Hinton’s second annual Beaver Bike Fest was a casualty of the intense rains the region experienced this summer, but fear not – the second incarnation of the bike competition is coming back. 

On Sept. 17, area mountain bikers will get their chance to experience the great trail system and obstacles of the Hinton Bike Park. The event was originally scheduled for June 18, but torrential rains that pounded Hinton that day caused unsafe trail conditions. 

“We just had the monsoons coming in,” said Stephen Hanus, president of the Hinton Mountain Bike Association (HMBA). “The conditions just weren’t conducive to having the bikes on the trails.”

Having hundreds of cyclists pounding on the trails would have severely damaged the new trail systems, Hanus said, so the decision to cancel the festival was made. 

Last year 200 people took part, and hundreds of people came out to support and watch the talented bikers. On Sept. 17, the competition will kick off at 9 a.m. with registration. Following sign-up, there will be a variety of events that cover a wide range of skills, ages and abilities. The first will be a Mini Downhill Race, where participants will race to the finish line on the Flow Master trail. Hanus said the speed race will be a great chance for spectators to see the racers flying over rollers and step-ups. There will be a kid’s race on the pump track and a skills competition. The skills comp will be held on wooden structures on a course with varying degrees of difficulty. The challenge will be for riders to keep their feet firmly on their peddles – and keep from “dabbing”, or putting their foot down. 

A cross-country poker ride will suit all abilities, and give everyone a chance to tour the five kilometres of trails at the bike park. 

“They’re really nice trails,” Hanus said. 

The most exciting event of the day will be the dirt jam, which will see the region’s most talented bikers get some big air and big cheers. Hanus is hoping to see more female riders out this year. 

“We’re definitely encouraging females,” he said. Registration fees are being kept affordable to attract everyone, and Hanus is hoping Jasperites will come out and experience the trails that are right in their backyard. 

“Everybody from Jasper is welcome to come spectate and participate,” he said. 

There will be food on site and the entire event is extremely spectator-friendly. 

Hanus said it’s a great event to end the bike season and profile the amazing trails the bike park has to offer, and the talent that area riders have developed. 

With huge numbers out last year, Hanus is hoping to see similar crowds this year. 

“We’re hoping for the same kind of numbers,” he said. “It’s just a lot of fun to watch.”

HMBA will be giving away a Haro Railer SS Cruiser town bike donated by United Cycle to end the season, after selling raffle tickets all year. 

The new date in September is something the HMBA will evaluate, and could potentially change permanently. Hanus said June or September are the only months available, due to people’s vacation schedules in July and August, and many conflicting events. 

“We’ll see how it goes.”

For more information visit HMBA’s website at www.bikehinton.com