TRAVERSE Issue 19 - August 2020 | Seite 40

discovered,” he nods. “Photos just don’t do it justice. It’s something you really need to experience firsthand.” With that came Mountain View Motorcycle Adventures, the goal being to share Matt’s experiences as he guides riders from all over the world, many from Australia. Like many successful motorcycle tour companies, Mountain View Motorcycle Adventures is built around passion; motorcycles, adventure, and the outdoors. MVMA offers rides from 3 to 12 days, small groups, or single riders, through Canada’s summer months. The rides are tailored to the individuals or groups needs with an emphasis not only on riding but also exploration and an appreciation of the Canadian wilderness. “The trips aren’t all about the riding,” he suggests. “We stay in backcountry cabins, lodges & ranches, hidden in the mountains. “You can view bears feasting on salmon, take a private helicopter ride through the mountains and even do some fishing. All capped off with a cold beer around the fire of an evening.” It’s enticing. Damn Covid and the worldwide shut down! Like many businesses dedicated to tourism, especially adventurous activities, MVMA has been hit hard by the economic downturn created by the restrictions in place due to Covid. “We got totally wiped out,” sighs Matt. “Not one tour so far this year as we had to cancel everything. Most of our guests are international. It’s really put a strain on the business.” Matt’s optimistic about the future, he doesn’t complain, he’s just realistic. Survival of the business is the main goal, allowing him to continue rallying yet, the main objective is to get more riders into the mountains. “I want the business to stay very personal with guests,” he admits. “We will keep coming up with unique ideas and routes. “What did Kevin Costner say?”, he shrugs. “If you build it, they will come.” Matt is confident that great years are ahead. It’s hard to resist being enveloped in Matt’s enthusiasm as he proudly describes details of further plans, his rides and region where he takes riders. “Do you ever wonder why dogs stick their head out of car windows?”, we nod, we get it. “Having that fresh mountain air run over you as you venture through the Canadian backcountry fills your soul with a feeling of freedom that’s like no other.” “I have never seen anyone without a smile from ear to ear throughout the day,” he says, explaining that there’s little reason to be intimidated by the KTM 1090 and 790’s that MVMA run. These bikes are very capable and often TRAVERSE 40