Ok, It's always been a bit tongue-in-cheek that Rossland, BC, called itself the "Mountain Biking Capital of Canada" for decades. However, the founder of the Test of Metal recently trademarked the phrase and sent ceast and disest letters to Rossland. Here's the story:
http://www.squamishchief.com/article/20100929/SQUAMISH0101/309299981/-1/squamish01/squamish-now-officially-mountain-bike-capital-of-canada
What do you think? Here's my open letter to Mr. Miller and the Squamish Chief newspaper:
An open letter to Mr. Cliff Miller:
I read with great interest your effort to acquire the trademark for Squamish as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. Congratulations on successfully stealing what was previously a moniker used to fittingly, if lightheartedly, describe our home of Rossland, BC. Granted, we dont have the proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, we dont have the Olympic Legacy and we dont have some of the worlds best rock climbing and sail boarding/kite surfing (oh wait, youre already the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada!). But, Mr. Miller, what we do have in addition to some of the best skiing North America is a truly remarkable mountain biking community that grew out of very beginnings of the sport. I will not deliver a history lesson in Mountain Biking in BC and Canada. But I do want you to understand that we have one of the most progressive little cities in the country in terms of mountain biking. We have had a highly organized and successful trail society managing 170 kilometres of legal mtb trails for well over a decade (which has served as a model for the rest of the province). We have hosted in the past some of the biggest events in the sport, including Canadian Nationals, and have what is possibly one of the most recognized epic trails in Canada the Seven Summits. We have gone through many cycles of the sport, from world class racing to the very origins of the freeride movement (see early NWD films) and now progressive all-mountain and epic riding opportunities. I find it comical, and sad, that you feel it seemed like the right thing to do. Such disregard for fellow bike communities and your lack of knowledge or appreciation of the history of the sport is unfortunate. Good luck with the title, stealing a trophy is not the same as winning it.
http://www.squamishchief.com/article/20100929/SQUAMISH0101/309299981/-1/squamish01/squamish-now-officially-mountain-bike-capital-of-canada
What do you think? Here's my open letter to Mr. Miller and the Squamish Chief newspaper:
An open letter to Mr. Cliff Miller:
I read with great interest your effort to acquire the trademark for Squamish as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. Congratulations on successfully stealing what was previously a moniker used to fittingly, if lightheartedly, describe our home of Rossland, BC. Granted, we dont have the proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, we dont have the Olympic Legacy and we dont have some of the worlds best rock climbing and sail boarding/kite surfing (oh wait, youre already the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada!). But, Mr. Miller, what we do have in addition to some of the best skiing North America is a truly remarkable mountain biking community that grew out of very beginnings of the sport. I will not deliver a history lesson in Mountain Biking in BC and Canada. But I do want you to understand that we have one of the most progressive little cities in the country in terms of mountain biking. We have had a highly organized and successful trail society managing 170 kilometres of legal mtb trails for well over a decade (which has served as a model for the rest of the province). We have hosted in the past some of the biggest events in the sport, including Canadian Nationals, and have what is possibly one of the most recognized epic trails in Canada the Seven Summits. We have gone through many cycles of the sport, from world class racing to the very origins of the freeride movement (see early NWD films) and now progressive all-mountain and epic riding opportunities. I find it comical, and sad, that you feel it seemed like the right thing to do. Such disregard for fellow bike communities and your lack of knowledge or appreciation of the history of the sport is unfortunate. Good luck with the title, stealing a trophy is not the same as winning it.