Bike school is now in session at Capilano University. Yes, you did read that right: Capilano University has a post-secondary certificate called the Mountain Bike Operations program - the only one of its kind in the world - right here in Sechelt.
Since its inception in the fall of 2006, the program has seen some 80 graduates go on to work in jobs ranging from trail building to guiding, retail management and special events. Many of them came to gain relevant skills that are now expected in the mountain bike tourism industry.
Locally, the program has put more than $100,000 worth of volunteer hours into trails in the community since it began. The partnership that has been created with the District of Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast Regional District is a crucial component of the program, as much of the curriculum is experience-based. One only has to venture to any of the local parks such as Kinnikinnick or Sprockids to see the monumental impact the program has had on our trails and our community. There has also been a significant economic impact as the majority of the students are from the rest of B.C., Canada, the U.S. and abroad.
In addition to mountain bike courses such as guiding and trail building, the program also equips students with a sound knowledge of the biking industry from tourism and risk management to marketing, special events and communications.
"Thanks to the program, I am stepping into my dream job," said recent graduate Paul Karr who is now a bike instructor for a local college in Oregon.
For more information about the program, email: [email protected].
Editor's note: Lydia Watson teaches communications and marketing in the mountain bike operations program. She owns and operates Off the Edge Adventure Sports in Sechelt.
