Page 42 - Winter 2018 Journal

Operations and Risk Management get their own lower mountain loop that progresses into an
Adding eMTBs to resort operations is not much differ- eMTB intermediate experience or stepping up to a MTB
ent than running a fleet of rental/demo bike that resorts gravity-based trail experience.
maintain currently. Just like the bike fleet needs trained Educating guests on the limitations of eMTBs needs
mechanics with a large set of specialty tools, eMTBs to be part of the lesson, guiding, or rental narrative, and
require similar maintenance, with focused training on information should be clearly posted at all trailheads and
troubleshooting battery and motor issues. Those issues are major trail intersections. A common concern is that a
typically dealt with directly through the manufacturer with motor-powered bicycle will empower a trail user to push his
replacement parts. or her limits beyond the level of safe operation, but through
The most important task is that bike mechanics user education about the trail and the eMTB, a rider will
remember to charge the batteries after the bikes come off of prepare for the trail experience safely.
the mountain. eMTB batteries typically charge within four to
seven hours, and the range varies depending on how much the Growing the Sports
rider used the e-assist, type of propulsion system, grade, state of Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or downhill biking, it’s
charge, battery age and treatment, mechanical condition of the always a positive for a ski area when a mountain sport and
bike, tire pressure, power selection, and outside temperature. its gear evolve to the point where just about anyone can par-
Relegating eMTBs to mountain access roads would be ticipate. Given the low-cost and low-risk advantages that
short-sighted, not only introducing the potential for conflicts eMTBs offer, they are worth considering as the next addition
with mountain operations traffic and road maintenance, but to your resort’s summer operations.
also limiting their potential and missing an opportunity for
more guests to have a fun experience on the trail. Resources
Thorough planning and design, developing a thoughtful The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and
multi-use trail network is key to a memorable experience PeopleForBikes have developed numerous resources on
for resort guests. Out of a planning process, eMTBs may eMTBs, including the following items to assist you with
developing eMTB riding opportunities. They are available
free of charge at http://peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes.
• The eMTB Land Manager Handbook, a concise,
The value of experience. comprehensive guide to understanding eMTB riders and
creating sustainable trails to accommodate them;
• Best management practices for creating new eMTB
2016/17 Vermont Public Places Honor Award Winner || Spruce Peak Village Center
trails or retrofitting existing trails; and
• The complete IMBA study on the trail impacts
of eMTBs.

Chris Bernhardt is with C2 Recreation Consulting, which spe-
cializes in the development of natural surface trails and bike
parks. Working in locations from Hong Kong to Switzerland, he
has focused on projects that are socially, economically, and envi-
ronmentally sustainable, bringing to bear an expertise in land
use, transportation, advocacy, and public engagement. He can
be reached at cjb@c2recreation.com.

For nearly 20 years Mike Repyak has applied his landscape
photo credit: Landwehrle architecture and recreation planning experience to Mountain
Resort Community-based projects throughout North America
and Asia. Now with IMBA Trail Solutions, he is involved with
planning, design, and construction of world-class mountain
bike trail networks and bike parks around the globe. He can be
60 years and counting.
reached at mike.repyak@imba.com.

40 | NSAA JOURNAL | WINTER 2018