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 Kids learn ride safety and skills. Parents have in Leelanau County. Letting the kids ride at the time to ride themselves + have increased skills park while parents ride trails, a pump confidence in kids safety. track for adults and children to ride together, a bar/patio for the parent to enjoy a drink while Bike rentals. Profit from the bike rental and the kids ride with a lesson, or for your crew to end of season sales. Increased rider hang out and drink a local microbrew after a satisfaction and ability, due to riding a more hard day of riding. capable bike, leads to increased likelihood of repeat visits. Events. Spectator friendly races, women’s mountain biking retreats, and skills clinics. Professionally built and maintained trails. Name recognition of build company, one of a Lessons and camps. Beginner and private kind ride experience, comfort for new riders, lessons. Pair lessons with bike rentals. perceived safety for new riders, women and Lessons lead to repeat visits. Kids camps. children. Numerous mountain biking trails in Grand Come for biking, stay Traverse and Benzie Counties. for so much more 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! 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 • >5,000 riders, from 34 states competed in the for mountain bike trips, and Sugar Loaf is within Iceman Cometh Challenge, the largest point to driving distance of 12 states point mountain bike race in North American • $125,000 is the median household income of • 43% growth in High School Racers from mountain bike race attendees at VASA 2015-2016 because youth mountain biking Pathway races brings whole families into the sport • 16% growth in mountain biking between 2000 • 250 local kids participated in Norte, Traverse and 2015 City’s bike-centric, youth-focused advocacy • 60% of visitors to Whistler Resort are summer organization in the past year visitors • 71% of fat bikers, not considering buying a The Sleeping Bear Mountain bike, would demo or rent a fat bike, and 64% of Bike Classic, the first World Cup race in the country, was fat bikers would pay for groomed trails 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, • A thriving local scene with good trails adds to biking has had an annual economic impact of the quality of life for locals, and attracts younger $668 million including equipment purchases, people who want to relocate to the region. Trails bike sales, tourism and reduced health cost, are an amenity that keeps existing residents according to the Michigan Department of and attracts new people; an asset that Transportation contributes to community identity. When residents use trails frequently, they become an • Mountain biking not only diversifies and integral part of community life (Michigan DOT improves economies; it also attracts and retains website). young, skilled workers • 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 Highland started with expert trails for experienced abandoned ski area known as the Highlands and riders, little did they know that families and has since been completely overhauled … The main beginner riders are what would turn the bike park attraction is the actual trail network, and it does not into a profitable enterprise. Northern Michigan has disappoint. What highland lacks in elevation, it long been known as a family friendly destination makes up for in creative land use ,and offers a wide and place to live, and Sugar Loaf itself had an variety of trails types… [a full bar and deck, with a extensive history of running the best lesson view of the hill] which parents of young riders will programs in the Midwest. We have the opportunity appreciate … Highland isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty to build a world class bike park that draws users of close. It has a mountain bike vibe that you just do all skill levels, to provide a safe encouraging not get at any other resort. environment to develop their skills and confidence, www.themountainbikelife.com 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 Molly Steck Co-Chair hear from you! Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park Project [email protected] (231) 499-9551
Cody Sprattmoran Co-Chair Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park Project [email protected] (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: Sugar Loaf can be a model for 21st century sport Bike Parks and the Evolving Ski Resort Economy culture. Looking back to the ski culture of Sugar Loaf How Mountain Biking is Saving Small Town, USA in the 20th century, this postcard of Sugar Loaf provides Mountain Bike Tourism, By the Numbers inspiration for a new and transformative vision for local and The history of Highland Mountain Bike Park national success. Sugar Loaf Mountain Bike Park
Thank you for your consideration!