The hills are alive with the sound of whirring gears.
Launching the first week in August is a new mountain bike photo contest, open to all who have camera and will travel to the trails around Rossland on their two-wheel steeds.
It is a great way to promote what has become a growing sport and form of tourism in the region, said Rossland News' Monika Smutny, but also to share what people around here do and see in the summer.
“It's what we do in this community,” she said. “We thought it would be a great idea because there are so many avid bikers who also have an interest in photography.”
The contest is a great way for people to share with others what they are seeing out on the trails, she added, and it helps expose Rossland as the mountain biking destination it is.
“Rossland is seeing more and more visitors coming to area for mountain biking during the summer, so this entices those who haven't been here a little more,” said Smutny.
Although the contest is open to anyone (over the age of 13) in the West Kootenay and beyond, the photos have to be taken on Rossland and local area trails.
The contest runs until the end of September and prizes will be handed out to the top three vote getters. People can submit up to five photos and can register and vote online at www.rosslandnews.com (at the top of the home page).
No purchase is necessary to enter. Winners will be notified by email.
People who enter the contest grant the right to use and publish their proper name and state online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the contest.
All results posted are unofficial until winners respond to e-mail notification.