SUMMER 2017 › SERVICES
SERVICES Without this sector and the many dedicated, giving and passionate people and organizations within it, Fernie wouldn’t be the magical mountain town it is known for. The quantity of time spent, sweat spilt, and good times experienced because of these hardworking and Fernie-loving individuals is infinite. Please take the time to recognize those behind the scenes, helping to make your stay memorable.
RICK WEISS
FERNIE MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB / FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE I had been a frequent winter/summer visitor to Fernie for 25 years, but that changed in 2014 when I retired and moved to Fernie to become a resident of this community. After many years of volunteer service with numerous organizations in Calgary it was obvious that if I wanted to become a part of the community I would need to join a local organization or club. If you want to positively impact your community in any way, simply volunteer your time and skills and the feedback will be enriching. A career/job is ‘work’… volunteering is ‘life experience.’ Mountain biking has been an integral part of my life for many years and with its increasing popularity and the growing vibe in Fernie my decision was rather easy. I joined the FMBC to get to know the local mountain bike culture and determine where I could have a positive influence on its continued growth in this community. Volunteers are key to a community’s spirit. I enjoy the time spent on organizing and assisting with FMBC events and it is evident that the biking community is also in support by way of the increased participation over the past few years. Without a strong volunteer base none of these events would be possible. Joining the FTA was just an evolution of my interests in the mountain biking scene in Fernie. I began volunteering like most individuals on the weekly trail building parties but quickly became involved in organizing the work parties and other frequent builders activities. More recently I’ve taken on a more active role within the FTA as a director and co-chair of the Construction and Maintenance committee. I’ve been a trail
SUBMITTED PHOTO builder for many years and live by the motto, “Build it and they will come.” The local trail network is a huge community asset that benefits all users and many businesses in Fernie. I believe we are stewards of this asset and need to continue its development for the benefit of all users. It’s rewarding to be part of such active and vibrant organizations within the Fernie community and it has allowed me to meet many great people. In a short time I’ve become a member of the community and look forward to assisting in the growth of the mountain biking culture and its positive impact. Fernie is no longer just a ski town but also a summer mountain biking destination. Like a lot people have said in the past… I came to Fernie for the winter but stayed for the summer.
Q. The best kept Fernie secret... A. Cliff jumping at Silver Springs Lake on a hot summer day. Q. How to best enjoy the evening’s sunset... A. A mountain bike ride in the Castle Mountain area and watching the sunset over the Lizard Range. Q. Don’t leave Fernie without... A. Better yet… just don’t leave. Q. Summers in Fernie keep getting better and better because... A. Of the expanding trail network and the growing summer events schedule.
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