Mountain Bike Tourism: The Windham Experience

1. The Windham Experience

2. žWindham has a strong winter tourism
industry
žExisting infrastructure of hotels and
restaurants
žState land is plentiful
žEasy to get to/proximity to metro-NY area
žBUT, all were under-utilized during the
remaining three seasons

3. žWindham is the four-season trail-based
recreation capital of the Northeast and is
home to:
• extensive networks of mountain bike trails
that provide memorable, all-day adventures;
• a family friendly bike park; and
• a multi-use trial connecting every business,
residence and activity center.
ž4 component Master Trail Plan

4. Windham
Hensonville
Maplecrest
Elm Ridge
Trail
Network

5. Windham
Hensonville
Maplecrest
Elm Ridge
Trail
Network
Mount Hayden
Trail Network

6. Windham
Hensonville
Maplecrest
Elm Ridge
Trail
Network
Mount Hayden
Trail Network

7. Windham
Hensonville
Maplecrest
Elm Ridge
Trail
Network
Mount Hayden
Trail Network

9. žBuilding a culture of cycling
žDeveloped and supported several local and
regional races
• Rally the community around some events
• Cycling can pay off by filling hotels and restaurants
• Not just kids and “hoodlum” mountain bikers

10. ž Most elite of mountain
bike races internationally
ž 9 race series
ž Two racing disciplines
ž 2010-2012, 2014, 2015
ž 1200 athletes
ž 28 states, 41 countries,
6 continents
ž $6 million in economic
impact
ž Immeasurable media
exposure

12. Collaborative Partners
•Soil and Water Conservation District
•Planning & Economic Development

13. 1) Develop a clear vision
• More miles=more people and longer stays
• Need something for everybody
2) Local champions and community support
3) Building a cycling culture takes time and
commitment
4) Engage partners (public/private
partnerships)
5) Success builds on itself
6) Definitive tourism impact

14. Lori Torgersen
Board Member,WARF
Greene County Legislator
lori.torgersen@gmail.com