Winter Fat Bike Demo & Skills Challenge

FAT BIKE DEMO & SKILLS CHALLENGE

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Wondering what all the fat bike excitement is about? Join HMBA at Maxwell and take one out for a spin. Try your skills at an obstacle course and earn fat biking bragging rights.

This event is part of the Hinton Winter Magic Festival.   There will be a fire pit & music also!

Event run by Hinton Mountain Bike Association
Where: Maxwell Lake
Time: Sunday, February 7th, 1-4pm

A post-demo ride is planned after the event (after 4pm) as well.

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Many participated in the fun teamed race in the 2015 winter event.

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Fat biking is definitely worth trying and so much fun!!

ALSO ON SAME DAY/PLACE:

LANTERN FESTIVAL 

Join us for an evening skate around Maxwell Lake where student decorated Lantern Bags will light your way.
Event run by YRAF & Maxwell Lake Skating Society
Where: Maxwell Lake
Time: 5-8pm

Talisman Energy Investing in Our Communities

Talisman Energy, one of HMBA's Double-Black Diamond Supporters, and their employees, continue to support and invest in our community.   Their ongoing support have helped towards initiatives such as building and maintaining the Hinton Bike Park, and supporting HMBA's Sprockids programming.

Through their "Investing in Our Communities (IOC) program",  Talisman Energy recognizes their employees/retirees actively engaged with community organizations in which they live and work.

Two Hinton residents, Colin Hanington and Cody Begon, have recently selected the Hinton Mountain Associations for their generous contributions.

Colin and Cody - THANK YOU for your continued support!!!  And thank you Talsiman Energy for Investing in Our Community!

Shawn, HMBA President (left),  accepting the donation from Talisman employee, Colin Hanington (right). 

Photo taken in 2014.  Cody Begon has been actively involved as a coach with Sprockids and has made numerous annual contributions to HMBA through his employer's Investing in Our Communities Program.

So, what have you been up to, HMBA?

Glad you asked!  Members of the Hinton Mountain Bike Association, or HMBA (we like to pronounce it has 'him-bah'), have had a busy year!  Below are some of the highlights for 2015.

IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew.  

In August, the IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew (aka Justin Truelove) came out to teach us trail building techniques on how to build and maintain our trails.

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Happy Creek boardwalk was revitilalized

At the end of August, the Hinton Participatory Budget Grant (2014) was used to revitalize Hinton's amazing signature trail, Happy Creek, which needed some major work done on two large sections of boardwalks.  This project not only benefited mountain bikers, but runners, walkers, hikers, and visitors alike! 

Another successful Beaver Bike Fest event!

Another fantastic fun-filled weekend led by the yellow brigade of volunteers!  So great to see kids of all ages having fun!

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Shawn Lee steps up as the club's new president!

Shawn brings a ton of experience from other clubs, racing, hardcore bmx'er and all around exposure to the scene.

Stacey steps down from the Board

It was very hard for HMBA to lose Stacey when she stepped down from her position as Director at Large.  Her energy, enthusiasm and love of all things mountain biking have helped HMBA soar to new heights and adventures!

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Fixit station installed at the Hinton Bike Park.

Daniel Duval of Assante Wealth Management generously donated a Dero Fixit Bike Repair Station to the Hinton Mountain Bike Association, now installed at the Hinton Bike Park.  The Fixit repair station is Hinton's second - the first one was installed earlier this year by the Town of Hinton and is located at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre. 

New skills feature in the Skills Area.  

Dubbed Cripps' Canyon during the Beaver Bike Fest, but named 'Baja Canyon' by it's builder, Shawn Cripps, this new feature has added some fun challenges to the Skills Area!  Shawn has also helped build the shed for storing our fuel and a tool shed that is accessible to our youth.

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Another awesome Oxburger creation

For several years in a row, Oxburger Studios has created awesome videos of our signature event.  Many treasured moments are captured!

Sprockids

Sprockids had an amazing but busy year!  Close to 100, YES, ONE HUNDRED, kids were registered for the 10-week program.  

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Group Rides

Group rides continue to be a great way to meet other riders.  There were so many new faces this year - we can't wait to see you all again next summer!!

On-going trail maintenance

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Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring - there is always some kind of trail maintenance that needs to be done.  HMBA relies on member volunteers to help keep our trails in tip top shape!

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Re-route on Halloween Connector

Small changes, big impact!  A re-route on Halloween Connector improved flow on this great trail.  Another re-route occured on Gulley Trail in the Bike Park - part of the IMBA Trail Care Course in August.

New EVOC backpack for our tool-totting Trails Guru!

You can't imagine how happy our Trails Coordinator was to receive such an awesome and handy pack!  This pack was donated by EVOC and is built to carry various large tools while riding a bike.  HMBA was very lucky to receive such a generous gift!

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EVOC rep

Thanks for sharing in some of our best moments of 2015!   Ride On!

HMBA Gains New Board Member

The Hinton Mountain Bike Association would like to welcome Maureen Harper to the Board as the new Director at Large!

Maureen has always been, and continues to be, a great advocate for HMBA!  She is quick to volunteer and you will often find her leading a ladies' group on our Monday nights or doing trail maintenance when riding our trails.

Welcome aboard, Maureen! 

-HMBA Board Members

Great winter riding conditions!

The groomed winter trails continue to be in great riding condition! Get out and get active! 

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Winter signage has been posted up on our winter trails.  There are even a few extra trails that have been broken-in with fat bikes to create fun alternatives until the next big snowfall!  Vigilante and Happy Creek can be included in your fun winter adventures.

Check out our Winter Trails page for more information about winter trail grooming and a winter trail map.

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Year round biking and recreation

The Hinton Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) will be grooming select trails in the Hinton area (West of Happy Creek) for non-motorized activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling, hiking, dog walking and trail running.

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A specialized groomer, the same type used by nordic centres, is towed behind a small snowmobile .  The groomer is 30 inches (76 cm) wide, ideal for creating winter trails for our non-motorized recreationalists.  

Grooming is a slow process, the snowmobile runs approximately 5 kms/hr towing the groomer as it rolls and packs the trail down.  

Once groomed, it will take a few hours to harden before it is ready for use.  Grooming will be done mostly at night when there are less trail users.  This will give a better chance for the snow on the trail to set.

Visit our Winter Trails page for more info and the latest groomer report!

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Winter Grooming is 100% run by HMBA Volunteers!!

SUPPORT HMBA - BECOME A MEMBER!

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LIST OF TRAILS THAT WILL BE GROOMED

• Just Get There

• The J

• EZ

• Ranger

• GS

• Halloween

• Halloween Connector

• Cleo's

 

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Signage that will be posted on the winter trails. Click to enlarge.

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Map showing trails that will be groomed over the winter. Click on image to enlarge

VIMFF - Best of Mountain Biking

The Hinton Mountain Bike Association is bringing back the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) - Best of Mountain Biking.

We will be hosting the movies on the afternoon of Oct. 3rd at Boston Pizza in Hinton. This event will take place on the lounge side, so you must be 18 years old to attend.   Event begins at 1pm.

Tickets are $30 each and include entry to the movies, pizza buffet and one free bevvie.  Limited number of tickets available.

Tickets are available at Boston Pizza, Vicious Cycle Hinton or from one of the Executive Board members (Shawn, Julie, Marie-Soleil, Jenn, or Stacey).

Thank you to Boston Pizza (Hinton) for sponsoring this event!!  All event proceeds will go to HMBA.

Happy Creek Project Completed!

A year ago in September, the Hinton Mountain Bike Association was awarded $30,000 from Hinton's 2014 Participatory Budget.  The grant was used to revitalize Hinton's amazing signature trail, Happy Creek, which needed some major work done on two large sections of boardwalks.  This project not only benefited mountain bikers, but runners, walkers, hikers, and visitors alike! 

Hoots Inc. was contracted for this project.  Crews were onsite by mid-August and by early September, the work was done!  The construction was done with sustainability in mind with the goal of durability and longer lifespan.

For those familiar with Happy Creek Trail - this new upgrade will be well received! 

Thank you to all trail users in the weeks during construction.  Your patience and understanding were appreciated!

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Before...

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Rebuilding, 1st phase

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Rebuilding, 2nd phase

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After!  Boardwalk 1 

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After!  Boardwalk 2

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Boardwalk repair area indicated in green.  (2011 map)

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This project supported by:

Happy Creek Trail Project: September 1st

Happy Creek Project update: boardwalks should be done by the end of Tuesday or Wednesday this week (September 1st or 2nd). The load of lumber in the photo shows you just how much was needed!

2015 Beaver Bike Fest Recap

Oxburger Studios continues to create awesome recaps of the annual Beaver Bike Fest.  Check it out!

Past recaps:

2014 Beaver Bike Fest

2013 Beaver Bike Fest

Fixit Bike Repair Station Now at Hinton Bike Park

Handy Repair Station

Daniel Duval of Assante Wealth Management generously donated a Dero Fixit Bike Repair Station to the Hinton Mountain Bike Association to be installed at the Hinton Bike Park.  Daniel, a HMBA member for many years, also volunteered his time towards the installation of the stand.    This repair station is Hinton's second - the first one was installed earlier this year by the Town of Hinton and is located at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre.  10 minutes after the installation was complete, Daniel witnessed someone needing some quick repairs on their bike and was glad to see the station was put to good use!

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Site Preparations:

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West Riddge Sand & Gravel donated the concrete for the pad.

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Hoots Inc. framed and formed the cement pad.

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Installation:

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End Result:

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A thumbs up for this great addition to the Hinton Bike Park!  

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Available Tools:

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Tool List: 

Philips and flat head screwdrivers; 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm, Allen wrenches; Headset wrench; Pedal wrench; 8, 9, 10, 11mm box wrenches and 2 Tire levers.  Air Pump for tires.

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Hinton Bike Park Fixit Stand made possible by:

2015 Beaver Bike Fest Results!

Results!

Here are the final results for the 6th Annual Beaver Bike Fest.  A funtastic weekend!!

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Everett and Kira won the Overall Beaver awards for male and female categories respectively.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers  and supporters!!!

Happy Creek Trail Project - August 26th

Happy Creek Trail Project progress.  Posted by Jay Hoots on facebook, August 26, 2015.

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August 26, 2015

Pictures from earlier dates:

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May 18, 2015

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August 19, 2015

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August 25, 2015

Happy Creek Trail Project - August 25th

Happy Creek Trail Project progress.  Posted by Jay Hoots on facebook, August 25, 2015.

NOTICE: Happy Creek Boardwalk Repair Underway

Notice to All Trail Users in the Happy Creek Trail System

Please be advised that a section on the East side of the Happy Creek Trail is undergoing trail construction until approximately September 4th, 2015.   Progress reports will be posted on our website (www.bikehinton.com) and on facebook.  During this time, we ask that all trail users enjoy alternate routes on our trail systems and avoid passing through the construction zone, as that may cause more harm (i.e. trail widening and/or work interruptions).  Thank you for your understanding and patience!!

Trail Under Construction

Jay Hoots and crew are working on the Happy Creek Trail boardwalk repair - a 2014 Hinton Participatory Budget project.  See green markings on the map below for area affected by this work.  The trail section is found on Happy Creek Trail - East side, just past the Fast Trax intersection when going South.  There are two long sections of boardwalk that have deteriorated beyond repair over the years and will be replaced with a new structure.  The crew will be accessing the site via motorized quad/bike - but have taken precautions to minimize their impact.  A lot of lumber and materials need to go in and out of the site.

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Boardwalk repair area indicated in green.  (2011 map)

Background

Last September, the Hinton Mountain Bike Association had submitted a proposal for Hinton's Participatory Budget.  Hinton's amazing signature trail, Happy Creek, needed some major work done on all the bridges and wood features. This is not just a project that will benefit the mountain bikers, but it will benefit runners, walkers, hikers, and visitors who enjoy using this great trail!  In October, Hinton residents decided to award $30,000 towards the Happy Creek project!  

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This caution sign was posted at both ends of the boardwalks to advise all recreational users during the summer of 2015.

Photo credit: Sarah Burns taken in Fall 2014.

Feedback

If you have any questions, comments or even great feedback about this project, please contact us via email at info@bikehinton.com

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This project supported by:

Community Contributions

Jay Hoots and his hardworking crew arrived early this week to give some TLC to the Hinton Bike Park and to start getting ready to work on the Happy Creek Trail boardwalk repair - a 2014 Hinton Participatory Budget project.   A special thanks to a few key individuals who have greatly contributed their own time this past week: Shawn Lee (our very own HMBA president!), Brayden Langford (a super keen HMBA Youth Coordinator), and Shawn Cripps who has been a longtime HMBA contributor!

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A new and different kind of technical feature was added to the Skills Area on Wednesday.  A special thanks to Summit Machining & Welding, Napa (cables/hardware), Alstar Oilfield (paint) and Shawn Cripps for building it!

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Cement was poured on Thursday for a small cement pad that will be home to a Fix-It station for the Hinton Bike Park.  Thanks to West Ridge Sand & Gravel for the donation of the cement!

The HMBA also values all the Hinton businesses who contribute in so many ways to our mountain biking community !   Your support is greatly appreciated!!  Below are businesses who have contributed to the work done this week.

Bike Park Prep and More

This week, work is being done by Jay Hoots & crew at the Hinton Bike Park and on Happy Creek Trail East (boardwalk sections).  As work progresses throughout the week, you may see piles of dirt or flagging tape in some areas.  These sites will be temporarily closed until maintenance is complete - so we thank you for your continued patience throughout this important work!

If venturing out on or near Happy Creek Trail, you may hear a moto bike nearby.  Please rest assured that this moto bike is setup to leave as minimal a disturbance as possible and is used to help transport material in and out of the area.  As you can imagine, the two boardwalks add up to a lot of lumber!  This particular project is funded by the Hinton Participatory Budget in the amount of $30,000 which HMBA was awarded in Fall of 2014.   Thank you Hinton!!!

New Re-route on Gulley Trail

On August 8, 2015, the IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew (aka Justin Truelove) came out to teach us trail building techniques on how to build and maintain our trails.  The first day consisted of a 3-hour classroom session followed by an afternoon of putting our skills to work!  The builders-in-training tackled a trail re-route on Gully Trail where it joins with the North access to Stinger, within the Hinton Bike Park.  The re-route allows better flow and easier access to Stinger.

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Justin and Kevin selected a site for the re-route and flagged the new proposed trail.

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14 HMBA members attended the full day of training.

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New trail built and old trail section reclaimed!