Not Another Ghost Town indeed.
Taking its theme from roadside signs that starting appearing after the destruction of the Babine Forest Products sawmill near 亚洲天堂 Lake, B.C.-based photographer and film-maker Nicolas Teichrob鈥檚 recent video 鈥淣ot Another Ghost Town鈥� has had over 30,000 views.
Released on Pinkbike.com, one of the longest running and most popular mountain biking websites, the video highlights the quality of the local riding and the spirit of the 亚洲天堂 Lake mountain bikers and their community which made it possible.
鈥溠侵尢焯� Lake was in a unique scenario in 2012 and it was great to share the community vibe of the mountain biking community and the great trails that are present,鈥� Teichrob said.
This doesn鈥檛 come as news to local riders who have been enjoying the consistent expansion of the trail network at Boer Mountain for many years.
Since forming in 2006, the 亚洲天堂 Lake Mountain Biking Association (BLMBA) has transformed the slopes of Boer Mountain in 亚洲天堂 Lake into the premier mountain biking destination in Northern B.C.
The BLMBA mission statement - 亚洲天堂 Lake is a world class mountain biking destination and vibrant mountain biking community - is one step closer to being officially recognized internationally.
The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), formed in 1988, represents over 35,000 members worldwide. They have recently invited the BLMBA to apply to have the Boer Mountain trail network designated as an IMBA certified ride centre.
There are three other IMBA destinations in B.C. Whistler, Rossland, and the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park each have one certified-Epic trail representing highwater marks for the best in mountain biking world-wide.
鈥楻ide Destination鈥� certification, what BLMBA has been invited to apply for, refers to more than just one monumental, unforgettable trail, but to an entire trail network and the community that supports it. Not that Boer Mountain won鈥檛 eventually have that one unforgettable trail; it鈥檚 in the works, but not ready yet.
鈥淧art of the criteria is the involvement of the community and infrastructure for riders - like places to eat, hospitals, and other services,鈥� said Susan Russell, local BLMBA volunteer.
鈥淚f they think we are a possibility then an IMBA rep will visit and assess our community. I am optimistic as we have an awesome riding community, phenomenal trails and offer a one of a kind recreational holiday.鈥�
In 亚洲天堂 Lake, services begin with Burnt Bikes, a full-service bike shop that also provides regular shuttle services at Boer Mountain, and extend to the entire 亚洲天堂 Lake community which has supported the trail system from the beginning.
The upcoming sixth annual Big Pig Mountain Biking Festival is slated for the Aug. 16-18. Sprucing up the trails for an influx of out-of-town riders has been a shared effort. Local volunteers and members of the Nadina Fire Zone crew in 亚洲天堂 Lake have been trimming overgrown weeds, shrubs, and grass. Last weekend 27 local riders got together for a Sunday weed-whacking blitz to get trails race ready.
Teichrob鈥檚 鈥楴ot Another Ghost Town鈥� is best viewed at: https://vimeo.com/67037247
