Interview: What to Expect at Outerbike

Grant Lamont is a Whistler local, a character full of passion for mountain biking, and the man behind bringing Outerbike to Canada. I have had the pleasure of attending a couple of Moab Outerbike's with him, and seeing his face light up like a child on Christmas morning when the demos open has always been my favourite image of him. He genuinely cares about mountain biking and the experience of everyone involved, especially those who will be joining him in Whistler on 4-6 June. I got to have a chat with him about the who, what, when, why, and where of this new Whistler event.

Why did you get in involved with Outerbike?

I got involved after going down to Moab with you, Dean Payne, and Marc Campbell, [from the BC Bike Race] in 2013. I thought it was the best mountain bike event I had ever attended in over 30 years I've been in the game. I felt so much positive energy coming from the exhibitors, attendees, and hosts that I returned again the following year. It was a great value, offered great bikes to demo and had an unbelievable atmosphere, not to mention that we got to ride on wicked trails with solid people.

Why do you think the Whistler venue is an important location addition to the Outerbike?

I think Whistler is important because we have one of the best trail systems in the world along with the best lift serviced bike park in the world. It is pretty easy to make a case. We are also known as a destination that eats bikes just like Moab, so it is a worthy venue to test and ride bikes to see if they measure up to the the hype. We also have a great MTB culture here that is inclusive and high energy for all levels of riders.


What value can customers expect for their entry fee?

We have created a pretty killer deal! We are offering four days riding great bikes on great trails with solid guides who know the area, along with, three great meals provided by Gibbon’ Life at the Longhorn Grill and Saloon each morning to start the day off. Each guest will receive passes for three rides up the lift on Thursday and Friday, beer each day at 4:30pm back at the Longhorn and awesome draw prizes. $10 from each entry also covers trail passes for participants with funds going to WORCA for their trail programs. Clif Nutrition will also be onsite giving out snacks and goodies to keep you going all day. And just for Locals we are offering a special pass for Saturday and Sunday that includes all these perks [except the lift tickets] for $120.

What guided rides will be available for participants?

We will have three rides going out each morning and another three going out in the afternoon. The tours will include local favourites such as Tour de West Side, Yummy Nummy/Golden Door, Southside Session with Trash, Train Wreck and Business Time, and, of course, the Lost Lake trail system which is a great place to check performance within a stone’s throw from the expo area. We also will have Pinkbike Trailforks on site with an app for all those who are registered to put on their devices which will have the routes preloaded for those who would prefer the self guided experience.


Will there be appropriate bike to demo in the park?

Yes, we have lots of bikes that will be great for this and in addition to the three ride lift passes for Thursday and Friday, participants can also purchase lift passes on Saturday and Sunday for 40% off.

What gear do customers need to bring with them?

They need to bring their riding gear such as pedals, helmets, shoes, and tools - just like you are going for a ride. They just don’t need a bike!

When are the breakfasts provided?

Each morning from 7:30 am until 11 a full on breakfast buffet will be available for all paid guests at the Longhorn. And then, each day at 4:30, we will host an après with a complementary beer for all guests.

What do you envision the Outerbike Whistler customer experience being? Who should attend this event?

I think that it will be solid with great value and riding right out of the tent in Lot 2. No shuttles are required which means more time on the bike. There will be lots of fun folks to meet and ride with and the opportunity to talk to the people who designed the bikes and know them best!

What does this event bring to the Whistler community?

It brings hundreds of people to Whistler in a slower time of year. It also brings in some money for the local club WORCA to help with trail maintenance and other programs. We are also hosting a fundraiser for WORCA at the Longhorn on Saturday night with all proceeds going to the club.

What vendors can racers expect to find there?

Rocky Mountain Bikes, Kona, Norco, Fox, Durango Bike Co, Transition, Polygon, SRAM, Ibis, Camelback, Osprey, Ellsworth, MRP, Smith Optics, 100%.

What part of the event are you the most excited about?

I am most excited about growing this event into the best bike event on the planet for those who are looking to buy a great bike. No little kids looking for stickers and sponsors, but people who arelooking to make a wise choice when investing in a mountain bike. I am also really stoked to have my good friends Ashley Korenblat and Mark Sevenoff [who own Western Spirit and created Outerbike] coming up from Moab as it is going to be a blast. Don’t miss it!

Words by Danielle Baker. @dbaker
Photography by Sean St. Denis.

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MENTIONS: @OuterbikeWhistler

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