One might surmise that wilderness advocates and mountain bikers do not have
a lot of common ground (because bikes are not allowed in wilderness), but we
probably have more in common than not. We all enjoy cycling, in a big way
that is because we enjoy the outdoors.  I think most would rather have
certain areas protected, rather than developed and abused.

Many times the concept is sound, but the lines on the map don't accurately
represent the use and geography. Wilderness proposals could can potentially
be of benefit to us "mountain bikers". Yes the Mt Rose Wilderness is closed
to bikes. But what about a trail(s) around the Mt Rose Wilderness area?
There are no loops or trails of substantial length there now, but trails
circumnavigating the wilderness could offer much more mileage than we
currently have. More trails, while preserving the places we cherish.

Check out IMBA's position on Wilderness and their resource articles at

http://www.imba.com/resources/wilderness/index.html

IMBA's POSITION ON WILDERNESS

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has a strong record of conservation work and is committed to preserving open space and natural places. We want to protect roadless lands from development and traditionally support prohibitions on mining, logging, road construction, dams and drilling in these areas. Mountain bicyclists care deeply about the environment, strongly support conservation efforts and will endorse some new Wilderness designations. But, the Code of Federal Regulations prohibits bicycle use in all Wilderness areas. For places with significant mountain biking opportunities, IMBA proposes boundary adjustments and alternative legal protections that protect the resource without categorically banning all bicycle use.

Where Wilderness proposals are being considered, IMBA will be involved. We will help empower the United State's 30 million mountain bicyclists to actively support land protection. In all negotiations, we work to identify areas of proposed Wilderness we can support while making sure that important trails remain open for future bicycling enjoyment.

IMBA believes there are more tools in the conservation tool-kit than the "one-size-fits-all" Wilderness designation approach. By looking to alternative protections such as National Conservation or Protection Areas to supplement Wilderness designations, we widen the constituency of support for land protection and help strengthen the trails and open space legacy for future Americans to enjoy

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