MTBCO

Heads up, Knox riders! Major trail upgrades are officially underway in the BalsamrootBluff zone. Because heavy work is actively happening on the dirt, this specific area will be completely closed for the next 5 to 6 days to ensure everyone's safety.

​Please avoid this section of the hill while the trail crew does their thing. Here is what is being built:

The Climb Trail: We’re working on a brand-new reroute starting right from the caretaker cabin to make the ascent significantly smoother.

The North Slope (Blue Trail): The old blue route is being decommissioned. The crew is carving out a fresh reroute that moves the line over to a much more mellow, flowing slope to the east.

The Black Trail: The advanced line is getting a facelift with a much more defined layout and a heavily improved, safer merge/exit onto the multi-use trail.

​When riders ignore the closure tape, work has to stop completely, which delays the opening and puts our builders at risk. Please give the crew the space they need to finish it up.

​We appreciate your patience, and we can’t wait to open up these fresh lines on Balsamroot and the Bluff soon! 🙌 can’t

The weather is absolutely perfect, and we have a massive week lined up for the Central Okanagan community. From social laps to giving back to the dirt, there are plenty of ways to get involved!

This Week’s Lineup:

Monday, May 25 | Group Ride & Social #2 @ Knox: Round two is here! We are hitting Knox Mountain for a fun, zero-pressure social ride. All skill levels are welcome! Right after the last lap, we’re heading over to Red Bird Brewing for the après. 🏔️🍻

Tuesday, May 26 | Trail Fit Tuesday @ Gillard: Time to put some love back into the network. Come build muscle and trail equity at the same time! Reminder: Please use the 5K parking area due to the ongoing lot construction. ⚒️

Saturday, May 30 | Trail Day @ Crawford: Grab a shovel and join the crew for a dedicated build day. These networks don't maintain themselves—let's make the dirt prime for the weekend! 🛠️🍂

Sunday, May 31 | Dirty Feet Trail Run @ Myra/Crawford: Sharing the dirt! Heads up to anyone riding the Crawford/Myra zone on Sunday—the Dirty Feet Trail Run is in town. Expect plenty of good vibes and amazing community energy on the multi-use trails. 🏃‍♂️💨

🔗 Head to the link in our bio for all event details, exact meeting locations, and rollout times at www.mtbco.ca

The expanded Gillard parking lot is officially open! 🏔️🎉

As Gillard has rapidly grown into one of the Okanagan’s premier riding destinations, improved parking and access infrastructure became a major priority for the riding community.

Over the past several years, MTBCO worked closely with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) to help move this project from concept to reality — securing private funding support and collaborating with the City of Kelowna to help unlock the partnerships needed to make the project happen.

The result is a major infrastructure upgrade for the Gillard Recreation Area that will better support the growing number of riders accessing the trail network for years to come.

Aimee King: "This project is a great example of what can happen when volunteers, private supporters, government partners, and the riding community come together with a shared vision for sustainable outdoor recreation infrastructure."

Huge thanks to everyone involved — and especially to the volunteers, partners, and supporters continuing to help shape Gillard into an incredible place to ride.

Round two at Knox is locked in! ⛰️🍻

Get ready for our second official group ride of the season! We are heading back to Knox Mountain this Monday, May 25th, for another evening of good times and prime community laps.

Whether you’re a seasoned local looking to push your pace or a total beginner hitting the dirt for the first time, this ride is for you. All skill levels are welcome! We split into multiple groups to keep things fun, supportive, and completely social. No rider gets left behind. 🤝🚲

The Après:
Once the laps are done, we are keeping the momentum rolling with a post-ride social at Red Bird Brewing. Come grab a beverage, share some trail stories, and connect with the crew!

All info at https://www.mtbco.ca/events/group-ride-social-2

The Okanagan dirt is calling, and your calendar is packed for the week! Whether you want to test your lungs against the clock or just spin the legs with a great crew, we’ve got you covered.

The Main Events:

Wednesday, May 20 | Sunset Race Series #3 @ Crawford: We are taking on the Full Connector Lap! Spots are still available, but they are moving fast. Grab yours and come race the light. 🌅⏱️

Sunday, May 24 | The Megaduro @ Gillard: This one is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster. Get ready for an incredible day of community, racing, and prime trail conditions on the mountain. 🏆🔥

Looking for just a social ride? We there is one for you every single night:

Tuesday: Hit Crawford with the Cyclepath crew or head over to West Kelowna for the Sovereign group ride.

Wednesday: Keep it pinned in the North End with the Lake Country Cycle team.

🔗 Head to https://www.mtbco.ca/events for more detail

8 NEW PARTNERS. 16 TOTAL PERKS. YOUR MEMBERSHIP JUST DOUBLED IN VALUE. 💳🚀

The Perk Partner program just got a serious upgrade! We’ve officially added 8 new local businesses to the roster, bringing us to 16 partners offering exclusive discounts to MTBCO members.

If you’re already a member, you’re now sitting on some of the best savings in the Okanagan. From your morning fuel at Red Bird Roasting to post-ride pints at Britannia or Neighbours, your digital card is now an all-access pass to the valley. 🏔️🍻
What’s New?
Fuel: Red Bird Roasting, The Mission Creamery, Tackle Box Coffee.
Brews: Britannia, Rustic Reel, Vice & Virtue, Neighbours Pub.
Skills & Gear: School of MTB (10% off coaching!) & Over The Top Racks.
How to use: Just open your digital card in the JoinIt app (or your Apple Wallet) and show it at the counter.

🔗 Full list of 16 partners at mtbco.ca/membership. Not a member? Now is the time.

Not a Member, there is still time go on - https://www.mtbco.ca/membership

This Week’s Hit List:

Tuesday, May 12 | The Triple Threat

Trail Fit Tuesday @ Gillard: Join the crew for some essential maintenance. (Don't forget: Main parking is closed, so please park at 5K!). ⚒️

Cyclepath Tuesday Group Ride: A classic social lap for all levels.

Sovereign Group Ride: Heading up for some high-elevation vibes. 🌲

Wednesday, May 13 | Demos & North End Laps

Kelowna Cycle Cannondale Demo: The "Bad Habits" Tour is in town! Come test out some of the latest tech from Cannondale. 🚲🔥

Lake Country Cycle Group Ride: Mid-week laps in Lake Country!

Know Before You Go:
Gillard Parking: Just a reminder—construction is in full swing. Please stay clear of the work zone and use the 5K parking area.

Membership Perks: With 16 local partners now on board, your membership is basically a golden ticket. Post-ride pints at Britannia, Vice & Virtue, or Neighbours are calling your name. 🍻💳

Check the full event details and links at mtbco.ca

ACCESS CLOSED. WORK IN PROGRESS. 🚨?

The Gillard parking lot expansion is officially moving into the next phase, which means the area is now an active construction zone.

​For the safety of the crew—and to keep the project on schedule—there is STRICTLY NO ACCESS to the following trails from the parking lot area:

🚫 Honey Rider Climb

🚫 Wobbly Pops

🚫 Smokin' 2 Joints

​Please do not ride through or enter the construction site. When riders ignore the tape, work has to stop, and it puts people like Travis (pictured) at risk.

​Where to go: Please park at the 5K mark and use alternative access points for the next three weeks.

​We’re building this for you, so please help us out by staying clear and giving the machines the space they need. Let’s get this done right and get back to the laps! ⚒️🏔️