About Us:
Gravity Logic was created to utilize the expertise gained building the Whistler Mountain Bike Park -the world’s number one mountain bike park- to assist other businesses in the design and development of Park Riding experiences by creating facilities that will thrill riders of a wide range of ages, skills and interests.
Our Vision
The consumer demand for Park Riding experiences both lift-accessed and rider-powered is growing rapidly on a world wide basis. It is our belief that Park Riding will become a major force in the outdoor recreation market and that as it does resorts and other facilities will require the construction of a large quantity of new and improved Park Riding infrastructure over the next several years. Gravity Logic has been established to play a key role in the development of this emerging industry. Put simply, our vision is that there will be a Park Riding facility in every major market within the next ten years.
The Proof
As Gravity Logic's Park Riding vision becomes a reality with new Bike Parks popping up all over the planet on a daily basis, we are encouraged by a recent economic impact study conducted by the Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) from June 24-September 17, 2006. The study was commissioned to analyze the economic impact of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in addition to several other regional mountain bike locations including the Resort Municipality of Whistler as a whole. The study concluded that the Whistler Mountain Bike Park contributed to over $16,000,000 in economic impact to the Whistler community during the length of the study. The MBTA study also provided some valuable insights into rider behaviour, overall experience and trip motivation. Some of the highlights of the study include:
- Destination Ridership: 63% of Park riders are from the US and Overseas;
- Length of Stay: 89% of non-resident riders stay overnight and the average stay is five nights;
- Trip Motivation: More than 80% gave the Bike Park a five out of five ranking in terms of its importance in their decision making;
- Likelihood to Return: 88% of respondents indicated they were very likely to return.
The entire report can be downloaded here for your reading pleasure.
Who We Are
Gravity Logic has been founded by the team behind the Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s success. In fact, each Gravity Logician is still actively involved in the continuing development of Whistler's Park. Clearly not a bunch of out of touch consultants.
- Dave Kelly is the true genius behind A-Line, Dirt Merchant and Whistler's legendary "flow". He has been involved with the Whistler Mountain Bike Park since its opening in 1996. Dave was the among the first to officially establish downhill mountain bike trails on Whistler mountain and continued to work as part of a small trail crew / summer patrol for the following 4 years. As the mountain bike park grew, Dave worked his way up from lead hand, to crew supervisor, to co-manager of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. In 2006 and 2007, Dave worked full time for Gravity Logic, a division of Whistler Blackcomb, offering trail development advice to resorts throughout North America and Europe. Dave also has 11 years experience with the Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol and presently serves as one of 3 search and rescue managers. Because of Dave’s extensive experience in the field of risk management, he has been called upon by to offer expert advice on the safety, risk management and construction practices of mountain bike parks around the world.
- Tom Prochazka managed the Whistler Mountain Bike Park since 2001. His ability to visualize trails and trail features that are both progressive and safe has earned him international respect from casual park visitors and professional riders alike. Tom’s 20 years of experience as a carpenter and sawyer are an incredibly valuable asset in terms of designing trail features that are structurally sound, safe, and fun to ride. Tom has worked for Gravity Logic in the role of a Design Manager for the past two years and has also traveled the globe offering advice to resorts hoping to emulate Whistler’s success.
- Rob Cocquyt worked side by side with Dave Kelly during the construction of the first trails on Whistler Mountain. In 1996, he established his own trail design and construction company and, over the next three years, secured government funding and hired crews to build some of Squamish’s most highly regarded trails. His company was also hired by the Squamish Off Road Cycling Association and the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association to provide much needed maintenance on the two communities growing network of trails. Rob has worked full time with the Whistler Mountain Bike Park since 2005 as lead hand, carpenter, and finally as trail crew supervisor. For the past two years, Rob has worked with Gravity Logic as a trail designer in North America and Europe.
The Gravity Logic core is assisted by a variety of consultants and contractors on an "as needed" basis. We have direct access to experts in Risk Management, Mapping, Environmental Planning, Rental/Retail, Event Planning and many other areas.
Learn
Gravity Logic offers a number of different opportunities to learn more about opportunities related to lift-accessed mountain biking in addition to skill refinement and development in the areas of Bike Park Management, trail construction, and instruction.
INVITATION:
GRAVITY LOGIC FORUM IN WINTER PARK
September 5th & 6th, 2008
Gravity Logic Is On The Road.
Gravity Logic and Winter Park are pleased to invite the mountain biking world to the 4th Annual Gravity Logic Forum being held at Winter Park Ski Resort, Colorado from September 5th to September 7th, 2008.
Previously held in Whistler, BC, this year we are bringing the GL Forum to the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. With a long history of Bike Park Operations under its belt, Winter Park is on the verge of significant redevelopment and expansion.
In the past we have entertained a host of knowledgeable speakers from the industry to discuss relevant topics. This year’s presentations will expand on previous forums and cover the following subjects:
USFS Approval process
Insurance (Professional and General Liability, Event)
Risk Management
Programs, Guiding, Guide Certification
Bike Industry Perspective (Kona, Marzocchi)
Economic Impact of Bike Parks
Evolution of MTB - XC to DH
Downhill Specific Trail Construction Guidelines
Events / Competitions
Speaker’s Presentations will be followed by Q & A periods and all presenters will be available for one-on-one meetings.
Evenings are sure to evolve into social gatherings where questions, answers, and cold drinks will flow as smoothly as Winter Park’s infamous Long Trail.
As in the past, this year’s Gravity Logic Forum at Winter Park should prove to be an informative gathering for anyone interested in the development of mountain bike facilities or improving their existing operations.
Registration
(Registration Deadline: August 30, 2008)
$299.00 (includes two lunches and two days lift tickets)
*Bro Deal accommodation and meal packages available. Room rates starting at $76/night for double occupancy
To register, download the PDF form here: Registration Form
or contact:
Caroline L'Heureux at 604-907-1174 or Email: caroline@whistlergravitylogic.com
What We Do
Gravity Logic was created to design, develop and manage Park Riding experiences. The variety of services we offer fall into two distinct categories based on our clients needs. The categories include:
Design and Planning
Gravity Logic will undertake a thorough site analysis which will result in:
- Trail inventory and basic trail mapping
- Terrain inspection and feasibility assessment
- Construction/development costs and ROI
- Lift Requirements
- Operating Plan
- Staffing Plan
- Marketing Plan - including visit and revenue forecasts
- Five Year Financial Plan
Design and Develop
In this structure Gravity Logic will oversee the construction of the facility as per the Design Plan. This will include:
- Project management plan
- Detailed Construction Budget
- Trail Design
- Trail Construction
- Maintenance Budget and Schedule
- Future Development Identification
Additional Services
Custom Training Packages
- On-site trail construction courses
- Machine operation training
- Stunt construction guidance
Mountain Bike Retail/Rental Consulting
- Strategies for purchasing rental bike fleets
- Maximizing mountain bike retail opportunities
Event Design & Development
- Develop and execute slopestyle-based mountain bike events.
Sponsorship Strategy
- Consultation regarding the acquisition and management of strategic Alliances.
Mountain Safety & Risk Management
- Risk management audits
- Signage consultation
- Waiver and release of liability formulation
- Techniques for creating safer trails and features
Guiding & Instructional Programs
- Guide and instructor training
- Program consultation
Clients
Since its inception in April 2006, Gravity Logic has worked with clients all over North America and Europe. Come back soon for a full client list.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about Gravity Logic, please contact us. Before starting a project we insist on a site visit. All mountains are different, we feel that face to face interaction is the best way to start a successful working relationship. We can be reached by the following channels:
Email: email us
Dave Kelly
661-713-3365
Tom Pro
661-713-3372
Rob Cocquyt
661-713-3296
Fax: 604-938-1517
Mail: 7470 Ambassador Crescent
Whistler BC, V0N 1B7
Gravity Logic would like to thank the following for their support:
