Bicycle enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to TRU for the inaugural Stoke the Season Festival, which aims to connect the community as the riding season begins.
Family-friendly activities, ranging from a bike rodeo to a film festival, will take place on campus on April 27. Admission is by donation, with benefits going to various local bike organizations.
A trail work session at 12:30 p.m. kicks off the day at the Dufferin Park Trails, which runs until 2:30 p.m.
“We just think that’s important to create the space for people to learn about trail stewardship,” said Andrea Locke, event organizer.
All other events will take place at TRU.
At 3 p.m. back on campus, various vendors and food will be available. A bicycle rodeo, meant to teach children about safety in an engaging way, along with mini competitions with prizes will start shortly after.
“There will be games for kids on strider bikes, all the way up to adults and people that aren’t into bikes, so that everyone can participate,” Locke said.
A mountain bike themed film, Ritual, will cap off the day with a screening beginning around 7 p.m.
“Last year we hosted a movie night for the women in our biking programs, and that was a huge hit,” Locke said.
Locke is also the founder of Adventuring Into Life, a company that organizes biking clinics for women and children.
“A lot of families reached out about wanting to be able to come to the movie night [this year]… people were really stoked about it so we wanted to build it into more of a community building event,” she said.
Several biking organizations, representing different kinds of bicycling within Kamloops are participating in the event.
“It’s anybody that rides a bike. Whether it’s gravel biking, road biking, commuting or mountain biking. We really want to just bring anyone that likes biking together,” Locke said.
Those with no familiarity with riding are also encouraged to participate. Trail lessons for both children and adults with a focus on the basics will be offered during the day. Participants are required to pre-register for this portion and event-provided bikes are available for use in limited quantities.
Overall, Locke said she hopes this event will start what is expected to be another enthusiastic biking season in the city.
“People come from all over the place to ride in Kamloops…In our world right now, as the snow starts melting you can feel that excitement.”