Wheeling home

Local family finds passion and stability in the 670 Collective Mountain biking community.

In 2010, Kristen and Kevin Banks were on the brink of leaving Medicine Hat. However, their plans shifted when they discovered the emerging 670 Collective Mountain Bike Club. Today, this volunteer-driven, registered non-profit not only anchors them with its commitment to maintaining sustainable mountain bike trails in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas but also boasts a community of nearly 200 like-minded bike enthusiasts.

“It was challenging because we didn’t have any family or friends here in the city, and we contemplated leaving,” says Kristen. “When we heard about the bike club starting, we decided to stay. The mountain biking community is so diverse in age; our children are actively participating, and it’s a joy to share this experience with other local families.”

Driven by their love for extreme mountain biking, the couple achieved their PMBIA Level I Mountain Bike Instructor certification.

“Since 2015, I have been teaching and (recreationally) racing both in Medicine Hat and across Canada,” says Kristen. “My husband has competed in six races this year, completed a ‘Half of Everest in one day’ hill climbing challenge with just over 440m, and has ridden over 2,500 kms this year alone. The great thing about this area is that there is terrain for every level of biker—from the arid desert landscape outside of Medicine Hat and Redcliff to the rolling hills and trees of Elkwater.”

Although their love for mountain biking often dictates their family adventures, the Banks are equally committed to promoting trail safety.

“Being both mountain bikers and dog owners, we prioritize safety,” says Kristen. “I always leash my dog, especially when I see another biker coming. No matter how well-trained your dog is, fast movements from people or other bikes can trigger a dog’s predatory instinct, and you just never know how they will respond. Practicing trail safety is crucial, not just for people using the trails but for our pets as well.”

Beyond the biking trails, Kevin is the Branch Manager of KenRoc Building Supplies where he has worked for the past 20 years. Kristen has been a Registered Massage Therapist for the past 20 years and is the co-owner of the clinic Feath & Elemi. She now specializes in Physiokey and Bowen Therapy—a soft tissue therapy that stimulates the nervous system to correct the body. She is currently the sole medically trained professional south of Calgary practicing Bowen.

The couple have two children who enjoy downhill biking in the mountains, especially where chair lift access is available, and love riding with friends.

The City of Medicine Hat continually emphasizes the importance of trail safety and etiquette. Whether you’re speeding down a hill on a mountain bike or out for a casual walk, the trails of Medicine Hat should be shared in a respectful and safe manner.

For those interested in being a part of the biking journey and community, visit: https://670collective.ca/

Did You Know?

• Medicine Hat has over 155 km of trails that weave throughout the city.

• There are three mountain bike destinations within 45 minutes of each other in the Medicine Hat region, each offering a drastic change in landscape and scenery (Elkwater, Redcliff, Medicine Hat).

• Kristen and Kevin Banks train bikers of all ages at various locations in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area. Their most recent session was held at Gas City Campground.