Furious3 - Mark Kaltenbach Answers Our Questions
The town is buzzing about one of Fernie's newest mountain bike races, the Furious3 taking place in less than two weeks. We thought we would put the confusion and worry to rest by going to the source - Mark Kaltenbach, organizer of the Furious3 was on hand to answer our questions and we're even more stoked on this event!
Why did the Furious3 decide on Fernie as its location?
Fernie is a perfect location for this type of event. There aren’t many places that you can start from town and ride 50 or 60 kms and return back to where you started. In most locations you’d have to ride a bunch of road or even shuttle everyone to the start or from the finish. It's logistically perfect. Also the amenities are great. There are a lot of choices available to people in regards to accommodation, dining, shopping...
How has Furious3 been working with the City, Trails Alliance, businesses etc. through this process?
We have been working with the City from the beginning to make sure this event has a positive impact. Our goal is to not only bring in participants to experience the Furious3, but also to experience Fernie and all it has to offer. Whenever possible we buy our products from Fernie sources. All of our food will be purchased from local grocery stores, our hoodies are made by Giv’er Shirtworks, our sponsor bike shop, Straightline will do the maintenance on participant's equipment and we promote them instead of bringing sources from out of town. I know I can get things cheaper elsewhere, but that isn’t supporting Fernie at all. I have been working with the Trails Alliance to figure out how we can give back to the trails that we use in the form of money and physical support. I am also promoting club events by aligning a Furious3 Maintenance Day with these events. Our first will be alongside the Porky Blue Ride and Roast on the August long weekend. This will encourage riders from outside of Fernie to come help with the trails that they use on a regular basis. We'll ride the Porky Blue event on Saturday and then do maintenance that we’ll coordinate with the Trails Alliance on Sunday, followed by more riding Monday. I’d like to do one of these every month.
How much money per rider is going back to the Trails Alliance?
$20 from each entry is going to the Fernie Trails Alliance and also, thanks to the help of local members marking the course for us this year, we will also donate another $2000 to the Trails Alliance for a total of $8000. There are some other initiatives that I’m currently working as well that I’ll let out down the road.
Why did the Furious 3 decide to make this contribution?
I know that there are some people that believe there are those that come to Fernie, use it for its resources and just leave without so much as a thank you. My goal is to try to change that stereotype in some way. Eventually I want this to be an event that every Fernie citizen sees as a positive addition to the landscape of Fernie. I know that this is not something to be achieved overnight, but I am working on it. It has been and continues to be a learning experience. I always welcome constructive criticism and suggestions from everyone and anyone.
What are your expectations for the race, and where do you hope to see it go in the future?
I would like to see it continue and thrive for the next 20 years. I would like to see it as one of the Crown Jewels in Fernie's summer activities schedule.
Thanks Mark! The sun is shining, trails are drying, and this July long weekend 300 riders and their friends and family will be in Fernie to enjoy a lot of mountain biking and a whole lot of our community for the Furious3.
