Breaking New Ground

Rapha exists to make cycling the most popular sport in the world and in 2021, we extend this ambition to mountain biking. In everything we do, from the clothing we design to the stories we tell to the communities we celebrate, we attempt to portray our deep and honest love for the sport in all its forms. We draw endless inspiration from the simple pleasure of riding a bike, from the beautiful places to which the sport takes us, and from the people we meet along the way.

For Rapha, our entrance into mountain biking brings with it an acute awareness of the endangered nature of the sport. As mountain bikers, we share a connection to the places we love to ride and are intimately aware of the threats that exist to our local trail networks. Trail centres are often left in flux, whether that’s due to forces of nature, land rights, or from a surge of new users. Threats that not only affect us today, but will impact the next generation of riders tomorrow.

With the launch of Rapha Performance Trailwear, we’re not simply producing mountain bike clothing that’s built to last, we’re committing ourselves to propel the sport forward. Piece by piece, and initiative by initiative.

Beginning in the US, with ambitions to expand globally, our first step towards improving opportunities and access for trail infrastructure is to donate tools, time, and funds directly to Oregon Timber Trail Alliance and Sage Trail Alliance. These two groups, with the help of cross-country legend Adam Craig and environmental advocate Dillon Osleger, see the importance of building and maintaining sustainable trails and work on the ground with local municipalities to make their trails a reality for the long term.

In addition to the groundwork, we will also help educate the next generation of riders on the importance of basic trail maintenance by partnering with Rapha Foundation Grantee, NICA. Offering a variety of cycling-related experiences for middle and high school student-athletes, NICA promotes its values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community, all while utilizing their expertise in teaching student athletes to usher in the next generation of mountain bikers.

Enlisting support from OZ Trails and Rock Solid Trail Builders, we will host basic trail maintenance classes this fall for NICA athletes in Bentonville, AR, home of our US headquarters, where classroom knowledge will be combined with professional, hands-on experience to foster an important link between the value of trail work and the next generation of mountain bikers.

The effort that goes into building and maintaining trails is much like the riding itself. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy but for those willing, the rewards are infinite. We look forward to reporting back on our progress with these initiatives along with sharing more opportunities to get involved.