Karey, founder and head coach of Sweet Riders in the Crowsnest Pass, first sparked her passion for mountain biking in Japan. She went on to spend 23 years living and racing in Japan, and holds three Japanese DH Series Champion titles and has raced in World Cups, the Canadian National Series and Norba events in various countries around the world.
Upon arrival in Japan, I was introduced to the mountain bike scene, and within my first year became a sponsored mountain bike rider and never looked back. Several years later, my Canadian racing friends enticed me into getting my coaching certifications and thus Sweet Riders was born.
Q: Tell us more about yourself and Sweet Riders.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. I left the nest after my second year at University of Alberta. I transferred to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and finished my BA there. From there, my travel bug moved me to Japan, just after an ACL knee repair surgery, due to a University Intramural soccer tournament injury. My surgeon at the time said to me that my soccer career was over and to take up swimming or cycling. Since I was already Swim Team Captain in High School, I wanted to try something new. So I bought a mountain bike and took it to Japan to continue my knee rehabilitation. Upon arrival in Japan, I was introduced to the mountain bike scene, and within my first year became a sponsored mountain bike rider and never looked back. Several years later, my Canadian racing friends enticed me into getting my coaching certifications and thus Sweet Riders was born. Sweet Riders was run in Japan for several years, and after 23 years of living and working there, I decided it was time to move back to Canada. I chose to relocate to The Crowsnest Pass to stay true to my Albertan roots, even though I had many offers to relocate to B.C. My dream is to help Albertan Youth to become future Mountain Bike World Cup Champions and/or Olympic Medalists!
Q: What do you love most about The Crowsnest Pass?
I love the small towns, the history, Frank's slide, the fact that the Nippon Institute was located in Blairmore, spectacular nature, the people and their friendliness, but most of all the fact that I can ride my bike from my house to the PPK trailhead in less than a minute.
Q: Do you have a favourite time of year or season to head down to the Pass?
Honestly, I love all of the seasons here. I can ride my mountain bike in the Spring, Summer and Fall, and then ride my Fat Bike in the Winter.
Q: What are your top three ‘Don’t Miss Spots' in the Pass?
We have the famous sites like Frank's Slide, the Plane Crash, Bellevue Mine, but for Mountain Biking they are the tops of the Rum Head Climb, Big Bear Climb and Pro Bono Climb. All produce stunning 360-degree views of the Crowsnest Pass.
Q: As a seasoned trail rider, what would you tell first timers visiting the area?
Start off with riding the wonderful trails on Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill they have trails for first-timers and also to check out the Blairmore Skills Park and Kid's Corner, where they can brush up on their skills. If they want more, come see us for a lesson. We can help them learn the necessary skills for all trails the Pass has to offer.
Q: What’s your favourite mountain bike trail in the Pass?
My all-time favourite would have to be Big Bear, as it makes my heart thump on the technical and hard climb up and also on the awesome technical rocky rooty downs.
Q: Are there any restaurants or cafes that stand out to you?
We are blessed to have so many great restaurants in town, so it is very hard to choose, but I would have to say the Stone's Throw Cafe. I have known them ever since I moved here and have worked with them for all of my mountain bike camps. My participants and coaches always have happy bellies after their lunches
Quickfire Questions
Describe the Pass in three words:
Mystifying, Historical and Stunning!
Favourite book?
MMM, I don't really read books, but I learned a lot from the Rich Dad Poor Dad series of books by Robert Kiyosaki.
Best song to listen to before a ride?
It is so hard to choose a song, I just get something loud with a headbanging beat to get the adrenaline flowing!
Beat place to unwind in The Crowsnest Pass?
My own backyard in which I can watch the sunsets with a beverage of choice in my hand.
Favourite memory from The Pass?
My first time visiting the Crownest Pass and my mom and I went for a walk in the town of Blairmore and when walking by a group of kids on their way home from school, they all waved at us and said hi. I just fell in love with the friendliness of the locals.
