Blog

What started as a way for Dave Sandsmark to keep up with his kids on bikes turned into a lifelong passion that shaped his community. From launching Burnt Bikes in his basement to building world-class trails (sometimes with the help of unsuspecting shuttle passengers), Dave’s dedication to mountain biking runs deep. With unwavering local support, Burnt Bikes became BC’s Favourite Bike Shop—proving that small-town passion can make a big impact.

The inspiration for Fukasaku began years earlier when Dai first arrived in Northern BC. Despite the region's rich waters, he noticed much of its incredible seafood wasn't available to locals. "Growing up in Tokyo, seafood was always an integral part of my life," Dai recalls. "I started daydreaming about opening a restaurant showcasing only local seafood once I became a landed immigrant in Canada."

Chelsie McCutcheon's story embodies resilience, community, and the transformative power of the outdoors. A member of the Wet'suwet'en Nation from near Smithers, British Columbia, Chelsie has faced life's challenges with grace and tenacity. Through snowboarding, she has discovered a path to healing and empowerment, using her journey to inspire others. Her evolution from a young girl on the reservation to a mentor and guide reflects a profound connection to the mountains and a determination to uplift her people through outdoor recreation.

Moving to a new city is challenging enough, but when it means leaving behind a favourite coffee shop, it's even harder. A local coffee spot becomes more than just a place to grab a drink; it's often the heart of a community, a space where social connections are nurtured, where people can recharge, work, or simply enjoy the ambiance. For those who work from home, it becomes a necessary escape, a hub for running into friends, making new ones, and chatting with the baristas who start to feel like family. It can be a great setting for an interview or...