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Mountain Bike Mecca Exhibition, photo by Kelly Funk

Mountain Bike Mecca

February 24, 2023 – June 10, 2023

The Mountain Bike Mecca exhibition dives into the rich history and evolution of mountain biking in and around Kamloops, BC. This exhibit showcases the region’s significant contributions to the sport throughout history.

Curated by Matt Macintosh, Mountain Bike Mecca features captivating photos capturing the thrill and daring of mountain bikers against the natural beauty of Kamloops. As part of the exhibition, the KMA has a collection of bikes, showing off the technological advancements from the sport’s early days to now.

Visitors can explore the development of mountain bikes, from basic models to sophisticated machines with disc brakes and advanced suspension systems. The exhibit highlights this progression with a variety of bikes, including intermediary models and the latest lightweight, high-performance versions.

Notable contributions from renowned mountain bikers such as Brett Tippie and Catharine Pendrel, who have left an indelible mark on the sport globally, added depth and personal perspectives to the exhibit.

Mountain Bike Mecca is not just a display of history but a journey that we all have been a part of. It aims to engage the local mountain biking community, encouraging visitors to share their stories and insights.

The exhibition tracks the sport’s evolution from its BMX roots in the ’80s to the rise of freeriding and downhill biking in the ’90s and 2000s, emphasizing Kamloops’ pivotal role in this journey.

As part of the exhibition, the museum invites all mountain biking enthusiasts to participate in this dynamic conversation about the sport’s past, present, and future, celebrating Kamloops as a central hub for mountain biking innovation and culture.

What's On At The KMA
  • Admission By Donation Suggested
    $1 per child & $3 per adult.
    Frequently Asked Questions
  • Museum Hours
    Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
    Sunday & Monday: Closed
  • Archive Hours
    Tuesday - Friday: 1:15pm - 4:00pm
    Saturday: By Appointment
    Sunday & Monday: Closed
  • Please Note:
    The admissions desk may ask that you check your bags and any food and beverages upon entry.

    We encourage you talk in our galleries, have fun, and discuss the content and artifacts you see as you make your way around the building. Laugh, cry, and remember that we like hearing our galleries active!
Kamloops is a paradise for mountain bikers. From downtown, you can go in four different directions and land in four different environments. In each one, you'll find a huge range of terrain—from rolling desert grasslands to lakes and hard-packed dirt to steep, gladed rocky trails—offering epic conditions for all kinds of riders.
Kamloops is a paradise for mountain bikers. From downtown, you can go in four different directions and land in four different environments. In each one, you'll find a huge range of terrain—from rolling desert grasslands to lakes and hard-packed dirt to steep, gladed rocky trails—offering epic conditions for all kinds of riders.
Kamloops has delivered a range of characters, too—people who have found new ways to use the landscape. Whether it's been crafted by nature, by hand, or by my machine—innovative folks from Kamloops have used the land in ways never ridden before.
Kamloops has delivered a range of characters, too—people who have found new ways to use the landscape. Whether it's been crafted by nature, by hand, or by my machine—innovative folks from Kamloops have used the land in ways never ridden before.
This is an electric off-road adaptive trike that belongs to Stu Wymar, who takes it down some of Kamloops' gnarliest terrain. It has two different handbrake mechanisms—the right handle breaks from squeezing, and the left handle breaks when Stu lifts his hand up.
This is an electric off-road adaptive trike that belongs to Stu Wymar, who takes it down some of Kamloops' gnarliest terrain. It has two different handbrake mechanisms—the right handle breaks from squeezing, and the left handle breaks when Stu lifts his hand up.
Everyone has a stake in the land, and different people want to live on it in different ways. Sometimes, the appetite for new trails has led to controversy. Other times, it's led to productive discussions that have carved new paths to understanding and compromise.
Everyone has a stake in the land, and different people want to live on it in different ways. Sometimes, the appetite for new trails has led to controversy. Other times, it's led to productive discussions that have carved new paths to understanding and compromise.
In Kamloops, that regulated side is one of the gnarliest on Earth. Harper Mountain, Sun Peaks, the Kamloops Bike Ranch, and others are all playgrounds and proving grounds for riders of every level. World-class features etch terrified smiles onto anyone who wants to find their limits. And it's helped Kamloops produce more than its fair share of elite riders.
In Kamloops, that regulated side is one of the gnarliest on Earth. Harper Mountain, Sun Peaks, the Kamloops Bike Ranch, and others are all playgrounds and proving grounds for riders of every level. World-class features etch terrified smiles onto anyone who wants to find their limits. And it's helped Kamloops produce more than its fair share of elite riders.

Exhibit Highlights

KMA Photo #3596

[Women and bicycle in front of William Seymour’s home on the Kamloops Indian Reserve, 1939 ]

Biking in Kamloops has a long and documented history.

G.D Brown Collection | Edited caption courtesy of the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park

Exhibition Opening Event with Brett Tippie

On February 24th, the Kamloops Museum and Archives, alongside local mountain bike legend Brett Tippie, hosted the opening of the temporary exhibition “Mountain Bike Mecca.” This event invited conversations about the historical and contemporary presence of mountain biking in Kamloops, drawing in enthusiasts and community members to explore the rich history and evolution of the sport in the region.

Photo Credit Kelly Funk

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Mountain Bike Mic Community Discussion

The Kamloops Museum and Archives hosted the Mountain Bike Mic community discussion panel featuring esteemed panellists Dustin Adams, Cheryl Beattie, Dana Heyman, and Ian Barnett. The evening was filled with thoughtful discussions that provided new insights into the Mountain Bike Mecca Exhibition. The event offered attendees a deeper understanding of the sport’s impact on the Kamloops community.

Photo Credit Kelly Funk

The Kamloops Museum and Archives operates as part of the City of Kamloops, on Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the traditional and unceded lands of Secwépemc Nation, Secwepemcúl’ecw.

Learn About Our Commitment To Ethical Stewardship

Visit The KMA 207 Seymour Street (map) Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7 (250) 828-3576 [email protected]

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