The title of Big Beaver is once again up for grabs at this year’s Beaver Bike Fest, set for June 18 at the Hinton Bike Park. 

The festival has two components to capture riders of all skills and ages. The competitive bikers will vie for the Big Beaver Award in a three-event run for the more advanced riders. Athletes will participate in downhill, skills and a dirt jam. The best combined score will win the award. 

A non-competitive side of the festival will welcome families and riders of all ages for guided tours of the bike park, a poker ride and a fun race for kids six and under. 

New this year will be the “foot down” contest, where riders will get a chance to crash into each other in an effort to be the last one with both feet still firmly stuck to their pedals. 

Mike Jodoin, event co-ordinator, said there will be rules to this fun bumper-bike competition, but the object is to keep your balance the longest. 

This year a bike will be raffled off at the festival. Jodoin said that last year they sold tickets but didn’t award the bike until the fall – this time someone will walk away with a brand new Haro Cruiser from United Cycle. 

Jodoin said the biggest part of the festival last year was the fun, non-competitive side. 

“We had a lot of riders that were just there for the fun of it,” he said. 

Those riders will have a chance to get a guided tour of the bike park. The tours will be split up into skill levels, and will give those unfamiliar with the awesome trails behind the park an expert’s view. 

Many teams from Jasper participated last year, and Jodoin is looking forward to their involvement this year. The Freewheel team will be there with demo bikes of all kinds for people to try out. 

The fun poker ride will be held on the trail system. Jodoin said there are three kilometres behind the park to use where the riders will never have to see the same piece of trail twice. 

The event will feature music in line with the festival atmosphere, and Jodoin said they are looking into getting a DJ to keep the music going all day. 

“People are there to celebrate,” he said. 

Prizes will be available not just for the winners of the competitive portion of the festival, but for everyone in attendance. 

“A kid can go home with a pretty decent prize just for coming out and enjoying the park,” Jodoin said. 

Jodoin said riders 17 and under must sign a waiver to participate in any part of the Beaver Bike Fest. Waivers are available online at  www.bikehinton.com

In case of rain, Jodoin said they will be making the official decision to go ahead as of today (June 16), and urges competitors and other riders to check out the Bike Hinton site to get the final word, should rain pelt the Hinton area leading up to the event. 

Volunteers are still needed for the event. Anyone interested can contact the volunteer co-ordinator, Jan at 780-740-5430 for more information. 

The event will kick off at 10 a.m., with registration set for 8 a.m. Jodoin said anyone that intends to compete is encouraged to come early to get a few practise runs in ahead of the competition. He adds that anyone coming early is more than welcome to help out with set up. 

Spectators are more than welcome at the event, and Jodoin promises the festival will entertain all kinds of people. 

“There’s a little something for everyone.”