About us
Panhandle Bike Ranch Inc. is an Idaho nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a federally recognized charitable organization, donations to the Panhandle Bike Ranch are tax deductible.
Mission Statement: To foster community connection with the outdoors through mountain biking, education, camps, lessons, competitions and other recreation opportunities while protecting and enhancing our natural spaces for future generations.
Officers:
- President: Jennifer Kalbach
- Secretary and Treasurer: Scott Kalbach
Board of Directors:
- Scott Kalbach
- Zach Vollmer
- Brian Cox
From Vision to Reality: The Panhandle Bike Ranch's New Chapter
The Kalbach family has always envisioned something special for North Idaho: a world-class bike park with trails for every rider, from kids taking their first pedal strokes to seasoned mountain bikers seeking technical challenges. Their original plan was straightforward—operate the Panhandle Bike Ranch as a for-profit business and build a recreational hub for the community.
But sometimes the best path forward isn't the most obvious one.
An Unexpected Setback
The park was built, trails were ready, and opening day was within reach. Then came the curveball nobody saw coming: a judge vacated their Conditional Use Permit and remanded it back to Bonner County to address procedural issues. This was especially shocking since the county had already approved their permit twice. After years of planning and construction, the Kalbach's found themselves back at square one—not because of anything they'd done wrong, but due to gaps in the county's process.
"We were completely blindsided," Jennifer Kalbach explains. "We had everything ready to welcome riders, and suddenly we couldn't open." But since learning about the judge's decision on June 3rd, this period became an opportunity to reassess not just the legal path forward, but the entire vision for the project.
A Better Alignment
The answer became clear: transform the Panhandle Bike Ranch into a non-profit organization. This wasn't Plan B—it was actually Plan A in disguise. The non-profit structure perfectly aligns with what the Kalbach's always wanted: a community-centered facility focused on accessibility, education, and bringing people together through mountain biking.
"This project has never been about making a profit," Scott Kalbach explains. "It's about creating something lasting for this community and their families."
What This Means for Riders
In addition to the world-class bike park trails for riders to enjoy, the non-profit structure allows the Panhandle Bike Ranch to focus on community benefit and impact. The organization's mission includes:
Building Community: Group rides, social events, and competitions that bring riders together, plus volunteer opportunities that let community members help shape the park's future.
Ensuring Access: Access opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth and families, because financial barriers shouldn't keep anyone off the trails.
Education and Safety: Workshops on riding skills, bike maintenance, and trail etiquette for all ages and abilities, plus partnerships with local schools and organizations to advance cycling education.
Economic Opportunity: Creating pathways for youth and adult employment in outdoor recreation, giving community members career opportunities right here at home.
Environmental Stewardship: Implementing conservation and sustainability practices in trail construction and maintenance, protecting North Idaho's natural beauty for future generations.
Looking Ahead
With the trails already built and ready to ride, Panhandle Bike Ranch is working with partners to develop programming that will serve riders of all ages and abilities. The non-profit structure provides a clear path forward, ensuring the park can open and serve the community as originally envisioned.
What started as a business plan has evolved into something more meaningful—a true community asset that will grow and adapt with North Idaho's needs for generations to come.
The 2026 season is taking shape, and there are real ways to be part of it. If you want to work or volunteer with us, visit our Join Our Team page to see open positions — from shuttle drivers and trail guides to clinic instructors and event planning volunteers. If you'd like to support our mission financially, you can make a general donation, become a Community Supporter with branded recognition throughout the park, or check out our Summit Supporters to see the individuals helping make this possible. For partnership inquiries or anything else, we'd love to hear from you through our contact page.