The Kamloops Bike Ranch is the largest and most technically advanced municipal bike park in the country, attracting expert riders from around the world. Another riding hot-spot, The Kamloops Bike Camp, sits on a vast expanse of land on the edge of Little Shuswap Lake, offering a one-of-a-kind experience with rugged terrain to rival other renowned biking destinations. Sun Peaks Bike Park has been called a ‘dream come true’ for mountain biking with its long, challenging downhill and cross-country race courses. Each of these attractions makes Kamloops a world leader in mountain biking and explains why the World Master Mountain Biking Championships are returning to the area for a second consecutive year.

The Ranch is the result of a 50/50 partnership between the City of Kamloops and the Kamloops Bike Riding Association (KBRA). In its first year, each kicked in $50,000 and this year they’ve both made a $30,000 commitment. Ryan Kuhn, Vice-President of Trail Advocacy for the KBRA says the joint effort has been a big contributing factor to its success. “There’s nothing in any other city I’ve heard of to the size, scope and scale of what we’re looking at here,” says Kuhn.

The volunteer built and run Ranch saw 11,000 riders pass through its gates in the first year alone. Kuhn expects that number to grow in its second year. Lee Morris, CEO of Tourism Kamloops agrees, adding the local industry in general is expanding. “The mountain biking industry is clearly on the grow in Kamloops, both from the mountain biking community and from visitors coming up to ride,” she says.

The Kamloops Bike Camp is another draw for mountain biking enthusiasts home to over 10,000 acres of land undergoing trail development. There are already eight trails targeting all levels of riders with more on the way. “We’re planning a single track loop that will run 45 kilometres with an additional 100 kilometres of single track and, when it’s done, it’ll definitely give Moab a run for its money,” says founder Chuck Brennan. Moab, Utah has for years been a destination for riders seeking the ultimate biking experience, offering lengthy trails for every experience level.

Brennan adds his camp is unlike any other facility in the world because of an unlimited land agreement with the Little Shuswap Indian Band that opened up some of the most stunning and rugged terrain the area has to offer.

Sun Peaks Bike Park, located just 45 minutes outside Kamloops, has hosted some of the top mountain bike race events in Canada. It has earned itself a reputation of being one of the top five best bike parks in North America. This September the World Master MTB Championship and Joyride will take place on the mountain’s slope for the second consecutive year.

Kamloops offers roughly 1000 hectares of public cross-country bike trails winding through the hills of various parks in the city. Brennan and other mountain biking supporters are also working with the city to try to regulate thousands of unsanctioned acres of downhill, cross-country and free-riding trails. Brennan claims “once the private trails become public, Kamloops will be hard to beat.”

Tourism Kamloops’ Lee Morris says the wide range of public biking hot-spots is what makes the city stand out. “What’s unique is the diversity of riding. You can use the trails at Sun Peaks Mountain, you can ride at the Ranch or you can go to the Kamloops Bike Camp at Quaaout Resort. Diversity is very important, that’s the draw.”

Kuhn couldn’t agree more. “Between The Ranch, Sun Peaks and all the trails, Kamloops has definitely earned a reputation for itself. It is among the world’s best mountain bike destinations.”

For more information contact:
Ryan Kuhn, Vice President of Trail Advocacy, Kamloops Bike Riding Association, 250-574-1523
Lee Morris, C.E.O., Tourism Kamloops, 250-372-8000
Chuck Brennan, Founder, Kamloops Bike Camp, 250-319-3219
Sheila Calder, Peak Communicators, tel: 604-689-5559 cell: 604-802-2321