Thunder Bay Region Mountain Bike User Survey
The Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club Thunder Bay Region Mountain Bike User Survey is a joint collaboration between researchers affiliated with the Trail Research Hub, the University of Waterloo's Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and Lakehead University's School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, and community partners, including the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club.
Project Summary
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Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club was started in 1998 by a rowdy bunch of highschoolers to race XC in Thunder Bay. They have evolved over the years to promote the sport of mountain biking; running a series of fun events, races, regularly scheduled social rides, as well as building and maintain the trail network in Trowbridge Forest and Shuniah Mines.
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Mountain biking is at an all-time high in Thunder Bay and the club is making its presence known in the community. A primary focus of the club today is trail development and improvement. They are currently working on completing the Trowbridge Forest Master Plan which will add an additional 15km+ of multi-use and mountain bike trails to their system. The new trails planned vary from multi-use trails, green level flow trails, to expert downhill gravity trails. Make sure to check out the Trails page on our website and find out more about the work being done and how you can help out.
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The purpose of this study is to generate a profile and accompanying market segmentation of local trail users in the Thunder Bay Region, including ridership and experience levels and the local mountain biking experience, as well as the socio-economic benefits of mountain biking in the Thunder Bay Region.
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Results of this study will inform the development of partnership agreements, trail development planning, and marketing and promotion of the Blacksheep Mountain Biking Trails network at a local level.
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The objectives of this study include: generating a profile and market segmentation of local trail users in the Thunder Bay Region; gauging local ridership levels and experiences; and, determining mountain biking gear purchasing patterns and support for local bike shops among local riders.
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Project Leads: Kelsey Johansen and Dr. Harvey Lemelin
Community Collaborators: Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club
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Reports and Publications: A summary of the Final Report on Local Ridership will be posted under our Publications tab following its ratification by the Blacksheep Board.