January 1, 2011: New Procedures for NEABA Membership!

First, let's again answer the question: "What's up with NEABA? I thought it was NEABC!"

Our Officers recently voted to modify the name of our club, simply changing "Club" to "Association." We coordinated this name change with our affiliation with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). The officers felt that our organization had become more than a "club" and that "association" was more fitting and professional as we move to non-profit status. And one can say NEABA (like neeba)...NEABC was a mouthful!

With our club's recent affiliation with IMBA, the club is receiving many benefits, including non-profit status, membership database management, and liability insurance benefits to name a few. In the past, membership in NEABA was accomplished by completing our paper form or going on line at www.active.com to join/renew. Beginning January 1, 2011, membership in NEABA will be accomplished by joining IMBA with NEABA as your "home club."

As a member of NEABA-IMBA, in addition to receiving the NEABA e-news, you will receive an annual subscription to Bicycling Magazine, Mountain Bike Magazine, IMBA Trail News, and the SORBA (Southern Off Road Bicycling Association) newsletter. 40% of the dues you pay IMBA will be returned to our club's general fund as a contribution. The above added benefits come with a price. The IMBA dues are higher than what our club members have paid previously.

Annual NEABA-IMBA dues are as follows:

• Youth (U23) Membership: $20
• Individual Membership: $30
• Family Membership: $50*

*Those who have historically maintained family memberships with NEABA might want to consider an individual membership going forward, as the NEABA-IMBA family membership fee is significantly higher than our previous family fee.

But again, 40% of the membership fee is returned to our club and you get the added benefits outlined above.

If you are an existing NEABA member, you will receive notification via email next year when your renewal month is approaching. You will be directed to the IMBA membership page with NEABA as your home club to renew on line.

Please email Mike Poe with any questions or concerns at mpoe1234@cableone.net