CORP/IMBA members and local MTB riders. We have a crisis.
The local MTB scene is in a fragile state where too few are being asked to do too much. Demands of ambitious land mangers or the patent lack of action by other land managers or governmental agencies have created a situation putting CORP at a crossroads.
We simply have too much on our plate for the very very few volunteers that are sacrificing significant personal and business time to keep the trails in rideable condition.
We have too few active members willing to take a role in any project. Everyday I hear "What does CORP do for me?" Need I reference President Kennedy here? Come on people CORP does a crap ton for you. Without the over 10 years of people busting their ass you would not have a single trail to ride an MTB in Dane County. In simple terms that is what CORP has done for you. Now more than ever we need to hear "What can I do to help CORP create more riding opportunities?"
Blue Mounds without CORP, nothing to ride. CamRock without CORP, no trail, no WORS race. Quarry Ridge without CORP, no features or jumps, just woods. Nothing. Middleton Bike Park without CORP, more parking for golfers at Pleasant View. Dawley, Brigham, Elver, Glenway?? Never heard of these places? That's because we are working on those with insufficient manpower to get anywhere.
That is what CORP is doing for you. Do we ask for much? Hell yes CORP asks. We ask you join and pay the IMBA dues. First and foremost that gives us a few bucks and more importantly membership numbers. Those numbers translate in to real legitimate opportunities to gain grant money. That money can be turned in to more trails. More place to ride, more events to attend, more places for kids and families. That's what CORP is doing for you.
We need more leaders. More people willing to lead a group ride. That is not swinging a tool or getting dirty. Lead a regular ride. We need folks with grant writing experience, not getting dirty but wordsmithing a document. We need folks to stand at events like Ride-the-drive or the Saris Gala and promote CORP. We need members to talk about CORP, wear some kit, chat up the bike shop employees that for some reason are completely unaware of the local trails, hand out cards, deliver brochures, hang up posters. We are more than a bunch of doods that browbeat everyone who steps in to drudging through a work weekend swinging tools.
This is a call to arms. A plea for help. Step up folks. When you are on the trail, ask every rider you happen to chat with if they know about CORP, if they would consider joining, and if they can lend a hand.
