OMBA Outlook 2007 Santos Success Continues... 2006 was a banner year for the Santos bike trails and the Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA). In response to threats to the existence of off-road bike riding secondary to the inherent risk of the sport, the land managers and cycling enthusiasts teamed up to protect Santos. We have received accolades from all over- FBA, the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), and several national magazines (2)for the efforts and improvements made by Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT, a division of the Department of Environmental Protection) and OMBA- a club established over ten years ago to develop and maintain the bike trails. This partnership of land managers and a volunteer group has brought incredible enhancements to the trails while satisfying risk management concerns. OGT won over the volunteers by hiring the IMBA Trail Solutions Crew for a visit last winter. The year before we had consulted the Crew for risk management guidance. The volunteers implemented many of their recommendations in 2005, and IMBA felt the local support was present to go forward. The crew consisted of trail building professionals from Virginia, British Columbia, Delaware, and California. Heavy equipment for moving mud made development of the Freeride complex a reality. OMBA members inspect and document trail and feature conditions on a monthly basis. Local riders were “won over” to the trail changes. Respecting closures of some trails to simplify routes and ensure safety became easier. OMBA also moved forward with other recommendations that ensure safety and increased enjoyment of our trail features. Skills classes are offered before club meetings, some were women-specific. Besides simplified routes, we have provided current maps, a progressive “skills area” to practice near the parking lot, and established the Ocala Bike Patrol. This division of IMBA’s National Mountain Bike Patrol serves as ambassadors on the trail- providing direction, basic first aid and rescue knowledge, as well as bike tools. Look for the yellow and green jerseys! Documenting volunteers and their hours “proves” the club’s value. This year OMBA will have contributed 2400 documented hours to the Greenway Santos trails! Having progressive, pro-active land managers makes riding and volunteering easy in Ocala. (Personally, I wish it were so easy with road planners!) We are on track for an exciting 2007 at Santos. IMBA designated Santos an “Epic Destination” at the end of 2006. A specifically labeled “Epic Trail” will debut, leading the rider over 40 miles of original singletrack. IMBA’s Trail Care Crew returns for a celebration (less sweat this time!) with OMBA at our first Spring Break Fat Tire Festival, March 23-25th 2007 at the Santos Campground. Guided rides, food, entertainment, and a vendor village are planned. Registration is limited to 200, and is available at www.OMBA.org and www.Active.com. Come see what we’ve got! Thanks, Renee Blaney, OMBA Prez.