Backcountry Lifeline Gains Industry Support, Further Reduces Cost for Racer Training
Launched just last month, new company Backcountry Lifeline is already making a name for itself in the bike world. The company recently announced that thanks to industry support, it will be able to reduce prices for training being offered to mountain bike racers for the 2016 season.
Founded by three riders following a season eclipsed by mountain bike tragedies across the nation last year, Backcountry Lifeline (BCLL) aims to provide racers and riders with the training, tools, and technology necessary to be more prepared, and more knowledgeable, for the types of emergency situations riders may encounter in the backcountry.
The organization’s plan was to offer First Aid & CPR trainings for racers at select Big Mountain Enduro (BME) and Enduro World Series (EWS) events, effectively bringing the courses to the riders, to make it more convenient (and thus more likely) for riders to get trained.
“Then we began talking to various industry players, and learned that this type of training is important to them too. Everyone kept telling us, ‘This is long overdue, we’d be happy to help,’” explained BCLL co-founder Bonnie McDonald, whose fiancé died on Stage 3 of the BME series in Crested Butte, CO in August of last year.
To date, BCLL has received support from Yeti, Maxxis, Specialized, Shimano, and Smith, in addition to partnerships with Big Mountain Enduro (BME) and the Enduro World Series (EWS).
“Thanks to this support, now we’re not only able to bring this training to the riders, but we’re also able to offer it to racers for just $35,” said pro-rider and BCLL co-founder, Flynn George. Courses are regularly priced between $90-125.
“The goal, for BCLL and industry supporters alike, is to get as many riders trained as possible,” said George. “So we’re passing through these sponsorship dollars to the riders, to try to make the program as affordable as possible. We hope people take advantage of it.”
“BME, EWS, Yeti, Shimano, Specialized, Smith and Maaxis are essentially footing the bill to get riders trained,” said McDonald. “It’s really pretty awesome… They are industry leaders, leading by example.”
In addition to financial support, BCLL has also received a few impressive products from the sponsor group. “You can expect to see a raffle announcement soon,” hinted George. “Riders aren’t going to want to miss this.”
When asked why sponsors are rallying behind the effort, Mallory Burda, Senior Promotions Manager at Smith explained, “Knowledge is power. Together we are building a stronger and safer future for the sport.” She added that Smith is extremely excited to partner with BCLL. “I think we speak for everyone when we say ‘thank you’ to BCLL, BME, and other sponsors, for making this information more accessible to riders.”
BCLL will be hosting First Aid & CPR training at three BME events this year: in Santa Fe on May 20th; at Aspen Snowmass on July 27th; and in Crested Butte on August 31. There are also several spots remaining for BCLL’s Wilderness First Aid for Mountain Bikers CampMay 5-8 at the Buffalo Creek trails in Pine, CO. There, participants will enjoy a more comprehensive First Aid training through the SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine, along with group rides and ride-based scenarios.
For more information about BCLL, trainings, and upcoming events, visit backcountrylifeline.com and facebook.com/backcountrylifeline/.
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