Kona Canada

Adopted Trail: Tsuga | Woodlot, Maple Ridge

One might confuse business derived charity with an effort for a company to market itself to the community. Although it is a way for companies to achieve two things at once, help community interests while improving business, Kona makes a distinction between the two. As stated by Kona, “We separate advocacy and marketing as much as possible. Although we do see a positive result from trail adoption, we do it simply to help give back to a community that means so much to us.” Giving back to the community comes from a place of genuine interest and care for the people and places that comprise the community. This genuine nature of Kona as an advocate is part of their DNA as a company. Whether it is sponsoring a local trail or making bikes, each action is given the same quality and integrity as the former. Kona is reputed for its products produced with the highest quality, customer focused outlook, staff inclusive environment, all the while maintaining a down to earth and humble company culture, “Rider owned, staff developed, staff tested products built with the highest quality matched with exemplary customer service and communication, all with a modest friendly attitude.”

This heart for the community was rooted over 30 years ago. Starting with a, “Buck-A-Bowl” night, at the Interbike show in Las Vegas. Kona began raising funds to support local trails and has continued until this day. Although the initial big fundraisers were dynamic, Kona refocused their efforts to target regional trail networks to ensure a more even funds distribution. As a result of this desire to support regional trails, Kona partnered with the FVMBA to adopt Tsuga at the Woodlot in Maple Ridge. The generous donations of Kona provide the trail with staff to keep it in optimal form for the sake of community. In addition to their support of an FVMBA trail, Kona also supports NSMBA, SORCA, Squamish Nation, Muskoka Off Road, and TORCA, to name a few.

In essence, Kona not only cares for community, but puts this care into direct action for you and each member of the local community, “Our vision is to develop products that inspire cyclists, build relationships, and provide positive memorable experiences. Many of our staff have worked in trail building and advocacy. We know and appreciate the hard volunteer work that goes into hosting a world class trail system” (Matt Stevens, Kona Canada).

For biking enthusiast, Kona is true to their roots. If it concerns bikes or anything biking related it concerns them. From being a rider owned company, to producing rider developed and rider tested products, to supporting local biking trails, they are a one stop shop for all things concerning bicycles. They say to succeed you must have a passion for what you do. Kona is the living example of this motto, “Our staff frequent Bear Mountain, Thornhill and Vedder Mountain, for mountain biking and absolutely love the quality of every trail. Our Canadian staff live and ride in Squamish, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Salmon Arm, and the Okanagan. We strive to give back to the communities where we live and ride” (Matt Stevens, Kona Canada).