City of Powell River mayor and council recognized a spokesperson for a successful chain of events during the recently concluded BC Bike Race.
At the Thursday, July 3, council meeting, Mayor Dave Formosa thanked Wayne Brewer on behalf of mayor, council and the residents of Powell River for yet another great cycling event. He also acknowledged the work that Brewer and his team undertook in convincing the BC Bike Race organizers to make Powell River part of the route and not just a pass-through.
“I know you worked hard building trails that belly up the bar, that are challenging, and exciting enough for racers wanting to participate,” Formosa said. “They were here two days this time instead of one. It was a huge win for the community.”
Formosa said he hopes the riders enjoyed the audience they received and the entertainment at the dock.
“I don’t know if you heard any feedback but some things in Powell River we do well and being hosts is one of them,” Formosa said. “Pass along to your team of volunteers and your executive our heartfelt thanks for another good year,” said Formosa, which drew applause from the full council chambers.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway said the event on the wharf inviting the bikers to town was probably the best ever.
“There was a jazz band in the gazebo and apparently the bikers on the ferry could hear the jazz band,” she said. “They were out on the decks waving as they came in.
“We had a drum circle that was amazing. People just sat down and started drumming. It sounded fabulous.”
Hathaway said it is estimated there were 400 to 500 people at the wharf to greet the cyclists. She said the cyclists had big grins on their faces and were “filming us while we were filming them.
“It was just a great event,” she said. “We welcomed them in a real Powell River way. I was proud to be a Powell Riverite that day.”
Brewer, at the conclusion of the meeting, thanked mayor and council for being so supportive of the BC Bike Race coming to this community.
“It was the best racecourse yet, it was the biggest welcome yet, and the racers had more fun than ever because they spent two nights here,” Brewer said. “They want to come back. They said we are the kind of town they envision being a host for the race and they wish other communities to be more like us.”
Brewer said a couple of families said they are going to go home, sell their houses and move here.
“Now, when they get there they will come to their senses, but that’s the kind of mood we created here. I am so proud of this community.”
