May 29, 2015 | Industry, Partners, Uncategorized
Vancouver, BC – May 29, 2015 – The Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) has awarded its 2015 Silver Award for Excellence in Policy Planning for Small Towns & Rural Areas to the Northern BC Mountain Bike Recreation & Tourism Development Strategy. The project conducted by the Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) in association with David Nairne & Associates and in partnership with the Northern BC Tourism Association and the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition has laid the foundations for further development of mountain biking in the region. Northern BC is recognized for its vast wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities and is increasingly gaining attention as a mountain biking destination. Mountain biking enthusiasts living in communities along the Yellowhead corridor have been building and maintaining trails for mountain biking for over a decade. The strategy offers a sustainable approach to development based on regional collaboration, support for ongoing trail improvements, and local capacity building that will encourage greater community participation and destination awareness. The Mountain Bike Development Strategy was only possible due to the support and enthusiastic participation of everyone from each of the communities involved in the project. “This project would never have come together if it hadn’t been for the support of the staff and leadership, the local community groups that hosted and coordinated meetings, the riders who took us out on the trails, the community members and club reps who took time out of your busy schedules to attend our meetings and review the reports and documents’, said Patrick Lucas, lead planner for the project. “Receiving this award shows that this project has established the...
Feb 26, 2015 | Industry, MBTA Initiatives, Uncategorized
Williams Lake, B.C. Feb. 26, 2015 – Williams Lake will have an incredible opportunity to showcase its trails as the city welcomes hundreds of mountain bikers and industry professionals from across British Columbia to the Provincial Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium this fall. From Oct. 2nd to 4th, the city will host a diverse group of industry professionals including media, destination marketers, commercial operators, land managers, government and industry representatives, professional riders, and mountain bike advocates. The City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District have a long history of supporting mountain biking, and recognize the positive economic impact mountain bike tourism has on our region. A partnership between local governments and the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium and the Williams Lake Cycling Club continues to develop mountain biking infrastructure and promotion in the Cariboo. This partnership, coupled with world class single track, a dedicated local riding community, continued trail maintenance, and a strong relationship with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, helped create the winning bid to host the Provincial Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium in Williams Lake this fall. Eleven communities from throughout BC submitted proposals but unique Cariboo qualities helped Williams Lake win the bid. Hosting this event will have multiple benefits to the community of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Region through heightened media attention, positive economic impact, and opportunity to showcase the continued hard work and support that has built Williams Lake into a world class mountain bike destination. In addition to the conference itself, the weekend will include guided rides, a social evening, and a film screening. Mayor Walt Cobb is pleased to have Williams Lake...
Jan 26, 2015 | Industry, MBTA Initiatives, Partners, Uncategorized
New collaborative effort will help create opportunities for communities along the Yellowhead Corridor Vancouver, BC – January 26, 2015 – The Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) in partnership with the Northern BC Tourism Association and the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition is pleased to announce the release of a new strategy to support further development of mountain biking in the region. Northern BC is recognized for its vast wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities and is increasingly gaining attention as a mountain biking destination. “Mountain biking represents a new opportunity to attract visitors to our region and collaboration among the key stakeholders will be critical”, said Clint Fraser, acting CEO of the Northern BC Tourism Association. Mountain biking advocates living in communities along the Yellowhead corridor have been building and maintaining trails for mountain biking for over a decade. “Valemount, Prince George, Burns Lake, Smithers, and Terrace have already created some amazing trail networks”, said Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the MBTA, “however, the capacity of the local mountain bike clubs and advocacy groups is limited by funding and volunteer support. We are recommending collaboration at a regional level among local governments, regional districts and other regional agencies to support mountain bike development for the social and economic benefits that it can provide.” Key recommendations include support for trail maintenance, entry level trails and skills parks for beginners and families, consistent signage, programming for youth, greater involvement with the tourism sector, and the creation of a regional brand. The Northern BC Mountain Bike Recreation and Tourism Strategy was supported by the following communities and organizations: Omineca Beetle Action Coalition...
Feb 13, 2013 | Industry, MBTA Initiatives, Uncategorized
News BC Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium welcomes industry leaders and stakeholders - A symposium to progress mountain bike tourism in the province – Vancouver, BC - February 13, 2013 - The Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) in partnership with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Tourism British Columbia, International Mountain Bicycling Association Canada, Royal Roads University, and District of Sooke is proud to present the BC Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium at the Best Western Premier - Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke, BC, May 26-28, 2013. British Columbia has gained much attention worldwide for its significant role in mountain biking. The program of the Symposium is entitled “Progression”. It speaks to the opportunity for stakeholders and experts to gather and share insights and knowledge about how to progress toward a more sustainable and viable mountain bike tourism sector. The Symposium is geared towards community leaders, land managers, trail advocates, adventure tourism operators, and government and industry representatives and will present lessons learned from BC and other parts of the world. Key initiatives will be highlighted that represent new opportunities for communities throughout the province. Topics will cover marketing mountain biking experiences, land use and product development considerations, environmental and risk management issues, partnerships and funding, as well as developing bike friendly communities and services. Our goal is to unify the voice of the BC mountain bike tourism industry, and discuss the opportunities we have to drive more tourism to the province. The symposium offers: Knowledgeable speakers and interactive panels of experts discussing key issues. Networking opportunities with stakeholders from around the province, plus a variety of social events. Announcements...
Oct 19, 2011 | Industry, MBTA Initiatives, Uncategorized
October 19, 2011 Earlier this morning we released the official trailer for From The Inside Out – the premiere film from SecondBase, a joint production company owned by Anthill Films and the Coastal Crew. From the Inside Out will be available December 1st, 2011 in a special edition DVD+BluRay combo pack and on over twenty iTunes stores world-wide. The world premiere will take place October 27th in Whistler BC and currently over forty premiere tour events are currently scheduled to take place before December 1st. Written, directed and edit by the Coastal Crew and produced by Anthill Films, From the Inside Out was filmed entirely in British Columbia, the birthplace of freeride, and features some of the sport’s best riders, including: Brandon Semenuk, Steve Smith, Thomas Vanderham, Matt Hunter, Graham Agassiz, Mike Hopkins, Kenny Smith & The Coastal Crew. This is a film by riders, for riders. As the Coastal Crew puts it: “Many past films, riders, and locations have inspired us. Some of those locations are now our backyards, and some of those riders are now our friends. From the Inside Out is our adventure to the places we’ve always wanted to ride, and our expression of the lines and styles that have influenced us. This is freeride mountain biking. This film is from us – the riders.” Fans can support the filmmakers direct by pre-ordering the DVD+BluRay combo pack now. Visit www.secondbasefilms.com to find out more and to view current premiere tour dates. From the Inside Out is made possible by Mountain Biking BC, Rock Shox, Sombrio, Evoc, Chromag, Pink Bike and SCOTT Sports. Additional support for...
May 27, 2011 | Industry, MBTA Initiatives, Partners, Uncategorized
A Week Exploring Seven Epic Destinations With Tour Company BC Bike Ride BRITISH COLUMBIA May 27, 2011 – This summer Mountain Biking BC will partner with BC Bike Ride, a mountain bike tour company specializing in providing the ultimate road trip experience, to make one rider’s dreams come true. Mountain bikers can enter to win a seven-day epic to seven destinations across British Columbia via mountain bike, B.C. Ferries and helicopter to explore the province’s awesome singletrack terrain. To enter riders just need to submit their name to www.mountainbikingbc.ca or on the Mountain Biking BC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mountainbikingbc.ca. Ten people will be randomly chosen from all entries to write a short essay explaining why they are the most deserving to win this once in a lifetime trip. Mountain Biking BC and BC Bike Ride is pulling out all the stops, taking the winner and a friend on an epic seven-day mountain biking adventure in some of the most challenging, thrilling and spectacular terrain British Columbia has to offer. The week-long odyssey includes Squamish, Pemberton, Whistler, Cumberland, Hornby Island and more, and will take place between July 22 and 30. Experiencing the Red Bull Joyride Finals at Kokanee Crankworx in Whistler on July 23, a heli-drop, B.C Ferries transportation and $1,000 cash to cover travel expenses keep the prize especially rockstar. For full contest details and to enter head to http://www.mountainbikingbc.ca or http://www.facebook.com/MountainBikingBC. Entries for the contest will close on June 26. On Monday, June 27 ten randomly selected finalists will be notified to explain in a short essay why they most deserve the trip. The grand prize winner...
