Powell River Cycling Association (PRCA) is hosting a “Get Your Bike On” family-friendly potluck.
In the past decade, Powell River has seen a rapid growth in cycling culture. The formation of PRCA in 2009 brought a diverse group of cyclists together to help build cycling opportunities within the town and surrounding wilderness trails.
Cycling in Powell River has many facets and PRCA represents cyclists of all persuasions—mountain bikers, road riders, bike commuters (those who use their bike as a main mode of transportation), trail builders and families interested in cycling together.
“With the growing community interest, membership, trail systems and tourism opportunities, PRCA wanted to celebrate this momentum by bringing ‘cyclesome’ folks together under one roof,” said Leta Burechailo, a PRCA director and one of the founders of the Wild Women Cycling Club (WWCC). “There’s so much going on with cycling in Powell River. There’s something for everyone. We wanted a chance to share this information as well as get input about what the community wants—for kids, trails, road infrastructure, economic possibilities—and see how PRCA could support those interests.”
The Get Your Bike On event is being held from 5 to 8 pm on Saturday, May 4 at Club Bon Accueil, 5110 Manson Avenue. There will be an informative and entertaining lineup of speakers, each giving a rapid “sprint” presentation on a facet of cycling activities in Powell River. Topics will include BC Bike Race, trail building and trail mapping projects, cycling skills programs for children (Sprockids), family rides, Brooks Secondary School mountain bike club, WWCC, men’s mountain bike rides, road riding, Bike To Work Week (BTWW), bike lanes and bike paths and inclusion of cycling infrastructure in the City of Powell River’s sustainable official community plan process.
After supper, there will be informal “round-table discussions” on these topics, for anyone interested in learning more or giving input to PRCA.
Hugo Sloos has been president of PRCA for the last two years. “Get Your Bike On is just one of many events PRCA hosts or supports in the Powell River area every year,” he said. “Along with this ‘up front’ work, there are hundreds behind-the-scenes hours by our members in trail improvements and infrastructure programs. Our small club has had a positive impact in its first four years and is always looking for more members to help grow cycling in the region.”
PRCA has been coordinating BTWW for four years now. The 2013 BTWW is May 27 to June 2.
WWCC is in its fifth year. “The club has evolved into a great mix of riders, including moms and daughters,” said Patricia Winchell, lead organizer. “Scheduled and impromptu mountain bike rides will be happening throughout the summer. As a teenager I started biking by exploring the trails off Penticton Street with friends and this turned into a life-long passion.”
Membership funds, local donations and a grant from BC Sports Agency enabled PRCA to send seven riders to Gibsons last year to be trained to deliver Sprockids, a nationally recognized mountain bike skills program for children. Dr. Rob Head started the Holy Rollers Mountain Bike Club at Assumption School for children ages nine and older, shortly after completing the course. “The club was started to inspire kids, that otherwise might not get a chance to bike, to start riding in the trails. I saw our weekly field and trail skills sessions really help kids gain confidence, both on and off the bike. Appreciating the bike, and what it can do for you, now and in the future, is another goal of the program. But to be honest, put a kid on a bike, get some of their friends on board, and they will have a great time regardless of the setting. We just try to encourage them to gain the confidence to start.”
Everyone is invited to join PRCA at Get Your Bike On to celebrate these and other cycling opportunities, share some food, get involved, and get inspired to ride. This is a family-friendly event where children of all ages are also welcome.
For more information about Get Your Bike On, readers can visit the PRCA and WWCC Facebook pages, the PRCA website www.bikepowellriver.ca or contact [email protected].
