Responsable travel
Since our humble beginnings in 2002 we’ve always been on the lookout for ways to give back to the communities where we ride, especially in developing destinations. And to protect and conserve our world to improve the sustainability of our operations.
By placing a priority on working with local businesses it means that no matter how small, we are supporting local economies from transportation services, hiring local expert guides, support staff, visiting cafes & restaurants, bike shops, family-run accommodation and more.
We’ve always wanted to do more, giving back is a constant evolution. Since the beginning our goal has been to connect riders with local communities on a deeper level. These connections help give back to the wider community and help ensure that they receive more than they give.
Community Tourism
We’ve been pioneers of community tourism for mountain bike travel since day one. We have created our tours by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places we visit, including Indigenous peoples & women — who have traditionally been marginalized or undervalued, especially in developing countries. Watch this video from a project in Botswana.
Local cultures & Acting Responsibly
On our trips we travel in remote regions and interact with Indigenous communities as we aim to support their businesses. We are committed to respecting the rights, history, and culture of Indigenous people while ensuring that tourism supports their well-being. On our developing country departures as part of our Trip Preparation Guide that all riders receive, we offer tips on acting responsibly and respecting local cultures to help riders and create more sustainable operations.
Climate & environment
We know that our business, and the international air travel that we depend on, creates emissions that impact our global climate. We also believe that the adventures we offer help bridge cultures and bring riders to beautiful regions that will ultimately raise awareness for the protection of the environment and earth that we depend on and appreciate so very much on our mountain bike trips. As part of our Trip Preparation Guide we will offer carbon off-set suggestions, and small things that we can all do while we are visiting beautiful places.
rider conduct policy
We believe that mountain bike travel should be a respectful, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone. And what matters most; community, people, cultural exchange and inclusivity – and that creating happiness is a privilege we all share together. Included in your pre-trip Trip Preparation Guide is our Traveller Conduct Policy, a set of guidelines to help establish a sense of safety, security, and happiness for all on our tours. Not only for riders who join us but also our staff members, suppliers, partners, guides and the local people and cultures in the destinations we visit.
Projects & Initiatives
So far, we’ve produced two successful events; one in Peru and one in Botswana that brought new bikes to kids in need in remote communities. We’ve also organized one-off events, such as shipping a crate of used kids mountain bikes from Vancouver to the village of Providencia, Costa Rica – which helped encourage kids to use their local trails. As well - bringing gear, warm clothing and other supplies to Greece for Syrian refugees. As needed, delivering small requests to Nepal and other destinations for the local children and villages. Small steps to making a difference.
On the environmental side we are educating and encouraging riders to carbon offset their travels using Ostrom Climate, and providing suggestions for small things that we can all do on our trips.
Trail Maintenance in our Backyard
On our backyard trails of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton we know that trails don’t maintain themselves. Unlike the early days when rogue trails were built and haphazardly maintained by passionate riders, our region now has well-organized riding associations that have sanctioned the trail network and manages maintenance, new construction, group rides, skills camps and much more. We are forever grateful for these associations and our vast network of amazing trails and we support them annually by sponsoring trail maintenance days and events.
