What are the differences in memberships??

[d_dubs23]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are new to site and mountain biking in general.  Can't wait to get started!!  We see there are many different membership options to choose from, but can't seem to find anywhere explaining what the actual differences between them are.  Can anyone help with this?  Specifically;  what's the difference between and Individual Supporter and a Fat Tire Friend Supporter?  Also the same question applies to the Family Basic, Family Supporter, and the Family Fat Tire Friend Supporter??  Anyone who could help us decipher between all these would be doing us a big favor     

Thanks!
New Guys

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

The different levels just provide you the opportunity to contribute more money to support HMBA's efforts. 

Some HMBA members donate many hours of trail work to support trails, Some members have less time to volunteer and like to join at higher levels to help build more trails.

So, if you join at higher levels, what you get is more trails.

[Steve King]

Right now if you join you are automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Scott Scale 910 mountain bike (retail price over $6,000!).  The higher the level of membership you select, the more chances you get to win.  Winner announced at the Brown County Breakdown.  See below link for details.
 
http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=11866.0
 
The Brown County Breakdown is coming up in Sept.  Check out the link below.
 
http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=11769.0

[gmcttr]

The different levels just provide you the opportunity to contribute more money to support HMBA's efforts....

So the higher $ levels of membership kicks the additional funds back to HMBA and not IMBA?

[Steve King]

The different levels just provide you the opportunity to contribute more money to support HMBA's efforts....

So the higher $ levels of membership kicks the additional funds back to HMBA and not IMBA?

The membership fee will be split 60/40 (60% for IMBA and 40% for HMBA)
 
A few of the benefits, off the top of my head, that IMBA provides to us.
 
For the member.  I'm thinking about using the Subaru discount!
http://www.imba.com/membership/individual/benefits
 
Discounts on tools and supplies that we need to build and maintain trails.  Note, individual members also get these discounts.
http://www.imba.com/resources/trail-building/tool-resource-guide
 
Some benefits that HMBA gets.
http://www.imba.com/membership/club/benefits
 
Represents the Mountain Biking community for continued access to public lands.  Recent blog post as an example of what IMBA is doing.  Since all of our trails are on public land this is huge for us!  Access can never be taken for granted, especially in large urban areas like Indianapolis!
http://www.imba.com/blog/mike-van-abel/congress-talks-mountain-biking-and-other-public-lands-issues#comment-10868
 
Interesting study that was done that helps us gain and maintain access for mountain biking.
http://www.imba.com/resources/research/trail-science/environmental-impacts-mountain-biking-science-review-and-best-practices
 
If you want to donate directly to HMBA (no sharing with IMBA), you can donate to the Trail Fund. 
https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17545

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

The key thing to understand is that we are HMBA-IMBA.  HMBA and IMBA are part of the same group, so in reality we are splitting the membership funding with ourselves.

Currently, about 5% goes towards covering membership admin costs.  Less than when HMBA was handling its own membership.

40% comes back to HMBA

The remaining 55% goes to our IMBA region.  In the beginning of our Region's creation, the IMBA funding from membership didn't fully cover the cost of the Regional Director, so IMBA covered the difference.  Andy has done a great job getting more chapters on board and helping those chapters grow membership.  So the next step is to put a paid staff person in Indiana (other States are working on this as well).

In the near future, we need to have 3 or more full time staff positions.  At least, Executive Director, Trail Development, and Programs.

So, please feel confident that any extra funding that you provide in terms of membership level, will directly help HMBA build more trails here in Indiana.

Paul

[matt_laker]

In the near future, we need to have 3 or more full time staff positions.  At least, Executive Director, Trail Development, and Programs.


Paul

If one of these positions will pay more than my current teaching salary, sign me up or I'll submit a resume'.  The only thing, besides my family and teaching, that I'm super-passionate about is mountain biking.  I can't think of a more rewarding "job!"

[playa_lot]

Hello all,

General question:  I signed up for my IMBA/HMBA membership at the breakdown.  Can I expect to receive something in the mail about my membership?  Just curious...

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

Yes, you will get a membership card and packet.from IMBA.  It will likely take 4 to 6 weeks.

[Steve King]

Hello all,

General question:  I signed up for my IMBA/HMBA membership at the breakdown.  Can I expect to receive something in the mail about my membership?  Just curious...

Make sure and present your membership card when you buy something at your local bike shop.  My local bike shop gives a 10% discount.