Mountain Biking in Ontario - By Sara Archer

Mountain Biking in Ontario Sara Archer

Founder & Operations Manager

“

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.

H.G. WELLS

�

About Ride Guides BACKGROUND 

Founded in 2013

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Operates exclusively within Ontario, Canada

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Tree-Free Company with a big focus on Sustainability

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8 Employees

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NCCP, PMBI and ICP Certified Coaches, Instructors & Guides

OUR SERVICES 

MTB Skills Camps 

Core

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Advanced

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Junior

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Racing Clinics

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Private Instruction

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Road Bike Guided Rides & Getaways

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MTB Guided Rides

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Fat Bike Guided Rides

Challenges & Successes CHALLENGES 

Understanding the market potential within Ontario

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Overestimating Ontario as a recognized cycling destination

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Underestimating the demand for rider development programs

SUCCESSES 

Partnerships with Tourism Boards in Cities, Counties and Townships

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Partnerships with Tour Providers, Bike Shops, Bicycle/Outdoors Clubs, Resorts and the broader cycling community

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Strong Online and Social Media presence

Market Evolution 

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Increase in the number of women involved in the sport 

Greater Product focus for Women Specific

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Dedicated Women Specific Events, Clubs and Publications

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Potential for increase in Couples participation

Increase in the number of families participating 

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Offerings/Events should be tailored to allow for an inclusive family experience

More riders are evolving into multi-discipline cyclists 

CX popularity has created a bridge between MTB and Road

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Renewed or growing interest in overall fitness

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Opens greater potential for cross-market initiatives

Rapidly Growing Formats Fat Biking 

Increase of 800% from 2014 to 2015

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Increase of 48% from 2015 to 2016

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Every major manufacturer is now producing a Fat Bike / no longer a niche market of custom fabricators

Opportunity 

365 Days a year on a bicycle for people who don’t/can’t XC Ski

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Limited areas to ride due to trail / weather conditions (lack of groomed trail systems)

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Highly accessible sport that caters to all rider levels and abilities

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Great shoulder season sport (snow has been a challenge in 2016)

Generation “Next” Fat

Biking Women in Cycling Youth & Family Programs Cycling Enablement

Questions?

Matthew Trotter

Sara Archer 

Founder & Operations Manager



Founder / Lead Instructor

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Email: sara@rideguides.ca

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Email: matt@rideguides.ca

 Twitter:

@RIDEGUIDESDOTCA

 Instagram:

RIDE_GUIDES

 Facebook:

Facebook.com/RideGuides

 Web:

RIDEGUIDES.CA