Volunteer Bike Patrol Program

Our good friend, Judy Ackerman, sent me a message along with a forwarded email from Dave at Borderland Mountain Bike Association, El Paso's official mountain bike community. Judy wrote: "Here is another way you can help the Franklin Mountains State Park: join the volunteer bike patrol program, jointly sponsored by the Park and the Borderland Mountain Bike Association."

Here is the other way from Dave:

I apologize for the long delay on making any solid decisions on getting training for bike patrol members, but finding a location AND a trainer for a weekend that more than a couple of people could attend was impossible.

Here is what YOU need to do:

Step 1: Attend volunteer training at the State Park June 7 in the morning. It will take about 4 hours and we don't have a definite start time yet, but I'm guessing around 8 am. This is a service the park will provide to us for free and it is necessary to be an official IMBA/BMBA Bike Patrol member.

Step 2: Get your own cpr/first aid training and pay for it yourself.

Step 3: Log on to the IMBA website and follow all steps for the IMBA patrol training. This includes taking a test, sending them your first aid and land manager (state park) credentials, and paying the minimum $50 fee.

Step 4: Upon approval, contact me here bmbaelpaso@hotmail.com so I can get you the things listed below.

Step 5: Start volunteering and logging your volunteer hours on the IMBA web page.

WHAT THE CLUB WILL DO FOR YOU:

1. Reimburse you $25 of the patrol fee or waive your club membership fee for the year.

2. Give you a laminated personalized # plate.

3. Provide you with an extra pair of club socks.

Other benefits:

National Bike Patrol Members get pro-deal (that's the price unsponsored pro and expert riders pay on equipment direct from a manufacturer) from several different bike companies and industry sponsors . Patrol members receive lots of other cool deals from IMBA (though the pricing on their patrol jerseys and other swag isn't that great).

You earn volunteer hours while riding your bike! Very cool if you ask me. All you need to do is be courteous to other riders by stopping and asking how their day is going, educate them on any mistakes they might be making (no helmet, no water), and give a hand to riders in need. Carry a cell phone with park personnel #'s, small first aid kit, essential tools, extra tube, chain quick links, and the maximum amount of water you are comfortable carrying.

If you have any other questions, please ask me.

Dave