NWTA Board Bios – Bob Lessard

Bob joined the NWTA board in 2014, became President in 2018, and is now the Executive Director. Bob is the glue that holds NWTA together. He fields complaints, doles out praise where it’s due, and, in general, is a great leader. Under Bob’s watch, NWTA’s membership has grown substantially, we’ve built active communities in the NW Trail Sisters and the Dusty Dads & Muddy Moms, we’ve gained miles and miles of trail and started opening up new trails in several systems!

Thank you, Bob, for all that you’ve done and are still doing to keep NWTA growing.

You can reach Bob at [email protected]

Tell us a little about yourself, Bob.

I learned to mountain bike in Whistler before suspension, disk brakes, tubeless tires, dropper posts, clipless pedals, riser bars, and actual mountain bike trails. We could ride on 5 hiking trails and a lot of washed out gravel roads. 

I started working with mountain bike trail associations in the early 2000’s because land managers woke up and saw the potential. I’ve watched some pretty amazing things get built. I have been doing it ever since.

I like skinny trails that appear unrideable, steep trails that pucker you up, and epic trails that go into the wilderness (no, not federally designated wilderness areas) and above the tree line.

My favourite riding areas: Gifford Pinchot, BC Chilcotins, Whistler, Stelvio Italy, Idaho Sawtooths.