About

The Smithers Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) is a registered non-profit society that has been incorporated to serve the interests and needs of the mountain bike community in Smithers.

The focus of the Smithers Mountain Bike Association has evolved over time. In 2009, when the SMBA was formed, the priority was focused on establishing a modern trail network, increasing intermediate and beginner trails and establishing a maintenance approach that would lead to sustainability.

SMBA continues to focus on two key priorities:

  1. Enhancing and Sustaining the Trail Network: In 2017, the SMBA surveyed the memberships priorities, which at the time was focused on more all-mountain trails that provided for longer rides. In response, the SMBA initiated the Bluff Expansion Project which resulted in Deep Bluff being completed in the fall of 2019. With the addition of 6km of single track, the SMBA is increasingly focused on sustaining and maintaining the existing network.
  2. Strengthening the Mountain Bike Community and Culture in Smithers: In 2019, the SMBA created the Hype Sub-Committee, which engaged Board members and members at large in activities that strengthen our culture and social presence in Smithers. COVID-19 had other plans, but this new website is part of that initiative. The goal is to increase our communication and outreach capacity so we can connect riders, strengthen volunteering opportunities and keep the membership fully informed of what the SMBA Executive is up to.

SMBA is always looking to engage members directly in the maintenance of our trails and the creating of our culture. If you would like to attend Board meetings, participate in the Trail or Hype Sub-Committees, we would love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to contact us!

We’re always looking for extra help on our trail projects, and at our events and we can add you to our list of volunteers. Learn more about volunteering here »

Our Executive

Our executive is organized as follows:

President: Lee Boland

Vice President: Bronson Hidber

Trail Directors : Brian Shorter and Russel Buri

Directors at large (board members): Seth Van Varseveld, Jeff McKay

Races + Events Coordinator: Bryden Rigets

Secretary: Charles Wright

Grant Writer: Amy Copland

Treasurer and Bookkeeper : Tisha Lepoidevan

Communications: Nicole Sutherland and Sandra Stack

Tailforks: Gabe Fortin

Signage: Erica Haugland

Trail TTF Coordinator: Dave Innes

Events/Merch: Steve Bodley and Jan Wengelin

Staff: Jan Wengelin (Executive Director)

This executive meets monthly throughout the year, in order to manage the annual priorities that are determined via the Annual General Meeting with membership, and the budgets that are allocated at the start of the season. To contact the Smithers Mountain Bike Association or any of the executive please email us at [email protected] and your email will be forwarded accordingly.

Land Acknowledgement

We are grateful to be living, learning and recreating as guests on this land. 

The Hudson Bay Mountain Trails are situated on the unceeded traditional territory of the Witsuwit’en people. The Town of Smithers resides within the territory of Cas Yikh (Grizzly House) of the Gidimt’en clan. This territory is referred to as C’inulh K’it. The Witsuwit’en people have lived on this land as stewards since time immemorial and continue to uphold their connection and responsibilities to this day.   “We are the land and the land is us.” 

  – Dinï Ze’ Gisdewe (Alfred Joseph, Hereditary Chief)