Paulo LaBerge - Ontario, Canada
Since childhood, Paulo has considered a bike his ticket to exploration and adventure. His love for the sport has spanned nearly 4 decades and taken him across the United States and Canada, to Costa Rica and Bali. Paulo dreams of traveling the world by bike to explore unique geographical and ecological features and experience diverse cultures.
As a founding member of the board of directors for the Halton Agreement Forest Trail Association (HAFTA) in Ontario, Canada, Paulo is responsible for sponsorships and marketing. He takes pride in building positive relationships within the mountain biking community and enjoys opportunities to bring people together for group events and rides. It gives him great pleasure to introduce new riders to the sport.
Paulo’s environmental science background and passion for the outdoors are evident in his commitment to sustainable trail stewardship. Rides with Paulo often include stops for impromptu trail maintenance. He is also known for ‘Ranger Paulo’ moments when he shares fun nature facts about local flora and fauna with fellow riders. The deep connection he feels to the natural environment is evident in his affinity for all of its inhabitants right down to the tiniest insect.
Mountain biking is not just a sport or pastime for Paulo; it is therapeutic and spiritual for him. At the end of a long day when most people want to seek refuge on their sofa, Paulo wants to hop on his bike to de-stress and recharge. As a skilled self-taught photographer, his creative side finds its outlet in nature and action photography he takes while out riding.
Paulo is seldom found on the trails without his trusty and beloved trail dog Maya.