IMBA announces 2006 Kona/IMBA freeriding grants

In 2006, Kona Bicycle Company and the International Mountain Bicycling Association will once again award cash grants to fund the development of freeriding, downhilling, and dirt jumping projects.

IMBA-affiliated clubs in North America are invited to apply for seven $1,000 awards. The application deadline is April 1, 2006, and the grants will be awarded in May, 2006.

Funding for the program comes from Kona and the Kona/IMBA Buck-A-Bowl bowling tournament, an annual Las Vegas fundraiser held during Interbike, the bicycle industry trade show.

The program's goal is to speed the development of freeriding opportunities on public land. Grants may be used for a variety of purposes, including gaining land manager approval, addressing liability concerns, construction of technically challenging trails, kiosks and signage, and developing organisations devoted to freeriding

The Kona/IMBA Freeriding Grants program builds on Kona's long-time support of mountain biking advocacy. Kona has been a leading IMBA corporate supporter since 1994, and has developed several creative fundraising projects, including the Kona Buck-A-Bike program, the ongoing Kona Bro Deal program (which asks all bro deal purchasers to become IMBA members), and the highly successful bowling tourney, which recently celebrated its eighth edition.

For details about the application process, click here.