Pineview and Harper Mountain trails to receive $22K from Tourism Kamloops’ Freeride Fund

“What makes this fund work is the collaboration behind it,” Tourism Kamloops CEO Erik Fisher said. “KMBTA and KBRA know these trails better than anyone. When we put the decision-making in their hands and back it with real dollars, we get investment that lands exactly where it’s needed. That’s how you protect what makes Kamloops worth riding to.”

Launched last year, the Freeride Fund reinvests tourism revenue into mountain bike trail networks, in partnership with local trail associations and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation. Tourism Kamloops covers administration costs, allowing donations to go directly toward trail maintenance and operations.

“This work is made possible in part by community donors who have invested directly in Kamloops’ trail network,” added a statement from Tourism Kamloops. “[We thank] FortisBC, Waratah, and Volkswagen of Kamloops, along with the many individual donors for their contributions to Kamloops’ trail network.”

Current Freeride Fund priority areas include Pineview, Harper Mountain, the Kamloops Bike Ranch and Stake Lake, which are all heavily used by both residents and out-of-town riders.

There are several fundraising efforts planned this year, including the launch of Red Collar Brewing’s “Freeride Ain’t Free” blonde ale, which will be available between July and September. Donations can also be made at the Riverside Park bike valet, which will be open until Labour Day Monday (Sept. 7).

On Oct. 2, Tourism Kamloops, KMBTA, KBRA, and Paramount Theatre will also co-host the Freehub MTB Film Festival, with proceeds also going to benefit the Freeride Fund.

by Victor Kaisar

Pineview and Harper Mountain trails to receive $22K from Tourism Kamloops’ Freeride Fund

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