Initially these trail closures were opposed by a small group within the OMBC (Ontario Mountain Bike Committee). However, since the OMBC was the governing body for mountain bike racing in the province, the perception was that nothing was being done for mountain bike advocacy here in Ontario. In 1995, interested members of the Advocacy Group of the OMBC voted to form a separate identity within the OCA and formed the Ontario Recreational Mountain Bicycling Alliance. ORMBA represented a change of emphasis for the OCA and the OMBC; an increased dedication to trail advocacy. With the re-organization of the OCA in 1999, the functions of this group are headed by by the Vice President Recreation of the OCA Baord.

ORMBA's motto, "Advocacy through Education", reflected the mission of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) - " to promote mountain bicycling opportunities through environmentally and socially responsible use of the land". This approach continues today. We believe there are two main approaches to achieving this goal.

	To promote recreational trail use.
	To maintain existing trails.
	To facilitate new trails.

	Through liaison with other organized trail groups to share information and knowledge by promoting coexistence and shared use.
	Through active teaching programs for both new and experienced cyclists.
	Through public relations.

	Teach proper riding techniques.
	Teach other how to conduct safe and responsible tours.
	Teach respect for the trails and other trail enthusiasts.

Trail Construction Manual
The OCA is working to prepare a guide to the proper design construction and maintenance of trails for the use of clubs individuals or land managers.

The trail construction manual is likely the most ambitious undertaking ever attempted by the OCA. Land managers are expecting to see a manual of professional quality. This of course implies that a great deal of money must be invested in the manual. We are attempting to secure funds to start the manual, but donations are always welcome.

So how can you help?
It is Recreation committee's mandate to work on behalf of all mountain bikers in Ontario, but without your membership it will be very difficult to achieve our goals. Please help out by encouraging anyone who you know who mountain bikes to join the OCA. As a volunteer organization, our members are not able to devote their full time to the work available, so we could use your assistance.

There are things that you can do to maintain mountain bike access on your local trail. IMBA has their 20-20-20 policy. Send twenty dollars to your local mountain bike group (if there isn't one already, start one!), buy an OCA membership (approx. $40) and devote 20 hours to trail maintenance.

But first and foremost, be an ambassador for the sport. Talk to other trail users and even other mountain bikers. Get to know what they think about the trial. How about organizing a clean-up day for you trail. An appropriate day might be Earth Day, but any time of the year would be welcome. Garbage bags don't cost much and the local land manager would likely support this type of work if you approach them ahead of time. This sort of volunteer work may cut into your riding time, but if some one doesn't come forward to act on behalf of the mountain bikers in your area then you may not be able to ride at all. If you need some help getting started give the VP Recreation a call, through the OCA. That's why we're here.