People keen to rip up area trails and learn more about cycling culture have a new place to meet other like-minded individuals: the St. Albert Bike Association.
The club is the first of its kind in St. Albert, welcoming riders of all ages and skill levels to learn more about the sport and enjoy the scenic trails around the city.
“What we’re trying to do is promote cycling of any kind and help raise awareness,” said president Jason Wywal.
The non-profit society plans to work with schools, businesses and local government to hold events, run cycling clinics and lessons, skills workshops and group trips.
The club is hosting its first group ride on Thursday and is hoping to make it a regular event.
Another project the club wishes to take on, noted Wywal, is maintenance and upkeep of a future bike skills park.
“One of our goals – we knew this from day one – is that we would need a club to work on an operating agreement with the city to take on stewardship with the skills park.”
Wywal explained that he and several of the club’s founders sit on the organizing committee for the mountain bike skills park, which has been in the works since 2009. The $200,000 proposed park would feature trails, jumps and specialized tracks, modeled after bike parks in Sherwood Park, Devon and Hinton.
So far the city hasn’t found a suitable location to build the park. City council rejected Seven Hills due to its proximity to Ă©cole Father Jan and the hill's historical significance. Most recently, the city quashed plans to build at Liberton Park due to resident concerns about constructing on an established green space.
Until the skills park does come to fruition, Wywal believes the club will be a great gathering place for St. Albert’s mountain bikers, “roadies” and even “pedal pushers.”
The club currently has 12 members.
The club’s first group ride will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. starting behind St. Albert Place near the statues along the river and continuing through the Red Willow trail system. Estimated time is around one hour depending on group skill levels and prevailing weather conditions. All are welcome to attend.
Annual club memberships are $55 for adults and $45 for people 17 and under. Membership includes insurance coverage through the Alberta Bicycle Association.
For more information visit bikestalbert.ca or facebook.com/stalbertbikeassociation
