For immediate release: Oct. 21, 2016
*The following is a joint news release between the Bike Labrador Cycling Club and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay*
The Bike Labrador Cycling Club (BLCC) is making great progress in developing a bike park in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Work this season by the volunteer club has focused on the construction of a pump track.
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Bike Park will provide a managed area for children, youth and adult bike enthusiasts. Biking in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is growing as a sport and recreational activity.
Located in the Mealy Mountain Sports Complex, the pump track is a continuous loop of ‘berms’ and ‘rollers’ that is designed to be ridden without pedaling. The name ‘pump track’ comes from the user’s body motion as they ride around the track. The pump track is not yet completed, but the progress accomplished to date permits mountain bikers and BMX riders to get accustomed to the new structure.
BLCC acknowledges the financial support received from the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to launch the bike park project earlier this year.
“Council is pleased to support the Bike Labrador Cycling Club on this project. This addition to our sports complex will enhance the activities for youth in our community,” said Councillor Jackie Compton Hobbs, Chair of the Community Services and Recreation Committee. “We have a strong commitment to improve the recreational infrastructure in our community and the addition of the bike park is one of many future upgrades to the sports complex. We would like to thank Bike Labrador for their partnership on this initiative.”
Several businesses and organizations are supporting the bike park, including: Hickey’s Construction, Minipi Outfitters, TOSSS Signs, N.E. Parrot Surveys Ltd., the Labrador Regional Wellness Coalition, Birdhouse Garden Market, and Greyrock Mining.
“BLCC is pleased to acknowledge the tremendous support shown towards the bike park project by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, businesses, and organizations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay,” said Allan Bock, chair of BLCC’s organizing committee. “Working in conjunction with our partners, members and volunteers, we are extremely pleased with the progress that has been achieved to date and we look forward to growing the bike park facility and the enhancement of cycling activities for all ages.”
A sign outlining instructions on using the pump track, safety considerations, and acknowledgement for the supporters has been erected at the bike park. Future phases in the development of the bike park will include the completion of the pump track and other features such as trails, ramps and obstacles associated with the development of biking skills.
BLCC also offered children and youth an opportunity this summer to participate in short track races at the bike park. The series helped participants improve their biking skills while having fun on their bikes.
BLCC thanks the volunteers and parents who assisted with the short track series and the build day (to construct and shape the berms for the pump track). A special thanks to individuals who supported other BLCC activities. The cycling club looks forward to continued support from the community in its efforts to develop a safe and fun facility for bikers of all ages.
Follow BLCC’s progress by joining the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/bikelabrador
For further information, contact:
• Allan Bock, Chair, BLCC Organizing Committee, 899-1568 (c)
• Naomi Sharpe, Public Relations & Special Events Manager, Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay; (o) 709-896-3254; (c) 709-896-1609