About
We are a progressive, volunteer driven non-profit association with a mission to lead sustainable and inclusive mountain biking opportunities in and around Kelowna.
The Directors at MTBCO are community members that are dedicated to MTBCO’s goals to build, maintain and advocate for mountain biking in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Give a director a high five when you see them out on the trails, as they volunteer a significant amount of their time to improve your riding.
We would like to acknowledge and honour the Syilx tmixʷ (Okanagan) people on whose traditional land we recreate and enjoy.
Directors
David Gluzman
President
Bikes have been a part of my life forever. I used to race (road and track mostly), but have the most fun mountain biking. Moved to Kelowna in 2020 from Calgary. I’m absolutely floored by the diversity of trails available around Kelowna. We have access to some world class trails and I’m excited to help advocate and improve things where I can. I'm stoked about the climb trail at Gillard! I'm still getting used to how fast you need to change tires on our trails. They are hungry!
Vanessa Hair
Vice President
I am passionate in my connections with people, believing in the values to serve and empower, and positively grow businesses. I grew up in an environment of entrepreneurship and life coaching focusing on building my character with integrity, genuine, dedication, and reaching out to contribute to society. I am a Professional Level 2 Mountain Bike Coach, a former Downhill Alberta Champion & Female Athlete of the Year. I also own and operate BOLD MTB Coaching in the Okanagan.
Ryan McKenna
Kelowna Trails
It was a life changing moment that night at Baxter's Bar&Grill. It was 1999 and the floor was packed with mountain bikers eager to see the premier of Kranked 2. That film changed the way I wanted to ride bikes. The dawn of the freeride era was here and it was time to build trails. I started building at Gillard alongside the original builders in 2000. In 2003 our beloved trails were lost to a wildfire and I spent the following years reopening trails with hopes of bringing the network back to the popularity we once enjoyed. Soon after, I joined the first board of directors for MTBCO. As family and career became priority, I had to step away from trail building but always found time to ride my bike. Now 2020, I have jumped fists first back into the seat with MTBCO. My main role is working with Rec Site & Trails BC to preserve Gillard as the freeride destination it is known for, bringing the trails up to current standards and planning for a sustainable future. I would like to thank the past MTBCO directors for all the leg work done to get us here. These are exciting times and I'm looking forward to the future of mountain bike trails in the Central Okanagan.
Matthew Booth
Membership
I recently moved from Ottawa to Kelowna in November 2024, admittedly to revive my passion of skiing and the need for bigger mountains! My other passion (obsession) is anything on 2 wheels. Back east, that included mountain biking, gravel riding and winter fat biking mainly in Quebec. On my home trails, I was part of a small community of passionate trail builders for 15 year and later joined the board as well. The network (VeloMSM) has grown significantly and we recently earned PinkBikes Top 10 Highest Rated MTB Trails on Trailforks in 2023.I look forward to exploring everything Kelowna MTB has to offer and to help grow the network and community.
James Pollock
Secretary
Officially moved from Ontario in 2010, after a few summers of tree planting to pay for school, I've wholeheartedly embraced Kelowna as my home. I have a deep passion for mountain biking, skiing, camping, and all things outdoors. I'm committed to enhancing the mountain bike experience in the Okanagan through my involvement with MTBco. Let's ride bikes, build trails, and do cool things!
Aimee King
Communications & Events
I moved to Kelowna from Ottawa in 2021 to follow my love of mountains & wine! I’ve been in the ski & bike community my whole life, but only started mountain biking in 2019. When I moved to Kelowna I joined ladies’ group rides and then joined the MTBCO Events Committee to begin to build my mountain bike community out here. I’ve made some amazing friends so far and love meeting new people on every ride! I’m excited to help build our membership and the overall MTB community in the Okanagan through our platform and events.
Rob McLarty
Technology
I remember the day my parents bought me a brand new, bright red, BMX (with red tires!). I was able to explore the world, hop curbs, and build jumps from scraps of wood, tasting the joy and the freedom these amazing machines are able to conjure. I remember my first trail-building experience digging a trail through some of the mounds of dirt piled in the developing subdivisions around my house where us kids loved to catch some air. I love riding all types of bikes. I’ve spent many hours pedalling on the road, travelling between cities around the world. But since moving from Toronto to Kelowna a few years ago, I find myself mostly riding off the road and in the mountains. The community here is extremely fun and accepting, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than shredding/digging dirt (well, ok, dust 😁) with my newfound friends here in the Okanagan!
Marieke De Jonge
Marketing & Communications
My passion for bikes traces back to my upbringing in the Netherlands, where cycling is a way of life. I began road biking as a teenager to enhance my speed skating training. With a natural aptitude for the sport, I transitioned to competitive road cycling, revelling in the thrill of speed and feeling the adrenaline rush from riding in a tight pack. It wasn’t until I moved to Kelowna in 2018 that I discovered mountain biking, falling in love immediately. Now, calling Kelowna home, I'm eager to contribute meaningfully to the community. Aligned with MTBCO's goals, I aspire to be an ambassador for mountain biking, promoting the Okanagan as a premier destination by growing our community and expanding our trail network. Let's ride together and put the Okanagan on the map as an exceptional mountain biking paradise.
Alessandro Papa
Sponsors
Hey, I'm Alessandro, the Italian who traded pasta for pines when I landed in BC in 2021. Fell in love with the place, and here I am! You can usually spot me as an MTB and Outdoor Guide, leading folks through the raddest trails and sharing the BC magic. Not just about the outdoors though - I'm also a Content Creator, spinning stories about my adventures. No fancy titles, just a passionate soul living the dream in this incredible corner of the world. Let's ride those trails and share some good vibes!
Brad Pedersen
Lake Country
Husband, Father, Founder, Author, Investor and Outdoor Adventurer, striving to live life to the full in beautiful British Columbia.
Alex Needham
West Kelowna
Lisa Gunoff
Treasurer