From childhood curiosity to innovative bear spray holders, Pat Simpson’s journey of observation and invention brings safety and precision to cyclists in bear country. Photos :: Pat Simpson.
The power of observation can be a beautiful thing. And if one thing characterizes Pat Simpson, the engineer behind Ghostrider Equipment, it is having a good “eye” and a deep appreciation for our incredible mountainous surroundings.
This sense of observation also comes with an appreciation for things that don’t “flow” well, or like his favourite coach likes to tell him, “for things that suck”. From an early age, disassembling toys and bikes—figuring out what doesn’t work, then putting it all back together— was a game for Pat. Fast forward many years, and he has taken this keen sense of observation and curiosity to the outdoors.
“One thing that really struck me a while ago was the absence of a robust, clean and well thought out solution for carrying bear spray while riding my bike” Pat says.
Although he never had any bad encounters with black or grizzly bears, in 2016 Pat had a really close call with a cougar on his local Fernie trails. “That was an eye opener, for sure. My bear spray was in my backpack. I fumbled for a good 10 seconds to get it out, and probably even more to remove the safety pin.”
When Pat decided to start working on his first outdoor product in the fall of 2022, a better solution for a bike-specific bear spray was high on the list. Six months later, with the help from industry pros like Cam Shute and Christian Rawles, his first product was born: the Kermode Bear Spray Holder.
To bring his vision to life, Pat is leveraging the latest desktop digital manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, CNC milling and laser cutting. These methods allow Pat to rapidly prototype and iterate designs, ensuring each version improves upon the last. By using these modern fabrication techniques, he can achieve a level of precision and customization that traditional manufacturing methods often lack. This means bike shops can now have a custom holders sporting their logo in a matter of days. Those modern techniques also have the advantages of keeping fabrication locally, thus reducing Ghostrider Equipment’s environmental footprint.
Built to address the unique challenges cyclists face in bear country, the Kermode’s most notable attributes is its robust and secure design. Fabricated in Canada from locally sourced carbon-filled Nylon, the holder is exceptionally durable and reliable, perfect for the rugged conditions of wilderness trails. It is equipped with anti-scratch pads that provide secure attachment points while protecting your bike frame from damage. Whether navigating through dense forests or descending steep trails, cyclists can trust that their bear spray will remain firmly in place.
Accessibility is another critical feature of the Holder. Its intuitive design allows for quick, one-handed access to the bear spray, a crucial aspect in emergency situations where every second counts. Strategically placed on the bike frame, the holder eliminates the need to fumble through a backpack, enabling riders to react swiftly to any potential threat.
Built with ease of installation in mind, the Kermode fits a variety of bike frames, thanks to versatile and rugged TPU straps. This versatility ensures a snug, secure fit, preventing any unwanted movement or noise during rides. Whether you have a sleek bikepacking setup or a robust downhill machine, this bear spray holder adapts seamlessly.
Ultimately, the Ghostrider Kermode Bike Bear Spray Holder offers more than just functionality; it provides peace of mind. Knowing you have reliable, easily accessible protection enhances your confidence on the trails, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the ride.
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