The Bikenbender gravel trail bike race, a novel undertaking by the Canadian Birkebeiner Society, presents cyclists of all proficiencies with a unique opportunity to traverse a 37 km loop within the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area on Saturday, September 14th. For those seeking a more competitive edge, three timed sections along the 37 km route promise an exciting challenge, with the fastest cyclist standing a chance to claim a prize. Participation in Bikenbender is limited to 150 cyclists. Individuals aged 12 and above are encouraged to explore the Canadian Birkie website for comprehensive details and registration. It's worth noting that registration fees escalate closer to the event date.
The Bikenbender event will commence with a welcoming session for cyclists at 8:30 am, featuring a race briefing, followed by the official start at 9 am. Participants utilizing e-bikes will have a separate start scheduled 10 minutes later. Throughout the race, Marshalls and designated nutrition stations will be on hand to provide assistance to participants, offering water, food, as well as medical and mechanical support. Upon reaching the finish line, participants can anticipate catering services and a modest awards ceremony acknowledging the fastest riders in the timed section. To encourage carpooling, a special prize will be awarded to those who opt to share rides with friends and colleagues.
Dan Leskiw, Race Director Bikenbender and Chief of Course Canadian Birkie says, “I am excited to be able to organize a cycle race in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA. As Chief of Course of the Canadian Birkie I know how many skiers enjoy this area in winter. It is great we can now also offer participants an event in the summer so they enjoy this beautiful area it in a different season. Birkieland is a great and vast area that is an excellent place for trail and gravel riding with a variety of trails from grass to forest land."
President of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society, Charles World, expressed his astonishment at how Canadian Birkie volunteers extend their efforts beyond the cross-country ski season. Organizing additional events aligned with the Birkie in Norway not only adds enjoyment but also enhances the society's operational efficiency. Notably, all supplementary events are solely managed by volunteers, offering participants the chance to be active and enjoy a Birkie experience across multiple seasons.
The Canadian Birkie Ski FestivalTaking place on the second weekend in February on the woodland trails of Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area in central Alberta, the Canadian Birkie is Western Canada’s premier classic-style cross-country ski festival. Founded in 1985, it is one of three Birkebeiners or “citizen races” held world-wide, with the other two held in Norway and Wisconsin, USA. Over 1800 participants skied in the 2023 Canadian Birkie Ski Festival. In 2023 the Canadian Birkebeiner Society added Biking Like a Viking as an additional successful summer event. The Bikenbender will be held for the first time September 24, https://canadianbirkie.com/bike/bike-event-bikenbender/Visit canadianbirkie.com/bike for more information or contact our Media Contacts: Canadian Birkebeiner Society
Canadian Birkebeiner Society, Alberta Gold Business Centre, 7240 – 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6B 0G1
