Outerbike: A Brief History

Created to unite bike enthusiasts with an industry insider experience, Ashley Korenblatt of Western Spirit, is the brains and the passion behind Outerbike; a consumer access demo days that originated in Moab and, for the fist time this year, will be in Whistler as well. It is a four day event that offers the general public access to bike and gear manufacturers, allowing them to check out the latest innovations and, more importantly, to try out new bikes. The event also includes lift or shuttle access riding, guided rides, meals, parties, and beer! “I thought it would be a good idea to invite the customers to come ride the bikes! At Western Spirit we meet lots of cyclists who are passionate about riding, but are not part of the industry.” It is as much about test riding the bikes as it is about being immersed in the bikes industry, “we thought it would be great to invite them to the party — give them a chance to meet people in the industry, bike designers, marketing people, etcetera — and most importantly to ride the bikes.”


While the event in Whistler will be run by Grant Lamont, both Ashley and her husband, Mark, along with several of their Western Spirit guides will be in attendance, “specifically to help with registration and make sure everybody gets to ride whatever bikes pique their fancy.”


As an accessible industry event, Ashley looks to the communities that host them, Moab and, now, Whistler, to be involved. “When we bring people to a community we are counting on the residents to welcome them, from the lodging folks to the restaurant people to the liftees.” She goes on to explain, “we see Outerbike as an opportunity for Whistler to welcome a broader mix of cyclists.” And what can the attendees expect? “Outerbike is about making friends in the bike world. It is a chance to meet other cyclists and industry people—and to find the perfect bike for you. If you love to ride, this event is about you.”


In contrast and complement to the event in Moab, Whistler has a few unique offerings; lift service riding and Alpine cross country trails, which differ from the desert riding in Moab. Ashley’s own first experience in Whistler left her “grinning from ear to ear.” As a new mom she only expected to get a run or two in before letting Mark ride, “but,” she says, “when I finished my first run all I could say was ‘we’re getting a babysitter!’”



From one mountain biking mecca to another, the crew at Western Spirit, and the organizers here in Canada are very excited to offer Outerbike to Whistler.