This was sent as an open letter to Cliff Miller and copied to The Chief for publication.
I read with great interest your effort to acquire the trademark for Squamish as the "Mountain Bike Capital of Canada."
Congratulations on successfully stealing what was previously a moniker used to fittingly, if lightheartedly, describe our home of Rossland, BC. Granted, we don't have the proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, we don't have the Olympic Legacy and we don't have some of the world's best rock climbing and sail boarding/kite surfing (oh wait, you're already the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada!).
But, Mr. Miller, what we do have - in addition to some of the best skiing North America - is a truly remarkable mountain biking community that grew out of very beginnings of the sport. I will not deliver a history lesson in mountain biking in B.C. and Canada.
But I do want you to understand that we have one of the most progressive little cities in the country in terms of mountain biking.
We have had a highly organized and successful trail society managing some 200k of legal mountain bike trails for well over a decade (which has served as a model for the rest of the province).
We have hosted in the past some of the biggest events in the sport, including Canadian Nationals, and have what is possibly one of the most recognized epic trails in Canada - the Seven Summits.
We have gone through many cycles of the sport, from world class racing to the very origins of the freeride movement (see early NWD films) and now progressive all-mountain and epic riding opportunities.
I find it comical, and sad, that you feel "it seemed like the right thing to do." Such disregard for fellow bike communities and your lack of knowledge - or appreciation - of the history of the sport is unfortunate.
Good luck with the title, stealing a trophy is not the same as winning it.
Ryan Kuhn
Rossland, B.C.
