The WAM BAM Dirt Jump Jam August 23, 2010
Posted by admin in : News , 1 comment so farThe WAM BAM Dirt Jump Jam and official Bike Park Ribbon cutting last Saturday surely was a resounding success.
I went down to check it out and when I arrived there hundreds of people were milling around and it was only six o’clock with ribbon cutting to be done at nine with some of the older competitors doing their runs in the dark under spotlights which was pretty cool to see.
City of Fernie Director of Leisure Services Allan Knibbs said he also was surprised to see the huge turnout and said that the crews had placed four seating stands around the park in anticipation but with the amount of people already out to see the event they could have used at least a couple more. But people improvised and sat on the roof of their vehicles , on dirt piles and on logs as well as standing to catch a glimpse of competitors as young as five zooming down the dirt structures.
It was fun to see how fearless some of the younger kids were, one young boy had hands off handle bars and did moves with his body as his bike flew in the air.
The MC mentioned several times how generous Fernie was, businesses donated a large number of prizes some that were of considerable high value so special thanks have to be reiterated to those who donated, but thanks and kudos must go to the mountain bike club and all the volunteers who made this wonderful event happen. The degree of interest took me by surprise, I had no idea that so many competitors would be involved and also that so many spectators would attend, many of which were from out of town.
As a member of council that supported this project when it was first presented I knew instinctively that this would be a great asset for Fernie kids but after attending this event on Saturday I realized how appreciated this facility truly is. Thanks again to the City of Fernie, all the sponsors, the competitors and especially the group of volunteers who organized the event and who initiated this facility. Kudos to all of you. Congratualtions on a job well done.
Mary’s TransRockies 2010 Report August 13, 2010
Posted by admin in : News , add a commentAlthough I don’t even ride a bike I can’t help getting energized over the TransRockies event that happens here each summer.
Even rain couldn’t dampen the activity and excitement this past week over the anticipated race culminating with the departure of over 450 riders this past Monday August 9, 2010 to begin the arduous seven day route of the TransRockies race.
Organizer Dan Savage does a fantastic job resulting in each year being better than the last one.
This event brings a great economic boost to our town that is much appreciated by everyone but for me I just love seeing and hearing the buzz associated with it all.
The sights and sounds of riders wizzing by in colourful gear and speaking different languages. Bikers covered in mud from head to foot getting hosed down alongside their bikes at the Fire Hall. The welcome at CP Station Square, the Community Center registration and the vibrancy of Second Avenue with people working and talking walking up and down and colourful tents lining the street that contributed to a wonderful festival atmosphere.
Fernie is fortunate to be the only community still hosting this event and thanks must go to the sponsors and the organizers and the people of Fernie who embrace this event each year.
The town was busy with trucks and tents including the stone coloured row of small tents at Prentice Park that looked like a berm of rock across the grounds and campers parked in the school parking lot with clothing drying from lines placed between trees.
But nothing compared to seeing all the riders leaving together, one visitor from Alberta commented that it brought tears to her eyes to see such a sight and to witness the excitement of the morning.
Makes me wish I was forty years younger and able to be a physical part of the wonder of it all. Thanks to all who make this wonderful event happen, I am already looking forward to next year.