This week, members of the Trail Research Hub visited the in-progress site of the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club's Skills Park and Pumptrack at Trowbridge Falls in Kinsmen Park, in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
In preparation for the release of the forthcoming Phase 1 Research Report on The Status of Mountain Biking in Thunder Bay: Local Ridership Profile - Riding and Spending Patterns, this site visit provided an opportunity to get boots on the ground, discuss the site development, signage and risk management with representatives from the Club, and to see progress on the build.
Check out pictures from our site visit in the gallery below.
The purpose of Phase 1 of this longitudinal 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. 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.
Phase 2 of the study is intended to focus on non-local riders, including generation of a non-local ridership profile and market segmentation, as well as assessing local accommodation, spending, and additional experiences had by non-local riders visiting the region.
Phase 3 of the study will explore the market readiness of local bike shops, amenities, and hospitality and tourism service providers for cycle tourism in the Thunder Bay Region.
Results from all three phases of this study will inform the development of partnership agreements, trail development planning, and marketing and promotion of the Blacksheep Mountain Biking Trails network as well as cycle tourism in Northern Ontario.
Look for our first report stemming from this project, The Status of Mountain Biking in Thunder Bay: Local Ridership Profile - Riding and Spending Patterns, to be released in Spring 2022.