March 28/08 9:19 am - Whistler Blackcomb Transfers Ownership of Gravity Logic

Posted by Editoress on 03/28/08
 

Whistler Blackcomb Transfers Ownership of Gravity Logic

Whistler Blackcomb has made the strategic decision to transfer ownership of Gravity Logic, an internal business operation offering a variety of mountain bike design, development and educational services, to three of Gravity Logic's original employees.

Effective today, Tom Prochazka, Dave Kelly and Rob Cocquyt will assume ownership of a newly created, independent company under the name Gravity Logic Inc (GLI).

Whistler Blackcomb established Gravity Logic almost two years ago and in that short period of time has worked on more than 20 projects in over a dozen different countries. An annual mountain bike educational symposium called the Gravity Logic Forum was also developed.

"Since its inception, the interest in Gravity Logic has been overwhelming and has met, or exceeded, all of our expectations. It has grown to the point where it can more effectively achieve its original objective of acting as a catalyst to grow and develop the sport of mountain biking by becoming a stand alone company," says Dave Brownlie, President and COO of Whistler Blackcomb. "We are thrilled to have come to an agreement with Tom, Dave and Rob to make this all happen without missing a beat."

Whistler Blackcomb has also agreed to a five year contract during which GLI will supply trail design and layout services to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

"Tom, Dave and Rob, have been a key part of what has made the Whistler Mountain Bike Park the most successful lift-accessed mountain bike park in the world. Our agreement with GLI will ensure we are able to continue to tap into the best people in the business and keep our bike park at the forefront by providing the world's most progressive riding experiences," Brownlie continued.

Under new ownership GLI will continue to offer design and development services to ski resorts, summer resorts, municipalities and land managers from around the world.

"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to build on the solid foundation that has already been established," says Tom Prochazka of Gravity Logic Inc. "Having the chance to run our own business designing and developing progressive, high quality riding experiences is a dream come true for all of us."

Jeremy Roche, one of Gravity Logic's original members, has accepted a new position as Whistler Blackcomb's Summer Business Development Manager which includes overall responsibility for the execution and development of the Crankworx Mountain Bike Festivals in Whistler and Winter Park, Colorado. As a result, he will not be involved in the new company.

Similarly, Rob McSkimming, Whistler Blackcomb's VP of Business Development and Gravity Logic's initial Managing Director will no longer have a role in the business.

"Both Jeremy and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in launching and developing Gravity Logic. The worldwide response has been amazing. I am confident that Tom, Dave and Rob will continue to set the standard for mountain bike park design and development," says McSkimming. "Even though we will not be directly involved, we still strongly believe that developing more great riding experiences is key to growing the sport."

Gravity Logic Inc. will continue have its operations based in Whistler. GLI can be contacted through www.whistlergravitylogic.com.