Page 38 - 83628_NSAA_SummerVol26

US in spring 2017. These individuals—who consist of all otherwise would not have considered riding your park.
shapes, sizes, and ages—represent tremendous opportunity Work with the local chamber of commerce or conven-
for areas as they look to grow the number of riders in their tion and visitors bureau to promote the park to groups com-
bike parks. And there are various ways to tap into the market ing from outside the immediate area or region. Emphasize
demographic of riders that don’t consider themselves “down- that the bike park offers a great recreational break and a per-
hill” bikers. sonal development opportunity for attendees. Just as recess
Start by considering how you can incorporate the sug- and physical education have been shown to improve learning
gestions in this article to increase the perceived accessibility in kids, the confidence gained from learning a new sport can
of downhill riding. These strategies are not only appropriate translate to personal confidence and success.
for beginners; if anything, they are intended to increase the
attractiveness of lift-accessed biking to all ages and abilities. Lift-accessed biking is growing in popularity but is still in
Also, if your area attracts or is popular with “other” rid- some ways a niche sport. By investing in programs and trails
ing groups such as road bikers or cross-country riders, con- to make the sport more accessible to a broader audience,
sider reaching out to these clubs or groups and creating an areas can develop new riders that will come back to ride the
offer for them to spend time at your park as part of their park again and again.
trip. Familiarization events and guided tours may be more Like skiing and snowboarding, no two days on the
attractive than traditional lessons. Consider outreach into trail are the same. Different than a zipline or a coaster ride,
regional clubs and organizations as well. downhill biking requires learning and developing new skills.
For spectators or attendees at your area’s major events, espe- But as guests apply those skills repeatedly, they can develop
cially those outside of the bike park, consider offering bike confidence along with a comfort and personal or emotional
park packages alongside lodging offers. If people are motivated attachment—just like skiing and riding. By customizing and
enough to come watch, they might be enticed into spending an applying the strategies outlined above, your area can increase
extra day or part of a day in your park. Simply promoting your the attractiveness of lift-accessed biking and build a much
bike park to a non-traditional audience may bring in people that broader pool of riders.

INVENTED IT

ENGINEERED IT No resort is quite like yours

BUILT IT Team up with us today.

Rob Andrews, Seattle, WA No insurance program delivers solutions quite like ours. We
UNSURPASSED 360-787-9887 recognize that your business faces a unique set of risks every day.
robert.andrews@safehold.com
Our sports and recreation teams can help you assess and minimize

Contact your USA Wiegand Team TODAY for Bill Curtis, Lakewood, CO those risks so you can focus on running your business.
information on the BEST Alpine Coaster. 720-543-8066 We proactively consult with you to build the right insurance
A world-wide bestseller over 250 times! william.curtis@safehold.com solutions — so you can feel confident that you have the
Ryan Patrick, Portsmouth, NH
603-570-5218 right coverage in place to protect your business now and for
ryan.patrick@safehold.com the long term.
Feel the difference.
406.777.9900
wiegandsportsusa.com
ALPINE COASTERS
Products and services are offered through Safehold Special Risk, Inc., dba Safehold Special Risk & Insurance Services, Inc. in California. Coverage is provided by unaffiliated
insurance companies.
© 2018 Safehold Special Risk, Inc. All rights reserved.
36 | NSAA JOURNAL | SUMMER 2018