Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park A four season cycling destination overlooking Lake Michigan
A four season mountain bike park Professionally built trails catering to all levels of riders, year round A skills area and pump track for children and adults Lessons and camps to facilitate skills growth and competency on the trail A rental/repair shop Premier mountain biking events (Enduro, cyclocross, and fatbike races)
The value proposition The experience. Riding at the only bike park in Leelanau County. Letting the kids ride at the skills park while parents ride trails, a pump track for adults and children to ride together, a bar/patio for the parent to enjoy a drink while the kids ride with a lesson, or for your crew to hang out and drink a local microbrew after a hard day of riding. Events. Spectator friendly races, women s mountain biking retreats, and skills clinics. Lessons and camps. Beginner and private lessons. Pair lessons with bike rentals. Lessons lead to repeat visits. Kids camps. Kids learn ride safety and skills. Parents have time to ride themselves + have increased confidence in kids safety. Bike rentals. Profit from the bike rental and end of season sales. Increased rider satisfaction and ability, due to riding a more capable bike, leads to increased likelihood of repeat visits. Professionally built and maintained trails. Name recognition of build company, one of a kind ride experience, comfort for new riders, perceived safety for new riders, women and children.
Numerous mountain biking trails in Grand Traverse and Benzie Counties. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which draws over 1.1 million visitors per year, will soon have over 40+ miles of mountain biking. The sandy shores of Lake Michigan and numerous inland lakes offer boundless opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Over 22 wineries, 2 Cideries, 3 Breweries, and 1 Distillery (it s a well know fact that mountain bikers love to drink, especially local microbrews). New food and beverage opportunities are significant as well! Come for biking, stay for so much more 36% of mountain bikers bring their families while on mountain biking vacations.
The Sugar Loaf location + A rapidly growing sport culture = Untapped potential for value 566 Miles is the average distance traveled for mountain bike trips, and Sugar Loaf is within driving distance of 12 states $125,000 is the median household income of mountain bike race attendees at VASA Pathway races 16% growth in mountain biking between 2000 and 2015 60% of visitors to Whistler Resort are summer visitors 71% of fat bikers, not considering buying a bike, would demo or rent a fat bike, and 64% of fat bikers would pay for groomed trails >5,000 riders, from 34 states competed in the Iceman Cometh Challenge, the largest point to point mountain bike race in North American 43% growth in High School Racers from 2015-2016 because youth mountain biking brings whole families into the sport 250 local kids participated in Norte, Traverse City s bike-centric, youth-focused advocacy organization in the past year The Sleeping Bear Mountain Bike Classic, the first World Cup race in the country, was held at Sugar Loaf from 1985 1996.
A big win for Leelanau County In addition to access to professionally built trails to ride on our favorite local mountain... A recent survey shows over the past two years, biking has had an annual economic impact of $668 million including equipment purchases, bike sales, tourism and reduced health cost, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation Mountain biking not only diversifies and improves economies; it also attracts and retains young, skilled workers A thriving local scene with good trails adds to the quality of life for locals, and attracts younger people who want to relocate to the region. Trails are an amenity that keeps existing residents and attracts new people; an asset that contributes to community identity. When residents use trails frequently, they become an integral part of community life (Michigan DOT website). Outside Online wrote a powerful article about how investments in mountain bike trails revitalize small towns
Highland Mountain Bike Park: A model for success at Sugar Loaf Highland Mountain Bike Park is arguably the most well known downhill mountain biking park in the U.S.A. and an excellent model for Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park. Highland Mountain Bike Park was built out of an abandoned ski area known as the Highlands and has since been completely overhauled The main attraction is the actual trail network, and it does not disappoint. What highland lacks in elevation, it makes up for in creative land use,and offers a wide variety of trails types [a full bar and deck, with a view of the hill] which parents of young riders will appreciate Highland isn t perfect, but it s pretty close. It has a mountain bike vibe that you just do not get at any other resort. www.themountainbikelife.com Highland started with expert trails for experienced riders, little did they know that families and beginner riders are what would turn the bike park into a profitable enterprise. Northern Michigan has long been known as a family friendly destination and place to live, and Sugar Loaf itself had an extensive history of running the best lesson programs in the Midwest. We have the opportunity to build a world class bike park that draws users of all skill levels, to provide a safe encouraging environment to develop their skills and confidence, and to be known both for a fabulous trail system and lessons and programs. Sugar Loaf could be one of the most exciting venues nation-wide.
We d love to hear from you! Molly Steck Co-Chair Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park Project molly_hoxie@yahoo.com (231) 499-9551 Cody Sprattmoran Co-Chair Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park Project c.sprattmoran@gmail.com (479) 595-4228 A legacy with a real future. The Sleeping Bear Mountain Bike Classic, the first World Cup race in the country and second largest race in the circuit, was held at Sugar Loaf and other local resorts. It ran from 1985-1996, and attracted 2,500 riders.
Learn more about the potential for real transformation and long-term value creation in Leelanau County Click to learn more about these topics from trusted industry publications: Bike Parks and the Evolving Ski Resort Economy How Mountain Biking is Saving Small Town, USA Mountain Bike Tourism, By the Numbers The history of Highland Mountain Bike Park Sugar Loaf can be a model for 21 st century sport culture. Looking back to the ski culture of Sugar Loaf in the 20 th century, this postcard of Sugar Loaf provides inspiration for a new and transformative vision for local and national success.
Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park Thank you for your consideration!