President Highlight: Steve Lionais

Meet President of the NSMBA Steve Lionais

-Tell us a little about you?
I grew up in Nova Scotia and followed a girl to Vancouver in 2012 who later became my wife and it’s been home ever since. I’ve always been active hiking and biking, but being in BC forced me to up my game and keep up with folks who’d hike over a mountain range or ski tour to a backcountry hut for a ‘relaxing’ weekend. Those types of things would have been a bucket list item where I grew up. So I quickly adopted the mountain lifestyle, skiing on & off the resort, hiking, and now riding my mountain bike.

– What is your day job?
I own a small software app and work on that with a very small team. It’s a micro-business really and allows me the flexibility to enjoy my job, but also get out and explore the mountains as much as I like. Previously I founded and ran another software startup that consumed all of my time and this has been a nice lifestyle upgrade.

– How long have you been involved with the nsmba?
I’ve been volunteering with the NSMBA for 4 years.

– Why did you join the board?
I’ve spent most of my life pursuing career goals in what I’d define as my ‘taking’ phase of life where I sought out mentorship and resources from others. After selling my business in 2019 I wanted to start giving back to something that I found personally meaningful and switch into a ‘giving’ mode. When I discovered that this magnificent trail network was the work of a volunteer organization I knew I wanted to get involved and see how I could help.

– How long have you been mountain biking?
Since 2020. While it’s not been long, I do it a lot and even organize my vacations around mountain biking trips.

– Describe your experience on the nsmba board?
Working with a group of other volunteers who are motivated and excited about the NSMBA’s mission has been really rewarding. I’ve been really impressed with the time and energy the board members put into the organization without asking for anything in return. It’s really motivating and fulfilling. I’ve met some new friends and riding partners and feel like I’ve been welcomed into a community of like minded people who want to make mountain biking on the Shore better.

– What have been your highlights with the nsmba?
Learning to dig for gold. ll the great people who I’ve met. From board members, to trail builders, to dig day volunteers, and just other folks on the trails.

– Favourite Trails(on or off the Shore)?
My favourite laps in John Deer. I just love the GSM climb!
Away from home I really enjoy doing a lap of the Zappa trails in Whistler and finishing at Lost Lake for a swim.

– How do you spend time off the trails?
Skiing

Quick Q’s
– Describe Riding the North Shore?
Bumpy
– Favourite Riding Season?
Fall
– Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset. I’ve never seen a sunrise.
– Post ride Cafe order?
Flat white – it’s got the right amount of milk!
– Song on repeat?
Starburster by Fontaines DC