Saddle up – Bike Jam returns to Aldergrove

by Robyn Roste/Special to the Aldergrove Star

The ninth Aldergrove Bike Jam is back after a three-year hiatus.

Between 12 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, the free outdoor family event will feature races and jump contests throughout the Aldergrove Bike Park. And although Bike Jam caters to two-wheeled bicycles, there will also be a scooter competition and other creative races.

“We’re really excited about bringing the Bike Jam back after a long break during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our suppliers have stepped up with a lot of great prizes so we hope to see lots of people out there. I really love how this brings the community together,” said Heath MacKenzie, owner of Cranky’s Bike Shop and one of the event organizers.

During Bike Jam participants can enter free draws for a chance to win prizes. There are two grand prizes, which will be awarded at the end – a bicycle and a Havoc scooter.

In addition to activities and prizes, there will also be snacks and beverages provided by local sponsors including Cranky’s Bike Shop, Havoc Pro Scooters, iContext Internet Services, Norco Performance Bikes, Urbaneco Landscaping, the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, the Rotary Club of Aldergrove, Bonetti Meats, Otter Co-op, Aldergrove Freshco, and Aldergrove Alliance Church.

“We’re focused on providing youth with a fun and free event, which helps foster pride in the local community. It is made possible by the generosity of local businesses and community groups,” said MacKenzie.

Cranky’s Bike Shop planned the original Bike Jam, and after a couple years of organizing it on their own they were approached by the Aldergrove Business Association Youth Committee to collaborate. This continued until the committee disbanded.

This year, the event is organized by MacKenzie, Rob Wilson from iContext Internet Services and Ryan Lunn from UrbanEco Landscaping.

“It’s something that the local youth start to ask about early in the spring. It’s awesome to see the momentum build every year, but the best thing about it is that it happens because a group of committed people who care about Aldergrove, step up each year to let the youth know that they are valued and that their community is behind them,” said MacKenzie.

The Bike Park is located within Aldergrove Athletic Park, 26845 27th Ave. It was created in 2010 and updated in 2018 in an effort to revitalize the facility.

Designed to accommodate all ages and rider abilities, the Bike Park includes features for beginners and advanced riders including return hill with entry drops, a series of progressive jump lines, wood skills features, BMX Pump Track and mini 4x course with wall ride.

There are also grassy areas surrounding the Bike Park for spectators.

“[Bike Jam] has become an Aldergrove tradition that continues to expand to include riders of all ages. It’s great to see kids as young as two years old ripping it up on the simple courses we lay out. We encourage everyone to bring out the whole family, whether they can ride or not, to watch what our local youth can do,” said MacKenzie.

To learn more about the Bike Jam, contact Cranky’s Bike Shop at 604-856-1688 or info@crankysbikeshop.com.

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