Last weekend the 5th IMBA Gathering, a special edition that coincided with the tenth anniversary of the associationAn important opportunity for discussion to understand where the mountain biking world is headed, including trail management, institutional relations, and new professional challenges.
Quality of the offer and passage count
One of the most debated topics was that of quality of the offer and quantification of steps on the trails.
The maintenance, usability and, in general, the quality of the routes represent the main business card for every MTB destination. Today's biker community is increasingly demanding: a poorly maintained or poorly designed trail can jeopardize an area's entire tourism project.
At the same time, institutions need concrete data: knowing the number of passages allows them to measure the economic return on investments, understand which trails work and where it makes sense to focus resources and maintenance.
Relationship with institutions and search for resources
For associations and enthusiasts, dialogue with institutions remains one of the most complex challenges.
Bureaucracy, calls for tenders and regulatory constraints make it difficult to create and maintain quality trails, especially for volunteer-based organizations.
Yet, without a structured approach, it is impossible to access the public and private funds needed to grow the movement.
More lobbying and professionalism
IMBA can become a political and technical reference point for the sector, following a path similar to that of the CAI or other recognized organizations.
We need strong representation, capable of being listened to when calls for tenders or regulations regarding mountain biking are defined (see the case of the Veneto bans).
Many operators also underline the urgency of recognize the figure of the trail builder as a profession.
Just as an engineer signs off on building plans or a mountain guide signs off on via ferratas, MTB trails should also be supervised by a qualified technician who assesses their safety, sustainability, and maintenance.
In some more structured settings, this already happens: trail builders are trained professionals, while volunteers become a resource to support the design process.
Economy and impact on the territory
Tour operators ask a clear question: “If I invest $100 in trails, what is the return for my business?”
The answer lies in the numbers. IMBA can play a key role in collect reliable data on the economic impact of the sector, offering concrete tools to those who want to invest and bringing solidity to the dialogue with the institutions.
The key role of communication
However, there is an element that is often underestimated: the communication.
Without a communication strategy, even the most spectacular trail risks remaining unknown to most.
Communicating is not just about posting a photo or a track on Strava, but building a plan that includes events, testimonials, targeted campaigns and storytelling consistent with the identity of the territory.
Communication is what transforms a local trail into a recognized destination.
A tip for IMBA and for those who work in the sector: after theadvocacy, a further step towards the communication professionalism.
Only in this way will bikers know where to go… and the territories will be able to truly grow.
