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!
Cam Lainchbury
Vice President
I moved to Kelowna from Grande Prairie in 98. Started biking as physio for a skateboard injury and fell in love with the trail networks here. When the fires in 2003 wiped out a lot of the network, I got together with a group of good friends to rebuild. Over the years, I have put my handiwork into numerous trails in Kelowna and will continue to for as many years as possible. I joined the MTBCO board of directors 10 years ago to help get the trail network that I spend most of my time on legalized, and will continue to push for the support of trails. Without trails there would be no fun and no one wants that. Here's to the good times and the good trails! Cheers!
Ryan McKenna
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.
Susan Moran
Treasurer
I have lived in Kelowna since 1986 and frequently have hiked the Crawford trails with my previous and current dogs. Having often met a friend of mine on her mountain bike, I thought I might enjoy cruising the trails in addition to riding my road bike through the streets of Kelowna. In 2019, I bought a mountain bike and am hooked. I have really enjoyed meeting new friends through group lessons and rides. As a retired CPA, taking over the Treasurer’s position is a way I can give back to the biking community.
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.
Anton Platz
Membership
Originally from Calgary, Alberta I moved to the Okanagan in 2019 after finding a practicum placement. A close friend dragged me into mountain biking during the summer of 2015 and I have been absolutely stoked about it since. I love participating in bike events and races, meeting new bike people, and drooling over all the new bikes, gear, and components. When I'm not zipping through town or on the trails, you will find me out camping in my Bongo Friendee, out with friends at a local brewery or hanging at the beach.
Jordan Bell
Secretary
Grew up on the the east coast dreaming of biking in BC, finally made the move from Calgary to Kelowna in 2021. I ride my bike as much as possible, my riding style is pretty aggressive/freeridey but also enjoy longer ‘adventure’ type rides. My professional background is quality management in the consumer packaged goods industry. Looking forward to projects like the Gillard up trail and improving the Hollywood (mission creek) jump park and gaining knowledge of the administration and regulatory side of MTBCO.
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.