Avenue Chalet at Spirit Mountain Recreation Area ski resort, 8551 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55808
- You can find a detailed look at the event content on the bottom of this page.
- Coffee, lunch and snacks provided
- After lunch: Bring your hiking shoes for a field trip to some of Duluth’s trails
- Event ends for the day at 4pm
- Go enjoy a ride or hike on some of Duluth’s 100 miles of trails!
- Dinner on your own
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast on your own
- Workshop: 8am to 4pm
- Coffee, lunch and snacks provided
Getting there and enjoying Duluth
AIRPORTS
Duluth International Airport (15mins)
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (2.5hr)
Explore Duluth, MN
“Up North” has never looked this good. Imagine yourself riding in Minnesota’ North Shore region: a chill of fall in the air; thousands of acres of leaves turning brilliant oranges, yellow, reds and purples; breathtaking views of Lake Superior; the feel of the mountains and the charm of the Upper Midwest. October on the North Shore is unbeatable, and with hundreds of miles of trails within riding and driving distance, Duluth is truly a destination trails community, that’s why IMBA is hosting Foundations in Duluth.
Built on the glacial bedrock that forms the dynamic, rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, the Duluth Traverse mountain bike trail runs for about 40 miles along the entire city of Duluth, connecting 5 main trail centers to neighborhoods and bringing more trails close to home for Minnesotans and visitors alike. In total, Duluth boasts over 90 miles of natural surface and paved trails. From the smooth, flowy lines at Mission Creek; to the lift serviced, downhill runs and winter fat biking at Spirit Mountain Bike Park; to the technical, rocky descents in the Piedmont; to rooty, rocky terrain in Hartley, there is something for everyone.
While you’re visiting, Climb Enger Tower to see the giant ships on Lake Superior. Visit the lively downtown scene and experience live music, arts, and sporting events. Check out a brewery or distillery, and watch the sunrise over Park Point. Eat a meal at Duluth Grille and thank me later.
LODGING
We have a room block reserved at the Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview. To receive the discounted rate, you must book by August 30th. See details and book your room here.
Duluth has a wide variety of lodging to suit your needs, whether you’re traveling with your team or on your own. Visit Duluth has compiled options for you, whether you’d prefer to stay in a house or a hotel: visitduluth.com/stay
BIKE RENTALS/SHIPPING
Bike Shop
Continental Ski and Bike
Renting
Bikes can be rented from Continental Ski and Bike. It is strongly recommended that you reserve a rental before you arrive.
Shipping
Bikes can be shipped to your lodging destination with BikeFlights
