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Leslie Kehmeler/Gunnison, CO

progression from day one on the snow to the more advanced riding in a straighter line. They also have less chance of getting ©2018 accesso Technology Group, plc
trails and terrain parks, we can now cater to our new mountain off the bike and walking it: pushing a bike up the hill tends
bikers in a very similar way.” to impact the trail more than riding up does. So, from a
The bigger surprise: Newpher, a professional racer with resource protection standpoint, which is the largest concern
World Cup experience, has spent several seasons upon these for our land managers, it’s been surprisingly the opposite
new bikes and is now convinced that in many ways eMTBs results of what most people anticipated.”
actually have less impact on trails than other mountain bikes, Newpher says many shops in town are now selling eMTBs,
which might seem counterintuitive since they are typically and that the resort will be adding to its rental fleet for 2019—
heavier, have a motor, and large-volume tires. another key revenue source from bike park operations.
“In terms of impact, what I’m seeing is that these bikes He admits he does still hear the occasional gripe
aren’t putting out so much power that it’s outside of the about the e-bikes from his core bike park riders, but that
human range of a high-level athlete,” he said. “With other this group generally sees the attraction and opportunities
mountain bikes, your power on the climb largely comes from with the addition of these bikes to Steamboat’s program. An
your down stroke. This creates a pulsing of torque of the eMTB changes the experience going up, but going down
tire on the ground, so it’s a bit of a wave cycle, whereas the is very much the same as a traditional bike, so the bike
eMTBs provide a more constant drive and maintain more park crowd doesn’t seem to take offense with them like the
momentum, making for a smoother power delivery. You are resort’s uphill community does, he added. Overall, the goal
also able to stay seated on steeper climbs, which keeps more is more people on bikes, and growth all around will help the
pressure on the rear tire, and as a result creates increased business component of the bike park, leading to opportunities
traction and less spinning of the rear wheel. The eMTB rider for more trails and new features for all to enjoy.
tends to ‘wander’ less than even some high-level athletes, “As you might expect, there are those riders out there
because when a rider gets tired, the rider tends to go back that struggle with getting passed by a softcore rider wearing
and forth on the trail more, so the eMTB riders are typically baggy shorts on an e-bike. No doubt, it can be hard on the
ego,” Newpher said. “But overall I think everyone is rising
above and has started to see them as a way to get more people
About 34 million e-bikes were sold worldwide in out pedaling and enjoying the mountains as they open doors
2017. Most were sold in Europe and China, where the to this sport like nothing before.” Your guests are unique. So is your business.
34M bikes already have exploded in popularity. In 2017, That's why you should be with a partner who gets you.

the US market grew to 263,000 bikes, a 25 percent Colin Bane is a journalist and lifelong snowboarder based in
gain from the prior year—eCycleElectric Consultants Denver, Colo. He also works behind the scenes at X Games, At accesso, we’re more than technology and innovation. We’re the powder day buddy
Dew Tour, and other action sports events, and is a frequent for your snow-obsessed sta , with experience and dedication to help you conquer the
contributor to the Journal. steepest challenges.

To learn more visit accesso.com.
48 | NSAA JOURNAL | WINTER 2019