The trophy for the Oceanside Civic Bike Challenge was presented to Qualicum Beach following a successful wrap up of Bike to Work Week.
The annual event saw 44 registered cyclists in Qualicum Beach with 15 civic employees cycling to and from work. Parksville had 35 registered cyclists, with eight commuting cylclists who work for the city.
Qualicum Beach town councillor Scott Tanner accepted the trophy on behalf of the town during a ceremony at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks on Sunday, June 3.
Tanner told the gathering that it is a great event and brings awareness to the benefits of cycling.
“People can’t complain about the price of gas if they can cycle,” he joked.
Event organizer Jim Swanson said each year the event that promotes fitness and a healthier environment grows and this year there were many people who registered for the bike to your coffee shop campaign. During bike to work week cyclists could receive a 10 per cent discount on their drink and food bill at a number of participating establishments in the region.
“We added the bike to your coffee shop promotion this year because of all the retirees in the community,” said Swanson.
He said there are some great cycling events coming up in the community that will provide more opportunities to get out and ride.
He added their portable bike valet will be available during Canada Day festivities in Parksville July 1 and any cyclist who wants can join in the parade. They just have to show up at 11:30 a.m. at the Shelly Road marshaling area.
On Sunday, August 12 the Bike For Your Life event will provide another fun for all ages ride starting and ending at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.
The event, held for the first time in Parksville in 1999, was established to promote good health and a cleaner environment through cycling and averages over 300 participants each year.
This year there are 15, 35, 50, 70 and 100 kilometre scenic routes that will be well marked throughout District 69.
Refreshment stations are located along each route and 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.
The 100km route, known as the Jim Ryan Memorial Route, has been established to honour Jim Ryan, a local rider, who died in a biking accident in the fall of 2007.
To register contact bike4yourlife@hotmail.com.