May 15, 2006 – For the seventh straight year, the Kona Bicycle Company will be the official supplier of mountain bikes to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Whistler, B.C., building on a relationship that continues to push the envelope of what a mountain bike park, and mountain biking itself, can be.

As such, Kona will provide Whistler with high-performance mountain bikes for their rental fleet and guide’s use, assist in the expansion of trails and dirt jump courses and continue as the official sponsor of all Whistler events

“Kona has been more than a sponsor for the past six years,” said Whistler Blackcomb’s Vice President of Business Development, Rob McSkimming. “They have truly been a partner in helping us to grow the Park Riding business, not only here in Whistler but all over the world. We are thrilled to be working with them again for 2006.”
As the official bike supplier, Kona will furnish the Whistler Mountain Bike Park with 210 high-performance, special edition Garbonzo series downhill bikes. The Garbonza series bikes are built around the Kona Stab Supreme, Stinky and children’s Stinky 2-4 frames and outfitted to meet the unique demands guides and park visitors will place on the fleet. The park’s rental fleet will also include the Scrap, Coiler, Lanai, Hula, Makena and children’s Stuff 2-4 bikes from the Kona lineup.

Kona will also continue as the official bike sponsor of all Whistler events, including Crankworx, Huckfest, Mudfest and the Loonie Race series, and John Cowan’s famous Kona Jump Farm will be enhanced with a new section for expert riders in the lower park and an expanded beginner area in the original location near mid-station.
“We’re very excited to be continuing our relationship with Whistler,” said Kona’s North American Bike Park Guy Kelly Steelman. “By assisting Whistler with bikes, event sponsorship and terrain development, we’re able to draw greater numbers of riders to the park and grow freeriding as a sport. That benefits us all.”