In the 30 years they’ve been in operation, Revelstoke Cycling Association’s (RCA) key element is the people who show up. This includes volunteers for Dig Days, local businesses, competitors and race watchers and the various trail users on the four trail systems managed by RCA.
“A lot of the folks accessing our trails don’t have RCA memberships,” Ashley Borlase, RCA events director told the Mountaineer during the Cycle Logic downhill Fiver at Boulder Mountain.
Those who do purchase memberships are helping maintain over 100 trails throughout Revelstoke. RCA employs a trail team, which maintains the Mount Macpherson, Boulder Mountain, Frisby Ridge and Sunnyside trail networks and nearly the entire cost of the RCA membership goes to trail maintenance costs, Borlase explained.
“Our trail team, three to four members, is a full-time team,” Borlase explained. “It’s really hard to find a good trail crew, and we have this amazing trail crew that’s really dedicated to it and works super hard to get things in shape.”
“We’re really early this season, but the trails are ready,” local rider Kristen Meilicke shared. “They’ve really put in the work to make sure we can enjoy them.”
Local riders and RCA members also help maintain trails during Dig Days, sponsored by local businesses such as Cycle Logic, Wandering Wheels, Skookum Revelstoke and Tantrum Ride.
Revelstoke Cycling Association memberships
Membership dues don’t go to organizing events RCA puts on, Borlase stressed, with all RCA events being volunteer-organized and funded by grants if needed, with prizes donated by local shops.
“It gives brands that want to invest in the community a chance to put their name out,” Jake Stanfield, RCA director-at-large of events and Cycle Logic store manager said.
RCA membership fees don’t just maintain a developing network of bike trails for all levels of bikers and hikers, it gives members discounts on bike maintenance services in Revelstoke, local physiotherapy assessments, rentals and lessons and premium access to the international trail database Trailforks. RCA members can also participate in all RCA events such as the Fiver races. Members are welcome to provide input about future trail developments and information on trail conditions.
It makes sense to link membership holders with the businesses and resources that support Revelstoke’s biking community, Borlase said.
“Biking in Revelstoke is only going to get bigger. We want to give our members access to how it’s growing.”
Partnerships and developments
RCA is growing along with biking, gearing up to expand the Boulder Mountain trail network with phase two of the Boulder Climb Trail. Routine maintenance of trails is more valuable than a speedy expansion of new trails, Stanfield pointed out.
“I’d argue that we get at least one new trail each season, with how much work is done on them,” Stanfield said, noting that some trails have been completely rebuilt and adapted to community needs, and that frequent maintenance to trails might unveil new lines in sections of trails.
“They’ve really expanded on Upper Boondock. There are now six to seven lines an accomplished biker can ride on that trail alone.”
RCA has partnered with the City of Revelstoke to support the development of a highly-anticipated pump track. RCA’s goal with the future track has been to meet Union of Cyclists International standards, making Revelstoke a potential race location and giving users the opportunity to practice on race-approved tracks in preparation for out-of-town events.
“We want people biking,” Borlase said. ”However that looks, however we can make that open to folks in town and visiting.”
RCA isn’t just focused on the racers and mountain bikers, Borlase and Stanfield both stressed. RCA lists gravel trails and flatter trails that give those looking for a slower trip the information on which route would best match their levels. RCA also organizes group rides for all skill levels, providing riders a chance to meet up and explore together.
“You can go as fast or slow as you want in these group rides,” Borlase said. “There’s someone that’s going to stick with you. There’s no person left behind.”
Accessibility
The focus on accessible biking and meeting all skill levels has RCA focused on using whatever tools, technology and developments in the biking world that could open up the sport for others.
“It’s a multi-generational thing,” Stanfield stressed. “The little kids sitting either in the back baby carrier or on the front. Your mom and dad who were really into it in the 80s and 90s who can use a pedal assist to enjoy it again.”
Currently class one pedal assist electric bikes are permitted on all RCA-managed trails and RCA’s Miller Time is designed to provide newer riders the chance to practice their skills and adaptive riders an easier trail for slower days.
Input from the community is welcome, Borlase and Stanfield both said, whether it’s looking for harder races, trail input and even voicing frustrations.
If the membership fees are a barrier to community members, Borlase said there are other options.
“Volunteer with us. Help us write grants, volunteer for the race events, come out to dig days. We’d be really excited to see you hanging out with us.”
You can check out RCA’s trail maps, membership information, learn about upcoming events and more on the Revelstoke Cycling Association website.
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