Bike For Your Life

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Please check this site regularly for 2008 updates

The 9^th annual Bike For Your Life event will run again on Sunday, August 10, 2008 AT THE Parksville Community and Resource Center

This event, held for the first time, in our area, in 1999, was established to promote good health and a cleaner environment through cycling. We have organized a variety of routes to cater to the cycling needs of novice and experienced cyclists. Averaging over 400 participants per year, our events have attracted individuals ranging in age from the very young to over 80. The goals of the Bike For Your Life Committee are to present a fun day of non-competitive activity for both the individual and families and to encourage and promote cycling as a vital part of everyday life.  All excess funds are donated to the Stroke Recovery Association.

This year, there are 15, 35, 50, 70 and 100 km scenic routes all starting from and ending at the Parksville Community Centre. These routes travel through Parksville and Qualicum Beach and rural areas up and down the mid-island. All routes are well marked, directions are clear, and marshals are located at strategic locations. This year, a 50 km loop has been created to satisfy those whose want a little more challenge than the 35km route and the old 90km and 120km routes have been combined into a 100km route. Course marshalls will ride along each route to assist riders and provide directions information as necessary.

The new 100 km route will be known as the Jim Ryan Memorial Route in honor of Jim a local rider, who tragically passed away in a biking accident in the fall of 2007. In Jim’s memory, there will be two special prizes awarded at the end of the day to a male and female rider 45 yrs or older who completed one of the routes that day

Refreshment stations are located along each route; refreshments are also available after the ride.  Prizes will be drawn and awarded, throughout the day, as well as at the conclusion of the event. Riders who are 18 years of age or younger will also receive a medal upon completion of their ride.

Helmets are mandatory and all participants must obey the traffic laws. 

Contact bike4yourlife@hotmail.com or 248-0647 for more information on EARLY registration and regular registration dates and fees (18 years of age and under, family, adult), directions to Parksville, cycle route maps and available accommodation.

Route Information

All five Bike For Your Life routes - 15, 35, 50, 70 and 100 km - are designed to provide a fun and safe cycling experience for riders of all ages and abilities. Safety is the major consideration for all five routes. All routes will be well marked; will have safety marshals, at key points, to point riders in the right direction and rest stations where water/refreshments and bathroom facilities will be available. Maps and written directions will be available on site for those who require them.  All routes begin and end at the Parksville Community Centre back parking lot.

Cyclists are reminded that they must wear an approved bicycle helmet. All Bike For Your Life participants are expected to obey traffic safety laws, at all times. The Bike For Your Life Committee suggests that participants wear light-coloured clothing to improve their visibility to vehicles and to have their bicycles recently serviced to ensure a safer and more enjoyable ride.   

** Upon completion of the ride, all participants MUST check in with the Registration Desk so that the Registrar knows that they are back and safe. Riders 18 years of age or younger will receive a Bike For Your Life medal upon completion of their ride.

Click here for the Registration form