Updates from the Mountain Bike Community: MTBCO
From new trail features to mergers to trail days, MTBCO has lots of good news for Kelowna mountain biking this season. We caught up with Director of Marketing & Communications, Marieke De Jonge, for all the deets.
MTBCO merged with West Kelowna Trail Crew Society this year. What does that mean for riders?
Marieke: This is a very big step forward for our groups! Joining forces makes us a bigger association with a stronger membership voice and more funding possibilities. When you apply for grants, people always look at how big and engaged a society is.
What are the benefits of membership?
Becoming a member helps us become a bigger, more powerful voice to support the trails you love. Plus, now that we’ve combined organizations, you only need one membership to cover the entire central Okanagan region.
What are some projects MTBCO is working on this season?
Our volunteers are hard at work building a new feature on Dear Santa at Smith Creek: The Gnarwhal. Thanks to the generosity of our community — through a lumber donation from Gormans and discounted pricing from Home Hardware and BC Fasteners — we’ve been able to source materials more affordably and keep costs down. With over 100 volunteer hours already invested, we’re aiming to have it ready to ride by the end of May.
In the meantime, please respect all trail closures and reroute signs—it’s important for everyone’s safety and a meaningful way to support the volunteers bringing this project to life.
At Gillard, we’re working with Rec Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) to expand the parking lot, so facilities better match the level of use. Beyond that, we’re adding a new blue trail to provide an easier return route to the parking lot, and we’ve contracted CABIN to bring all features on Casino Royale up to RSTBC standards. We’re also pursuing opportunities to upgrade select trail sections with machine-built features.
Over at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford), we’ve submitted a proposal for an entry-level trail loop that includes designated skill-building zones — part of our broader goal to support new riders and grow a more inclusive trail network.
How are some ways people can get involved?
We’re always looking for volunteers. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty, Trail Fit Tuesday happens every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 pm (meet at the Gillard parking lot). Tools are provided, and we work together to maintain the trails and get a ride in!
If trail maintenance is not your thing, we are always looking for helping hands with events or to create social media content. Please reach out!
What else are you excited about for this season?
Lake Country has a brand new bike park, and I’m so excited. It’s suitable for all ages, has two pump tracks, and 4 progressive jump lines to practice jumps. It’s a unique facility in the area and a shining example of what can be accomplished when the town and community work together.
We also have a fresh new board of directors at MTBCO who will bring new energy, visions, and fresh vibes, which is exciting.
Become a member or donate to MTBCO today!
Quit dreaming, start doing. Our sports stores in Kelowna have everything you need to find your new sport. See what’s in store, then get out and enjoy the Fresh Air!
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