Jun. 09, 2010 - Issue #764: Hot Summer Guide 2010

Outdoors Insider

Outdoors Insider

Ah, Bike Month. Mocktails on the High Level, pancake breakfasts, polo in the park, bike-y movies at the theatre and cyclists everywhere. (Check out bikeology.ca for full details.)
But one month a year to celebrate bikes? It's time we start celebrating our bikes year round, especially in a city where there's such a rich scene. Two wheels are better than four.
Here are just a few reasons why.

Road warriors

On June 25 – 27, elite Canadian cyclists will be vying for the overall national road-cycling title at the Canadian Cycling Association's 2010 Canadian Road Nationals (canadian-cycling.com) in Edmonton.
The race loop includes Groat Road, Victoria Park Hill and Saskatchewan Drive, charting a similar course to the 1978 Commonwealth Games route. With most races happening in rural areas, says organizer Talia Morrissey, having an elite-level competition in the middle of the city is unique, affording an excellent opportunity for spectators to witness national team athletes readying for the 2012 London Olympics.

Spectators can ride, walk or take an ETS shuttle for $1 from the U of A to the event staging area at Hawrelak Park. Prime spots to watch the race include the climbs on Emily Murphy Hill and Victoria Park Hill, says Morrisey, where cyclists will be pushing hard.

But if you want to really get in on the action, consider volunteering, suggests Morissey. Contact the Alberta Bicycling Association at albertabicycle.ca for more info. 

The inside track

Sheldon Smart is one rider who doesn't just spin his wheels. Watching a small handful of dedicated organizers putting on races in the region, he saw a way to make a difference.

For the second time in as many years, he's volunteering at the Canada Cup cross-country race on July 11. For Smart, volunteering gives him a new perspective on the sport. "I realized that as much as I liked the biking and the racing itself, it was actually the scene I liked, the people," he says. "There's a lot of work that goes into these events."

Last year, Smart assisted with everything from setting up the course and signing to marshalling the races, but he still found time to watch the event—from the prime vantage point of an insider. "The event has a size and energy to it that's exciting to be a part of," he says.

Local bike masterminds Mike Sarnecki and Evan Sherman (of Alberta Mtb Racing) are the crew behind the event and they're still seeking volunteers, so check out albertamtbracing.com or contact
taraleesherman@gmailcom for more info.

High tail to Hinton

If you haven't been to the Hinton bike park yet, now's the time to correct your bad self. The Beaver Bike Festival on June 19 is the "final piece of the puzzle" for the local bike community, says Stephen Hanus, president of the Hinton Mountain Bike Association. The community bike park has been a great local success story. A huge outpouring of support from the town went into building it and it's become a focal point for a growing bike scene (for more on park development, see vueweekly.com/greatoutdoors/story/hinton_working_on_the_chain_gang/).

"Kids are now growing up with this in their backyard. It's been a shot of adrenalin to the bike scene not just in Hinton but in the region," says Hanus.

The full day Beaver Bike Festival features guided trail rides, races, bike park skills contests, prizes and entertainment. Entry fee for competitors is $5 per event. For out-of-towners, the Lakeview Inn and Suites is offering a special rate of $59 for a double queen room.

For more details, check out bikehinton.com/beaver-bike-fest. V

Check out more Insider online, every week on vueweekly.com for the real shakedown on local sport off the beaten path. 

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