Boo Mountain Bike Park in Armenia is the very first mountain bike park in region. This project started as a dream for Emma while living in Yerevan. She started a new life in Vanadzor in 2019 and construction had been slowly in the works for two years. The park is located in the western region of the Pambak Mountains and overlooks the entire city of Vanadzor.

I spoke with Emma about her vision: "Beyond the idea of having our own project, we wanted to say to everyone that our country is very beautiful and it can be a new place for mountain bikers. We are fully committed to this project. It’s like our baby, and our baby is growing fast. Soon we will open our visitor center, café, terrace, and bike rental. We are now building a free public pump track for kids and young people to ride bikes instead of spending time on smartphones."

What stands out most about Boo is not only its role as a sporting destination but also its potential to foster community and meaningful connections between locals, and between Armenia and the international community. During my time at Boo, I have seen this firsthand and believe there are countless more moments of connection and growth to come.

The importance of such initiatives is magnified when viewed against Armenia’s recent history. On December 7, 1988, two devastating earthquakes—known as the Spitak Earthquake—struck on the same day, killing approximately 60,000 people and destroying half a million buildings. The earthquake, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the 2020–2023 Artsakh Genocide have all left deep challenges and urgent needs across the country. Projects like Boo Mountain Bike Park not only contribute to regional economic development but also promote healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and improved well-being for the people of Armenia.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/Boomountainbikepark to see Boo finished!