We’ve profiled several towns and regions around the world from Israel to Scotland to the US who hope to revive local economies through bike tourism. But does this ever work and how do you measure the impact?
CNBC has a great story this week about a small town in Montana that hosts an annual 24-hour mountain bike race and it seems to be helping the local economy. The race is in its 7th year and although it’s still a pretty small race (just 130 riders) it does appear to be keeping at least one local business alive.
Bike tourism is working Rapelje, MT because both the community and the mountain bikers have bought into the idea (which, I might add, seems to be rare). Ranchers help cut the race course through their fields and race organizers donate all the race proceeds to help support the local town cafe. Just one race a year can have a big impact on a small town like Rapelje and it’s great to see mountain bikers coming out to support others.
Anyone want to join my 24 Hours of Rapelje team next year? Spread the word.
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Feb 25, 2009