MEC Bikefest North Shore - June 8-9, 2013

Acrobag will be representing at the festival giving kids and adults of all skill levels the chance to throw down crazy tricks. Safely master air awareness with video capture of your jump and feedback from Acrobag coaches.


Sombrio is bringing their largest pump track to the festival and with demo bikes and helmets available for use everyone is invited to jam! Challenge your buddies with time trial races or just work on skills that will transfer to the trails. The track teaches you how to pump the terrain to gain speed, improve your cornering; maintain momentum and most importantly how to have fun on your bike.


Guided Tours
MEC’s very own Stephen Matthews (seen below) will be leading a guided ride on Sunday June 9th. Riders of all skills are invited to check out some sweet local riding spots while working on their moves with the ever impressive local.

Stephen has been a professional guide in Switzerland, Italy, and France, but takes great pride in mastering local trail networks. Stephen's influence in BC's cycling community comes from his light-hearted attitude backed by practiced skill and high riding intensity.

Not to be outdone Wade Simmons and Mark Wood from Shore Play will also be running group rides on Saturday June 8th. Simmons is affectionately known as one of the Godfathers of Freeride mountain biking and was one of the first freeriders to become sponsored. Mark Wood is the program manager for the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) and he has played an integral role in the rebuilding and annual maintenance of several North Shore trails. No one knows the ins, outs and endo’s of North Shore riding like these guys. The rides will be on first come, first serve basis with rides leaving at 10:30 and 2:30 from the NSMBA tent.

Riding Clinics
Endless Bikes are going to be running riding clinics at 11am and 3pm on Saturday and 11am and 2pm on Sunday. Whether you want to take air, rail corners or just want to avoid a yard sale, the amazing coaches at Endless will help you develop a tool belt of necessary skills. These clinics are sure to leave you buzzing for hours.

Test Rides
The top names in the industry and local bike shops abound will be in attendance bringing fleets of their demo bikes and giving you an opportunity to try out a massive variety of different rides on North Shore terrain. MEC will also be packing our lineup of 2013 Ghost Bike demos. These steeds are hot off the line and are just waiting to be taken for a spin. Everyone’s also going to be packing a ton of swag to be handed out and won by festival goers, highlighted by an MEC Ghost 29er grand prize.

Serving up Suds
Red Racer is going to be on hand with taps of their finest craft beers. Kick back in the beer garden with a signature IPA while you listen to some beats and watch the young groms killing it on the Acrobag. All proceeds from the beer garden will be going directly to Team Finn to help raise awareness of the impact of pediatric cancer on children and families confronted with the disease. Team Finn has been reaching out to affected families and continues to encourage them to Run, Jump, Bounce, Dance, Sing, Love, Smile and Ride!

Bike Swap
MEC Bikefest North Shore is also host to an epic bike swap. Whether you’re looking for a new ride or maybe want to unload a recently retired bike our legendary swap creates a community wide buzz and brings people together to get deals done. It’s sure to be a great opportunity to find some sick deals on previously loved gear. Bikes, tires, armour, helmets, chain rings, jerseys…everything cycling related is welcome.

The deets:
• The swap will be on Saturday, June 8th from 11am to 4pm. Drop-off time is from 8am to 10am that morning. Due to lack of storage we are unable to accept any items prior to that time, but you can drop off your items, hang out and check out some vendors and events, and then be ready to start checking out the gear when the swap officially starts at 11am.
• You have the option to rent a whole table to sell your gear for $10, or half a table for $5. This rental fee is due in cash the morning of the swap.
• If you aren’t interested in purchasing part of a table we can sell your gear for you for the bargain price of $1 per item, plus a 15% commission if the item sells. Commission is capped at $70.
• Any unsold gear must be picked up between 4pm and 6pm on Saturday at which point earnings will be paid out. Unsold gear that isn't picked up by 6pm will be donated to a good cause.
• Bike Swap is a cash only operation!
• All items sold in the swap must be pre-loved and cycling related.

Check out tons of different options in one easy place and get all the best deals you’ve been waiting for.

Races
MEC Bikefest is working in conjunction with NS MTB Series. There will be cash prizing and plenty of random prize drawings throughout the weekend. Check out their Pinkbike article for more details and registration.


And don’t forget there will be a BC cup BMX race on both days with over 100 riders on 20s. After the racing the track will be open and learn to ride BMX sessions will be taking place. For more information check out their website at www.northshorebmx.com

More Cool Stuff!!
With the Bicycle Valet securely parking your rides and the Muddbunnies on hand washing them we strongly encourage you to bike to the event. MEC Bikefest North Shore will also be featuring bike maintenance clinics, tire changing competitions, free massages, an art show and a charity BBQ with proceeds going to Seymour Lions Club. Escape Adventures will also be in attendance with fun filled activities for kids including a series of races for children of all ages on Saturday. All racers need to be registered by noon. The race for ages 3-5 (Run Bikes) will be at 1pm, ages 5-7 will be at 2pm and ages 8-10 will be at 3pm. This event truly has something for everyone and with tons of prizes being donated by all the super rad manufacturers and vendors, including a free 2013 Ghost 29er bike to be won; there’s really no excuse not to be there!


Be sure to visit the registration tent when you arrive to check out all the great prizes on display and info on the fun activities involved in how to win them! For additional festival information and a list of sponsors please visit our events site.

See you there, June 8th and 9th!