Mountain Biking Is More Than a Ride—It’s a Regional Powerhouse
Andrew Snucins
See how 104K rider days fuel $18M for Kamloops and why the Freeride Fund is critical to keeping our renowned trails sustainable and ready to ride.
Kamloops is widely celebrated as the birthplace of freeride, and the new 2024-25 Mountain Biking Socio-Economic Impact Analysis (SEIA) conducted by Larose Research & Pacific Analytics, proves that the legend now powers a modern tourism engine.
Researchers tallied 104,000 rider days from March to November 2024, with residents accounting for 62% of those laps and visitors the remaining 38% . Those wheels-on-dirt moments translate into $13.6 million in direct spending; trips to the bike shop, burritos after the ride, hotel stays, and more, rippling out to a total economic impact of $18 million across the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) .
But dollars are only half the story. In a survey of 647 riders, 97% said mountain biking boosts their mental health - an invaluable return on investment for any community seeking well-being, vibrancy, and outdoor connection.
At-a-Glance: The Numbers Behind the Knobby Tires
| Indicator | 2024-2025 Season | Why it Matters |
| Rider Days | 104,000 | Shows Volume & demand |
| Visitor Share | 38% visitors | Tourism Growth Potential |
| Direct Spending | $13.6 Million | Immediate cash to local businesses |
| Total Economic Impact | $18 Million | Benefit to the TNRD Area |
| Average Visitor Spend/Day | $149 | High yield per guest |
| Jobs Supported | 87 (63 FTE) | Stable Employment |
| Tax Revenue | $2.6 Million | Funds Civid Services |
| Riders citing Mental Health Boost | 97% | Community Wellness |
**Note: “Total economic impact” of $18 million includes not just rider spending, but also the ripple effects on suppliers, service providers, and wages re-spent in the local economy. Direct rider spending alone totals $13.6 million.
Takeaway: Mountain biking is no niche pursuit. It’s a high-value, high-impact sector that feeds hotels, restaurants, gear shops, guiding outfits, and public coffers, while simultaneously nurturing healthier, happier residents.
Trail Networks in the Spotlight
Five sanctioned zones shoulder the bulk of that 104K-day traffic, each with its own personality and economic fingerprint.
| Network | Total Rider Days | Visitor % | Spend Highlights |
| Pineview | 38,369 | 24% | Largest network; diverse terrain |
| Kamloops Bike Ranch | 32,206 | 53%—highest visitor share | Free municipal bike park drives early-season visits |
| Kenna Cartwright | 12,656 | Family-friendly flow, mixed-use | |
| Harper Mountain | 12,519 | 49% visitors—big tourism upside | |
| Lac Du Bois (“Batch”) | 8,303 | Early-season prime, grassland views |
No single network owns the experience; together they create the trademark “Room to Roam” variety that keeps riders booking return trips.
Visitors: An average travel party of three spends $831 per trip, staying 1.9 nights and dropping $149 per person per day. Two-thirds of that outlay goes to accommodations plus food & beverage, a windfall for local hotels, campgrounds, brewpubs, and cafés.
Residents: And when it comes to supporting the sport they love, the hometown crowd puts its money where its mouth is. The average local rider spends around $5,700 a year, and it’s no surprise where that cash goes: a whopping 74% is for keeping their gear in top shape or grabbing that next dream bike. That passion is exactly what keeps our local bike shops bustling year-round.
Industry insight: For suppliers, guiding companies, and après hotspots, this data pinpoints exactly where to tailor offers—demo days before paycheque week, meal-and-shuttle bundles, or gear-swap events timed for spring upgrade fever.
From Dollars to Well-Being—The Social Dividend
Economic stats capture headlines, but ask any local why trails matter and you’ll hear stories of stress relief, connection, and community. A staggering 97% of resident riders credit mountain biking for better mental and physical health, while 94% also say it deepens their appreciation for nature and the regional landscape.
That well-being dividend echoes Tourism Kamloops’ commitment to sustainable, four-season recreation that nurtures both economy and soul.
Why the Freeride Fund Is the Next Crucial Berm
Trail counters and spreadsheets are clear: usage is surging, visitor ratios are rising, and spending is real. What’s less visible is the wear on the land, erosion after big rain events, dusty brake bumps, signage outdated by new lines. That’s where the Freeride Fund steps in.
What the Fund Does:
- Trail Stewardship & Resiliency – Routine brushing, drainage fixes, and habitat-friendly reroutes keep iconic lines sharp without scarring fragile grasslands.
- Way-finding & Safety – The SEIA flagged on-trail navigation as a common pain-point for first-timers . Better signs and digital mapping reduce rescue calls and rider confusion.
- Inclusivity & Education – From Indigenous interpretive panels to skills-zone upgrades, the fund ensures every rider, young or seasoned, local or visiting, finds a place to progress.
Cultural Connection – Riders overwhelmingly support deeper recognition of the Secwépemc Peoples, on whose lands the trail networks exist. The SEIA highlights strong rider interest in interpretive signage, Indigenous art, and Secwe̓pemctsín language integration. Ideas like naming new trails in Secwe̓pemctsín and offering stories of traditional land use directly on trail kiosks were repeatedly mentioned by locals and visitors alike.
Funding Model
- Micro-donations at checkout when booking accommodation or purchasing a lift pass.
- Corporate matches from bike brands, breweries, and service providers.
- Tourism Kamloops seed dollars of $50k over 3 years, that leverage grants and partner contributions.
In short, the Freeride Fund transforms today’s ride stoke into tomorrow’s sustainable trail network, guaranteeing the economic and social gains documented in the SEIA have room to grow.
What Riders Are Saying—Straight from the Survey
““Kamloops is a shining star. I make several trips every year just for the flow.””
““More signage, please! We love the variety but can get lost.””
““Keep up the good work with kids’ programs, those shred camps changed my life.””
Authentic rider feedback underscores two imperatives: maintain quality and expand accessibility. Both hinge on ongoing investment.
How You Can Keep the Momentum Rolling
- Ride & Donate – Drop a toonie into the Freeride Fund when you register for an event or book your stay.
- Volunteer Dig Days – Give back a morning; earn a season of smooth lines.
- Share Your Stoke – Post your best #KamloopsMTB clips and link to tourismkamloops.com/freeride-fund.
- Partner Up – Businesses: add the fund to checkout flows, host film nights, or match guest contributions.
Ready to Roam?
Kamloops offers boundless terrain, sun-baked dirt ribbons, and a community that lives and breathes two-wheeled freedom. The SEIA proves that every grin-inducing ride also fuels jobs, services, and sustainability. Together—riders, businesses, residents, we have the tools and the Freeride Fund to keep the good lines rolling for decades.
Come ride, invest, and be part of the next chapter of freeride history.
