Darren Berrecloth and Global Epix
We recently spent some time catching up with Darren Berrecloth and were excited to hear about his new business venture, Global Epix, an adventure tour company featuring guided trips all over the world with professional athletes as your personal guide. Here is what Darren had to say:
What is Global Epix and what do you offer?
Global Epix is an adventure travel company that is pro athlete owned and operated. Not only are our trips guided by some of the sport's top pros, but often it will also be documented by some of the world's best photographers / videographers.
What are the motives behind Global Epix for you?
My motives are simple, really, I love to travel and explore, so why wouldn't I want to bring everyone to some of my favorite places that I have traveled to throughout my years of traveling? We are also trying to provide pro athletes with opportunities to have other income options for their riding career, as well as impact their marketing efforts for themselves and their sponsors.
What types of trips does Global Epix offer and where? What are the trails like?
We offer group mountain bike trips in regions with both a cool culture as well as big mountains - at the end of the day, who doesn't like to ride mostly downhill on a mountain bike? We will be going to famous riding spots like the French Alps, Moab, and British Columbia, but we also are strong advocates for going to lesser known big mountain places that offer a bit more edge, such as Peru, Iceland, and Mongolia. Those are our destinations for the 2014 and 2015 riding seasons.
As a rider, do you offer trips for varying ability levels? Men's and women's trips?
All our trips are rated as intermediate or above, and are open to all enthusiasts. Although our trips are guided by pro freeriders, we're not about riding the fastest or the gnarliest trails we can find. Quite the opposite, we're usually stopping often to take pictures or crack jokes, and we get out early so we have the whole day to ride and goof off. We specifically choose trails that allow slower riders to somewhat keep up with a group, while at the same time making sure the riders who came to ride hard are getting all they can handle, and then some, up front. It's definitely a learned skill, but it is possible to keep a group of varying abilities together and we spend a lot of time making sure we are good at it.
We also offer women-only trips; Katie Holden heads up that program and she does a really great job - she has such a passion for biking and travel, and is so supportive of other women in the sport. Her trips have a unique vibe and we are looking forward to see where she plans to go next.
Can you give us a run down of one of the trips you have planned and how it is laid out?
Each trip is a little different, but the basic MO is the same, we have a laid back Day 1 to get the kinks out of the bikes and bodies, meet everyone, and have an afternoon ride. We then basically spend the next week exploring as much of the region as possible while making sure that we still have plenty of time for dinner and relaxing before the next day. Our trips do involve some climbing where appropriate and needed, but overall we strive for riding mostly downhill so each day usually involves a shuttle van to the start of the ride.
Nights are spent in local 2 to 3 star hotels, and in some instances, camping. We always have a pro guide, a second Global Epix guide, and when in foreign countries we always have a local guide as well for insights on the culture and history of the area we are biking. That's all really, it's a simple concept and the same thing our guests do when they ride with their friends back home - we just add epic locations and well known pro athletes for a more fulfilling adventure.
If I was spending $2k on an MTB vacation with a few buddies, what would be the benefit of working with Global Epix?
There are three primary reasons: First, our riding locations. It has to be said - they really are epic! It takes a lot of work to line up all the logistics, which brings me to reason number two. When you get done running the numbers, it costs a great deal to do a trip like these on your own. Transportation, drivers, and trying to find where you are going isn't easy in an unknown destination. It's a lot of fun riding with new friends, and we do all the work, and pooling fixed costs often makes it more affordable. Those are both good reasons, but the main thing that sets us apart is you get to do these trips with some of the most famous mountain bikers in the world. We think that's a big deal, and a great opportunity to learn more about your sport and its culture.
Why have athletes be a part of the ownership of the company?
We felt really strongly about having pro athletes be a part of the ownership. It's no secret that often times biking events and trips can get watered down once 'corporatism' starts creeping in. We thought we could do more, and do it better, with our athletes being a part of the business and involved in operations. Most of all, we wanted to give our pro athletes a venue where they can go out and create the kind of adventure trip they would want to take themselves - we think it's likely that the public will love it as well.
How long until you plan on branching out and doing surf/ snowboard trips?
We just wanted to get our first season under our belt, this summer 2014. We have worked really hard on the snowboard and skiing side and we are going to be offering our first pro snowboard trips next winter, starting first with Japan next February, Alaska in March, and then a trip to Chile next August. We have a couple of big name riders coming on board and we are just a few weeks away from being able to announce them.
What riders are involved as guides and what does each of them offer to Global Epix?
Our mountain bike guides were chosen not just for their abilities or career accomplishments (though they are all quite formidable in that aspect). Rather, they all stand out for their fun personalities - they are the kind of person in any group of riders on a trip that everyone wants to ride with. Encouraging and helping other riders, not taking themselves too seriously, and a zest for life and adventure were our 3 main criteria.
Darren Berrecloth (CAN) - Owner and founder. Darren's calm and professional demeanor, his obvious biking skill, and the enormous respect from fellow riders and industry folks make him the perfect choice to head up Global Epix.
Kelly McGarry (NZ) - It is impossible not to have a good time riding or hanging out with Kelly. Like all Kiwis, he is good for nonstop jokes and laughter, but his whimsical irreverence masks a serious competitor who puts his heart and brain into everything he does. We are thrilled to have him as a Global Epix guide.
Aaron Chase (USA) - Known as a legend in the sport of Mountain Biking, AC is probably the nicest, kindest, and most laid back pro rider we know. He also has insane bike skills and is one of the most accomplished and well-rounded pure bikers in the industry.
Katie Holden (USA) Katie heads up our women-only trip platform and was a natural choice due to her limitless energy, smiles, and enthusiasm. Katie has a diverse set of skills and life accomplishments, honed by her travels to over 50 countries, and makes a great ambassador for the Global Epix brand.
Chris Van Dine (USA) - CVD has won plenty of downhill races in his career, but has since chosen to focus on the people and international travel aspect of the sport. He travels frequently to South American urban and downhill events, where he is universally known and beloved for his genuine affection for the local people and culture. He can throw a mean backflip and is also an accomplished big mountain snowboarder. Everyone loves Chris.
Garett Buehler (CAN) - Garett is the youngster of the group but already has a very long list of epic adventures to his credit, including some jaw dropping segs on "Where the Trail Ends" as well as a strong top ten finish in the 2013 Rampage. Garett embodies our passion for big mountain freeriding, and the ability to climb and hike wherever he has to go to find the most epic lines. Like all of our Pro Guides, he has unlimited enthusiasm for fun and adventure, as well as the classic humble demeanor of a BC rider who has huge talent on a mountain bike.
Where do you see Global Epix in the next few years and what are you most excited about?
I see Global Epix becoming one of the players in the guided adventure tourism business. I'm super excited to have the opportunity to take my clients on some of my favorite adventures that I have experienced throughout my career. For 2014, we are starting with a core of six pro mountain bike guides. In 2015 we are adding two professional ski/snowboard athletes and one pro surfer.
globalepix.com
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dv56 0.036814
 |
 Global Epix Founder, Darren Berrecloth, doing what he does best, getting sideways. |
What is Global Epix and what do you offer? Global Epix is an adventure travel company that is pro athlete owned and operated. Not only are our trips guided by some of the sport's top pros, but often it will also be documented by some of the world's best photographers / videographers.
What are the motives behind Global Epix for you? My motives are simple, really, I love to travel and explore, so why wouldn't I want to bring everyone to some of my favorite places that I have traveled to throughout my years of traveling? We are also trying to provide pro athletes with opportunities to have other income options for their riding career, as well as impact their marketing efforts for themselves and their sponsors.
What types of trips does Global Epix offer and where? What are the trails like? We offer group mountain bike trips in regions with both a cool culture as well as big mountains - at the end of the day, who doesn't like to ride mostly downhill on a mountain bike? We will be going to famous riding spots like the French Alps, Moab, and British Columbia, but we also are strong advocates for going to lesser known big mountain places that offer a bit more edge, such as Peru, Iceland, and Mongolia. Those are our destinations for the 2014 and 2015 riding seasons.
As a rider, do you offer trips for varying ability levels? Men's and women's trips? All our trips are rated as intermediate or above, and are open to all enthusiasts. Although our trips are guided by pro freeriders, we're not about riding the fastest or the gnarliest trails we can find. Quite the opposite, we're usually stopping often to take pictures or crack jokes, and we get out early so we have the whole day to ride and goof off. We specifically choose trails that allow slower riders to somewhat keep up with a group, while at the same time making sure the riders who came to ride hard are getting all they can handle, and then some, up front. It's definitely a learned skill, but it is possible to keep a group of varying abilities together and we spend a lot of time making sure we are good at it.
We also offer women-only trips; Katie Holden heads up that program and she does a really great job - she has such a passion for biking and travel, and is so supportive of other women in the sport. Her trips have a unique vibe and we are looking forward to see where she plans to go next.
 |
Can you give us a run down of one of the trips you have planned and how it is laid out? Each trip is a little different, but the basic MO is the same, we have a laid back Day 1 to get the kinks out of the bikes and bodies, meet everyone, and have an afternoon ride. We then basically spend the next week exploring as much of the region as possible while making sure that we still have plenty of time for dinner and relaxing before the next day. Our trips do involve some climbing where appropriate and needed, but overall we strive for riding mostly downhill so each day usually involves a shuttle van to the start of the ride.
Nights are spent in local 2 to 3 star hotels, and in some instances, camping. We always have a pro guide, a second Global Epix guide, and when in foreign countries we always have a local guide as well for insights on the culture and history of the area we are biking. That's all really, it's a simple concept and the same thing our guests do when they ride with their friends back home - we just add epic locations and well known pro athletes for a more fulfilling adventure.
 |
If I was spending $2k on an MTB vacation with a few buddies, what would be the benefit of working with Global Epix? There are three primary reasons: First, our riding locations. It has to be said - they really are epic! It takes a lot of work to line up all the logistics, which brings me to reason number two. When you get done running the numbers, it costs a great deal to do a trip like these on your own. Transportation, drivers, and trying to find where you are going isn't easy in an unknown destination. It's a lot of fun riding with new friends, and we do all the work, and pooling fixed costs often makes it more affordable. Those are both good reasons, but the main thing that sets us apart is you get to do these trips with some of the most famous mountain bikers in the world. We think that's a big deal, and a great opportunity to learn more about your sport and its culture.
Why have athletes be a part of the ownership of the company? We felt really strongly about having pro athletes be a part of the ownership. It's no secret that often times biking events and trips can get watered down once 'corporatism' starts creeping in. We thought we could do more, and do it better, with our athletes being a part of the business and involved in operations. Most of all, we wanted to give our pro athletes a venue where they can go out and create the kind of adventure trip they would want to take themselves - we think it's likely that the public will love it as well.
 |
| Taking a little off time on the Fraser River. |
How long until you plan on branching out and doing surf/ snowboard trips? We just wanted to get our first season under our belt, this summer 2014. We have worked really hard on the snowboard and skiing side and we are going to be offering our first pro snowboard trips next winter, starting first with Japan next February, Alaska in March, and then a trip to Chile next August. We have a couple of big name riders coming on board and we are just a few weeks away from being able to announce them.
 |
| Campfire stories, Claw promises to provide plenty of stories around the campfire. |
What riders are involved as guides and what does each of them offer to Global Epix? Our mountain bike guides were chosen not just for their abilities or career accomplishments (though they are all quite formidable in that aspect). Rather, they all stand out for their fun personalities - they are the kind of person in any group of riders on a trip that everyone wants to ride with. Encouraging and helping other riders, not taking themselves too seriously, and a zest for life and adventure were our 3 main criteria.
Darren Berrecloth (CAN) - Owner and founder. Darren's calm and professional demeanor, his obvious biking skill, and the enormous respect from fellow riders and industry folks make him the perfect choice to head up Global Epix.
Kelly McGarry (NZ) - It is impossible not to have a good time riding or hanging out with Kelly. Like all Kiwis, he is good for nonstop jokes and laughter, but his whimsical irreverence masks a serious competitor who puts his heart and brain into everything he does. We are thrilled to have him as a Global Epix guide.
Aaron Chase (USA) - Known as a legend in the sport of Mountain Biking, AC is probably the nicest, kindest, and most laid back pro rider we know. He also has insane bike skills and is one of the most accomplished and well-rounded pure bikers in the industry.
Katie Holden (USA) Katie heads up our women-only trip platform and was a natural choice due to her limitless energy, smiles, and enthusiasm. Katie has a diverse set of skills and life accomplishments, honed by her travels to over 50 countries, and makes a great ambassador for the Global Epix brand.
Chris Van Dine (USA) - CVD has won plenty of downhill races in his career, but has since chosen to focus on the people and international travel aspect of the sport. He travels frequently to South American urban and downhill events, where he is universally known and beloved for his genuine affection for the local people and culture. He can throw a mean backflip and is also an accomplished big mountain snowboarder. Everyone loves Chris.
Garett Buehler (CAN) - Garett is the youngster of the group but already has a very long list of epic adventures to his credit, including some jaw dropping segs on "Where the Trail Ends" as well as a strong top ten finish in the 2013 Rampage. Garett embodies our passion for big mountain freeriding, and the ability to climb and hike wherever he has to go to find the most epic lines. Like all of our Pro Guides, he has unlimited enthusiasm for fun and adventure, as well as the classic humble demeanor of a BC rider who has huge talent on a mountain bike.
Where do you see Global Epix in the next few years and what are you most excited about? I see Global Epix becoming one of the players in the guided adventure tourism business. I'm super excited to have the opportunity to take my clients on some of my favorite adventures that I have experienced throughout my career. For 2014, we are starting with a core of six pro mountain bike guides. In 2015 we are adding two professional ski/snowboard athletes and one pro surfer.
globalepix.com
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Member since Aug 7, 2013
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Riders out there looking for award-winning riding adventures in the top riding destinations globally, visit our website www.ridebig.com/adventures.php. We've been running amazing trips for 11 years now with professional guides on seamlessly orchestrated trips. Visit Big Mountain Bike Adventures!
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