WALL RIDE: Kyle English takes the high road on a trip down the advanced run at the Powell River Bike Park. He’s one of the dedicated riders volunteering to keep the track in top shape.
Riders dig the new bike park SEAN PERCY | sean@prliving.ca
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broke it, so I’m fixing it,” said Chase Krompocker, as he smacked the mound of dirt firmly with a shovel. A particularly spectacular wipeout on top of one of the most difficult parts of Powell River’s new Bike Park had Chase wielding the shovel to repair where his bike had torn off a chunk of the top of the hill. He said he and his friends had been building bike jumps and trails for years. “I’ve been around jumps all my life.” But nothing like this. The new park has jumps and trails designed for the most tentative of riders, and the most daring. Every day since its opening last month, crowds of kids, as well as more than a few young adults, have been sailing over
the bumps, jumps and curved walls of the park. The $540,000 park was carefully designed to drain well, and sustain the wear and tear of thousands of riders. But even good design can’t maintain a dirt track forever. Fortunately, riders are stepping up. “You gotta dig to ride,” said fellow rider Kyle English. To ensure the inevitable repairs are done to bike park standards, the City’s recreation department is planning a course on bike park maintenance. In the meantime, bike park proponent Andrew Shostak, who first presented the idea to City Council four years ago and has been tirelessly volunteering to make it happen ever since, is thrilled that riders are taking responsibility for the park.
“There’s an understanding that if they want it, you have to take care of it,” said Shostak, as he followed his five-year-old daughter around the park. “You can’t expect city crews to maintain it. They’re not riders. Riders know best how to take care of it and they’re super dedicated.” It’s not just any city bike park. The builder, Alpine Bike Parks, installed North America’s only concrete pump track, and is a leader in dirt track design. The local riders know they have a good thing, says Shostak. “They’re proud of that.” “Everyone’s excited it’s here now,” agreed Chase. So excited, in fact, they’re still willing to shovel a bit of dirt to prove it. National Volunteer Week is April 12-18.
Warriors wear helmets
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