Edit Jan 2023: The Builder Series has evolved into Dig For Victory!
Here at Chromag Bikes in Whistler, BC, we are fortunate enough to have some of the best riding in the world right outside our door. There's over 300km of singletrack in our town that will keep even the keenest rider busy for an entire season. On top of this we have Pemberton and Squamish just a short drive away with even more incredible riding. Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor is a key destination for anyone who loves to mountain bike.
With so much to ride, we know that these trails don’t get built or maintained on their own. Our communities have volunteer run trail associations that hire experienced trail builders to do the work. On top of this, local riders volunteer to help with the upkeep of our amazing trail network.
As a mountain bike company, we support our local trail associations through various initiatives but we know we can always do more. This year we are launching the Builder Clothing Series to help riders give back to the trails they love.
Everyone appreciates the hard work builders put in (judging by the sh!t eating grins often observed at a trail exit), but not everyone has the time to spare to go out and physically dig. Hopefully with this initiative it makes it a little easier to even out the karma.
$5 from every tee or hat sold will be donated to local trail associations using the Trailforks "Trail Karma" to get the money where it needs to go, into the (dirty) hands of the people that need it.
The tee is made from a 65/35 poly-cotton blend so it's suitable for riding, going to the pub, or even riding to the pub. The cap is a mesh trucker with all the trimmings and attention to detail you've come to expect from Chromag.
But to be clear this stuff isn't just for builders, it's to support builders so don't be shy if you've never lifted a shovel in your life. Plus the artwork has a map built into it in case you get lost out there.
Dan Raymond is the head trail builder for the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) and is the man responsible for the famous Lord of the Squirrels alpine trail. Dan and his team work hard from spring until the snow flies making sure trails are well maintained and adding new trails where they are needed. We are lucky to have people like Dan who are passionate about trail building and happy to be out there in the forest doing their thing.
And there are many more like Dan – people with vision, who give us access to beautiful places and the ability to ride our bikes and enjoy life.
The line will be available online, Chromag HQ, or select stores in Whistler. Be sure to pick up a tee or a cap and show your support. If this goes well then we'd love to expand on the line and keep people like Dan outstanding in their field.
See you out there...
