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Visiting cyclists appreciate Powell River area trails

Mountain biking plays increasing role in local tourism industry
cycling
TRAINING ROUTE: Powell River Cycling Association president Russell Brewer [left] and fellow BC Bike Race participant Colin Koszman preparing for last year’s race. The race is credited with helping to create a boom in local cycling tourism. Peak archive photo

When hardcore mountain bikers and adrenaline junkies Martin Goetsch and Shannon Collier-Goetsch ventured on a trip to Powell River from their home in Squamish in 2016, they did not know much about the town, or its mountain biking options, but they had heard about both.

“Every town in BC has bike trails, so it wasn’t big on my radar,” said Goetsch. “However, with BC Bike Race, I knew there was obviously some quality to the trails.”

The couple were the first of their adventurous friends to make the trip.

“We basically invented Powell River,” said Goetsch. “We put it on the map.”

Jokes aside, Goetsch is onto something. Cyclists are bringing attention to Powell River and contributing to the local outdoor tourism industry.

Goetsch came to visit a friend and was more than surprised to discover world-class trails everywhere.

“It’s quite different from Squamish,” he said, “more like textbook cross country. We really love it.”

Starting four years ago, local cyclists began to see more cycling tourists because of Powell River’s reputation for hosting stage two of the BC Bike Race.

The success of the annual race, now in its 10th year, resulted in more avenues of promotion. Media outlets have been touting Powell River as one of the “it” places to go.

Cycling tourists may have discovered Powell River through BC Bike Race, but Powell River Cycling Association (PRCA) plays a large role in keeping the interest going, according its president Russell Brewer. The association acts as the interface between visitor and community.

“The cycling association gave us good intel,” said Goetsch. “They were super helpful, starting out with building the trails in the first place, to telling us which ones we should ride.”

PRCA has a large board of directors, a broad mandate and a very active membership keen to be cycling ambassadors and tackle the work involved.

“It might seem like it’s a narrow-focus association, but it touches on so many aspects of community,” said Brewer. “We have a role in tourism development, which is economic development. We touch on the community health issue, community infrastructure and education.”

PRCA also creates a toolbox of information for mountain biking and cycling tourists.

“The cycling community really relies on social media and apps to find their information,” said Brewer. “Visitor stats don’t reflect the number of people coming here for cycling and asking about cycling because they hop on our Facebook page, our website and Trailforks, which is an app that has all the trails listed.”

Brewer said when he visits another town, he opens Trailforks to figure out where to ride and connects through Facebook to find a local group.

Cycling advocates such as PRCA members are valuable assets for tourism promotion and infrastructure. They build trails and relationships, according to Sunshine Coast Tourism executive director Paul Kamon.

“They provide that social structure where you can meet people,” said Kamon. “It feels less intimidating, more inviting, more inclusive and it’s lot of fun.”

When Goetsch returned to Squamish, he immediately told friends what he discovered and then they also came.

“Six of them road-tripped up and the seventh, who couldn’t make it, chartered a float plane and met them to not be left out,” said Goetsch. “They loved the town. Powell River is such a cool place to hang out. They rode trails I recommended to them and are definitely looking to go back this year.”