We believe bikepacking is about curiosity, discovery, and experiencing Alberta beyond the familiar routes and destinations.
About ABS
Built for Alberta bikepacking.
A province-wide organization focused on routes, community, stewardship, access and advocacy for people who explore by bike.
Mission
To grow and support bikepacking in Alberta by developing and sharing quality routes, connecting riders, promoting responsible access and stewardship, and encouraging exploration of the province by bike.
Vision
An Alberta where bikepacking is well-supported, the riding community is connected, and exploring by bike is recognized as a meaningful way to experience the province’s landscapes and communities.
Core values
Exploration
Stewardship
Community
Integrity
Respect
The principles behind the work.
We respect the landscapes and towns we travel through, and promote riding practices that protect them for the people who come after us.
We share knowledge, connect riders, and strengthen a bikepacking community where everyone from racer to tourer is welcome.
We strive to provide accurate and dependable route information, communicate uncertainty openly, and continuously improve the resources we share.
We respect landowners, local communities, other recreation users, access rules, and the places our routes pass through.
Objectives
What the Society exists to advance.
Develop and support bikepacking routes throughout Alberta
Research, develop, document, verify, maintain and share routes and related information throughout the province.
Grow and connect Alberta’s bikepacking community
Create opportunities for riders to connect, exchange knowledge, participate and contribute.
Encourage participation in bikepacking
Provide information, education, resources and opportunities for a variety of experience levels and riding styles.
Promote stewardship and responsible access
Encourage environmentally and socially responsible riding practices and respectful use of the places bikepackers travel through.
Support and protect access for bikepacking
Work with landowners, communities, governments, land managers and recreation organizations to support responsible access.
Organize and support bikepacking activities and events
Support rides, gatherings, challenges, races, educational activities and other events related to bikepacking.
Advocate for bikepacking in Alberta
Represent bikepacking interests and encourage policies, infrastructure and recreation opportunities that support bicycle-based exploration.
How ABS is being built
Founder-led. Board-governed. Community-supported.
The Society is being designed around long-term continuity and real board governance, while keeping public participation open and free.
Legal Governing Members will form a small constitutional body. A 5–7 person Board will govern the Society. The broader ABS Community will be able to use resources, contribute routes and stories, volunteer and support the work without becoming legal voting members.
