In 1975, when mountain biking was still called ‘klunking’, Jim Blackburn was having ideas about how he could improve basic accessories used by the most adventurous cycle tourists and bike packers. Over 35 years later, Blackburn Designs is still devoted to invention, imagination and exploration.
Blackburn has introduced the ‘Out There’ program, supporting a selection of passionate travellers to be brand ambassadors — the Blackburn Rangers. Four riders will again be selected for 2014, when they will be offered the choice of riding either the Pacific Coast of the USA or the Great Divide trail.
If that sounds like a dream job to you, keep reading the Press Release:
BLACKBURN IS LOOKING FOR BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR 2014:
Are you a cyclist with an adventurous soul? Someone who likes to capture your stories along the road? Maybe you’re a seasoned bikepacker, well-versed in traversing back roads and trails. Maybe you’re just getting into adventure cycling – testing out overnight trips and yearning for more. Definitely you’re somebody who passionately believes in the idea that viewing the world can be better by bike.
At Blackburn we design products for those who embody this spirit of adventure, and in support of this community we’re recruiting 4 new brand ambassadors for 2014. Nicknamed ‘Rangers’, our ambassadors provide the ultimate test of our products in real world situations as they tackle journeys along the Pacific Coast and Great Divide routes. Blackburn Rangers work directly with our designers and engineers to deliver invaluable product feedback as well as advocate for bicycling touring, share their journeys and adventures along the routes and encourage everyone to get ‘Out There.
If you’re interested in traveling the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route or the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and sharing your stories along the way — as well as testing out our latest and greatest gear — you just might be the perfect candidate to be a Blackburn Ranger.
CRITERIA OF A GOOD RANGER/WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Loves the idea of exploring the world by bike.
Active and knowledgeable on social media, with a good following
Passionate about the Blackburn brand
Someone who likes to “capture” the moments of life.
An excellent storyteller; written, verbal and/or visual
A camper, traveler and adventurer.
AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES/WHAT YOU’LL BE EXPECTED TO DO:
Spread the word about the Blackburn brand and products
Travel the Pacific Coast or Great Divide Cycling Route in summer of 2014
Create and deliver ride inspired content (photos, videos, blogs)
Actively participate in social media
Attend Ranger Camp at the 2014 Whiskey Off-Road Event in Prescott, AZ
Provide product testing feedback to the Blackburn team
WHAT YOU GET/WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:
New & prototype Blackburn Gear
Travel to and participation in our `Blackburn Ranger Camp at the Whiskey Off-Road in Prescott, AZ
Appearance in Blackburn videos and possible regional ad campaigns, in-store displays or other Blackburn marketing initiatives
Small travel stipend to help you complete the route
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a short essay that details why you’d make a great Blackburn brand ambassador.
Try to hit upon the following points: What sort of history do you have with the Blackburn brand? What kind of bike touring have you done, if any? What are your personal motivations for embarking on the Pacific Coast or Great Divide? Is there anything special you’d like to do along the way? Surf, Kayak, Climb, Skateboard, raise money for a cause, hit every historical site?
Send along several photos (3 to 10) that best illustrate who you are and how you view the world
Bonus points: upload a short video to YouTube that showcases the points listed above, #beablackburnranger and send us the YouTube URL with your completed essay
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
You will receive an email confirming we’ve received your application
An 8 person panel comprised of Blackburn representatives, media and creative partners and a representative from the Adventure Cycling Association will review each application
Finalists will be notified by February 22nd, 2014
Final selection will be determined by March 7th, 2014. Notification will be posted to www.blackburndesign.com
SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION & IMAGES BY FEBRUARY 15, 2013 TO:
beablackburnranger@eastonbellsports.com
