Trail Side Chat With Ellen

Trail Side Chat Series 

HMBA is chatting it up with some local women riders to find out why they love mountain biking in Hinton!  

Meet ELLEN

HMBA: How long have you been riding in Hinton?

Ellen: I have been mountain biking in Hinton for close to 10 years.  

HMBA: How would you describe your riding level? (i.e. beginner, seasoned, other)

Ellen: I would say I am a low intermediate rider.

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Ellen's favorite time of the year to ride.  Halloween Trail

HMBA: What style of riding do you do?

Ellen:  I ride a dual suspension mountain bike, cross country, when I am out on the back trails. When I commute to work, I ride a hard tail Schwinn that I have had for over 14 years.   

HMBA:  What are your favorite things to ride at the bike park?

Ellen:  When I ride in the bike park, usually at the end of a long ride, I like finishing off with Flow Master or Stinger.  For a club ride warm up, I love most of the trails winding their way up towards Flow Master.

HMBA: Do you ride the trails in our trails systems? (Happy Creek System, Jack’s Trails System)  If so, what would be your most favorite trail?  What’s your favorite loop?

Ellen:  I mostly head out on the back trails. For a quick ride, I will do the Happy Creek trail and end up with a couple of laps on Stinger.

For a longer ride, I usually head up to EZ, J, then Ranger or Halloween, then Cleos, Phils Thriller and home via Happy. I actually love most of the trails. Slowcooker is the trail that has challenged me the most. I have punctured my leg heading down a hill, fallen off a bridge and thought I broke my neck but discovered I had only snapped the visor off my helmet and last year, I bounced off the bridge, did a face plant and broke my nose. It's such a great trail! How did I manage all those mishaps? 

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There's always fun to be had on group rides!  The "I'm exhausted from climbing" pose.

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The "we are strong and can ride anything" pose.

HMBA: If you had one minute to talk to someone new to biking – what would you say?

Ellen:  If you are new to mountain biking, I would suggest you get onto the town trails lots and practice gear shifting and make sure you get out there and get advice from experienced riders . Phillip Mark from our club offers lessons in the Spring (Phil's Mad Skills - check the website calendar!).  And when going on club rides, you can learn lots by riding behind the experienced riders. In my case, I often had advice from the "sweep".

HMBA: If you had one minute to talk to someone who bikes, but is new to Hinton – what would you say?

Ellen: If you are new to biking in Hinton, join the Hinton mountain biking club Facebook page. Join in on the club rides and just ask to ride with people. Our mountain biking club is soooo supportive. I am speaking from the perspective of an older rider. I feel welcome!

HMBA: How would you describe a typical Ladies’ Ride to someone who hasn’t been on one yet?  

Ellen: The ladies ride! It's a good turnout and multiple skill levels.  No one is ever left behind and no one leaves the group on their own.  Safety and fun are high on the agenda and we rejoice in each others accomplishments.  There are plenty of rest breaks and always great conversations.  I made many riding friends and these same people are ones I contact to ride with me on the weekend.

I have gone on the Wednesday club rides.  It's nice to ride with the guys.  I am aware that I am not as strong as many of them and I don't feel pressured to go beyond my comfort level.  There is a bit more spandex on those nights but that's not a bad thing.  Most of the conversation centers around gear and the guys voices are deeper. LOL! 

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2015 Spring cleaning

HMBA: In what ways do you give back to HMBA?

Ellen:  I volunteer with the club for some of the events. I have led a few rides and organized a few weekend trips. Now that I own a small saw, I do a bit of trail maintenance when I see something that I can fix. I hope that I am considered a good ambassador for our club.

HMBA: Thanks Ellen!  Any parting comments?

Ellen:  Hinton should be really proud of what we have to offer for mountain biking.  Any age and any skill level could have a great biking experience. The Fall is an amazing time to ride our trails. We have some great lookouts and riding close to dusk is absolutely superb.

I wish there were more fresh built trails. I love that fresh dug up path and the feeling of being on something brand new. Thanks to all you amazing trails builders!

I have always enjoyed the random events that people have organized, like night rides or weekend trips to Jasper. 

And...it's good to see there are people willing/able to guide guests from out of town around our trails. 

Edmonton family supports Hinton's backyard playground

Steve Sevcik's family travels from Edmonton every summer to play in our Bike Park and to ride our fun network of trails.  Members since 2011, they have generously donated over $2,500 over those years!  They see a lot of value in supporting the Hinton Mountain Bike Association and every dollar they donate helps to improve biking in our community!

An ENORMOUS THANK YOU to this wonderful family for their ongoing support!! 

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In, 2013 funds were used towards this sign and box mounted on the seacan next to the Hinton Bike Park parking lot.

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The reasons we support the HMBA!! 

We would like to thank the executives, countless volunteers, local businesses and the Town of Hinton for creating and maintaining such an awesome place to ride.  The amount of time and resources that your community has contributed to the park and trails is the real reason that the park is as good as it is. 

We love trail and gravity riding and want to try and share some of the responsibility of maintaining such a great community facility.  We donate because we want the cash resources to be a little less scarce for the HMBA when deciding on whether to add a stunt, build a berm, buy toilet paper, or just need gas for the equipment.  

We are fortunate to be only 3 hours away from such a great bike park and network of trails and we often recommend the Hinton Bike Park and trail network to anyone that we know who is looking for a new place to ride.  We can’t think of a better place than the Hinton Bike Park for someone to be introduced to the sport.  

- Steve and Lara Sevcik

Trail Side Chat With Julie

Trail Side Chat Series 

HMBA is chatting it up with some local women riders to find out why they love mountain biking in Hinton!  Every week, a different rider will share their experiences with you.  This week, we start with Julie!

Meet Julie

Ladies' Ride, Fall 2010

HMBA: How long have you been riding in Hinton?

Julie: This will be my 18th season!  When I first moved to Hinton, I didn't even own a car.  I bought a mountain bike and rode it to work all summer - a summer that had a major thunderstorm almost every second day!!

HMBA: How would you describe your riding level? (i.e. beginner, seasoned, other)

Julie: I suppose I would be a seasoned rider.  But every year I look forward to improving my current skills even more!

HMBA: What style of riding do you do?

Julie: At first it was just cross-country/trail riding.  Now, I have having fun expanding into some downhill (Gasifier) and winter biking - all because it's possible to do them all in Hinton!  Oh, and I do enjoy playing at the Bike Park!

HMBA: What are your favorite things to ride at the bike park?

Julie: I love challenging myself in the skills area.  Business Time is super fun and I am still working up to completing Fo'Shore.  Totally Lost is my favorite trail in the park.   It's my daughter's favorite too.

HMBA: Do you ride the trails in our trails systems? (Happy Creek System, Jack’s Trails System)  If so, what would be your most favorite trail?  What’s your favorite loop?

Julie: I ride all of them!!  Having biked here for so long - I've seen the multiple changes in our trail systems.  Back in the day - Happy Creek was so challenging that people did Jack's Trail System as the regular go to!  My most favorite trail... I would say Halloween in the Fall.  There is a location that is absolutely beautiful when the leaves are at their yellowest.  My favorite loop is ending at the back of (lower) Big Horn Trail and riding with speed down the powerline to finish on Flow Master - with not one pedal stroke along the way!

Getting gravity on Gasifier with Stacey

HMBA: Have you tried Gasifier yet?  If so, what do you think?

Julie: Yes I have.  And I can't wait to go again!  I have a downhill bike and gear - which makes it really fun.  

HMBA: If you had one minute to talk to someone new to biking – what would you say?

Julie: If you love being outdoors - this is a great way to do it.  There are so many great trails, some with some neat viewpoints.  I always feel great after a ride and wished it never ended!

HMBA: If you had one minute to talk to someone who bikes, but is new to Hinton – what would you say?

Julie: Join the group rides!  It's the best way to meet other riders and to get to know the trails.

Muck Yeah, 2010

HMBA: How would you describe a typical Ladies’ Ride to someone who hasn’t been on one yet?  

Julie: I always look forward to Ladies' Ride.  I'm  a mom of two and it's my 'me' time.  So it's great to ride with other ladies.   There's lots of camaraderie, support and encouragement when we meet those challenges on the trails.  Lots of laughs, good biking, and even bouts of basic trail maintenance!

HMBA: In what ways do you give back to HMBA?

Julie: First, I support them by buying my annual membership!  For many years now, I have been leading the Monday Ladies' Rides and occasionally the Wednesday Group Rides.   I got certified as an IMBA instructor a few years ago, so that I can help riders enhance their skills.  Since 2011, I have been on the executive as Treasurer and now VP.  I also volunteer as a coach with Sprockids.

HMBA: Thanks Julie!  Looking forward to seeing you out on the trails!!

Julie: With a big smile on my face!!

Jerseys & Socks Available at Vicious (Hinton)

HMBA Jerseys and Socks are back at Vicious, ready for the biking season!  Size options are starting to get limited - so get yours before they are all gone!

• Freeride Jersey: $70
• Turbo Tees: $45
• Socks: 1 for $15 or 2 for $25

Cash or Cheque only please!

Another Great AGM!

Our 2015 AGM was well attended with many new faces in the crowd!  It was great to meet everyone and gear up for another great season of riding and exciting events.

Unfortunately, HMBA's presidency is still left vacant and we encourage anyone interested in joining the board to please contact us!  We are also looking for extra help in organizing the Beaver Bike Fest happening in August - it's a lot of fun!

To help make all this happen, we would like to give our sincere thanks to Lakeview Inn & Suites for allowing us to hold our AGM in their conference room,  and to The Hinton Voice and Ouiprint for once again designing and printing awesome posters for us!!!

A Great Trail Cleaning Day!

From a facebook post by Jailin Threinen:

We ran into some "garbage angels" on the biking trails today. Thanks for taking the initiative to keep our town and trails clean and enjoyable.  #hintonproud

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Signed HMBA Jersey - on Auction for a Good Cause

From a great idea, came a SWEET JERSEY!!!!

You have the chance to OWN a REAL HMBA Jersey with REAL SIGNATURES from some of Canada's Gnarly Maniac Mountain Bikers!

•  Geoff Gulevich
•  Jay Hoots
•  Ryan Leech
•  Brett Tippie
•  Brendan Howey

• Ben Glassen
• Curtis Robinson
•  Dyl Dunkerton
•  The Intern 

•  Logan Peat
•  Graham Aggassiz
•  Kurt Sorge
•  Lorny

Bidding can be made by all ages in person at Sweet Lou's in Hinton on the evening of FRIDAY APRIL 24TH FROM 7PM. (More bidding options to come..)

All proceeds will be donated to 'Mobility Van for Owen Langford'  

“Mobility is key and a van would be life changing for a boy that is fighting to stay mobile every day! He needs your help!”

— Michelle Langford

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Jersey bought and donated by Marie-Soleil Pinet and Jan Vassbotn
Postage and Volunteer Time donated by Vicious Cycle, Hinton. 
Hoots Co. (Jay Hoots) rounded up the autographs!! 

This is for a fantastic cause and you know all of your friends are going to be jealous!!!! So if you can't one up them with your bike, one up them with this sweeeeeettttt JERSEY!!!

Sweet Lou's, Friday April 24th at 7pm!

Come out to Sweet Lou's and enjoy a night out to help Owen get a mobility Van.  Live music from the Mary-Lee Bird Band, Silent auction, raffles, games, and more!  Follow Owen's facebook event!

2015 Membership Discount Sponsors

A BIG THANK YOU to all our membership card discount sponsors!!!   Membership cards will be available with new or renewed memberships at the AGM on Thursday April 16th.  Doors open at 6:30pm at Lakeview Inn & Suites in Hinton, off Highway 16.

Visit our MEMBERS page for more information on how to obtain memberships after the AGM and find out about all the great discounts at local and regional businesses.

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HMBA's Supporters

HMBA has had amazing support over the years - we can't thank them all enough!!!  THANK YOU!!!

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Early Spring Trail Report

Bike Park

With the good weather and recent winds the Bike Park is drying up fast. There are still some critical wet areas and subsequent rutting from riders  who are too impatient to wait it out. The ground is still frozen and spring showers are sure to come.

The strong winds also present a hazard with unstable trees in many areas of the areas of the Park. Several of these trees will have to be professionally removed and this may take time.

If favorable conditions hold throughout the week, there will be a basic maintenance day on Saturday April 18th. This will include garbage cleanup, removing debris from the trails, raking leaves and debris from drainages and raking out the unfortunate new ruts.

Stayed tuned on our website calendar for upcoming maintenance dates!

When conditions are poor, you will see signs like these at the Hinton Bike Park.

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Trail Systems

Happy Creek

The Happy Creek trail system has seen high use in the last couple of weeks with favorable temperatures and rapidly melted snow pack.

There are still a few areas with snow/ice and lots of wet problem areas throughout, especially Happy Creek East and Just Giver.  All other trails are in awesome early season shape. 

Downed trees on Slowcooker were cleared this weekend.

Jack's

Report from Jack's Trails of downed trees and wet areas in the obvious spots.

As always, please let us know your trail feedback. Keep us informed on trail conditions and maintenance so we can pass it on to others.   

See you at the AGM!

Renew or buy your membership online!

1-2-3 Easy!

Beat the rush and purchase your annual HMBA membership online!  Membership cards will be distributed at the AGM.  If you are unable to make the AGM - the membership cards will be mailed out to you after the AGM.   Membership forms will still be available at the AGM for those who prefer to stick with pen and paper.  Cash or cheque please!

Sprockids

Sprockids registration is also available online or at the AGM.

HMBA Gear

We still have jerseys and socks for sale.  Support the club you love!!

AGM

HMBA's Annual General Meeting is on Thursday, April 16th.  Doors open at 6:30pm at the Lakeview Inn & Suites off Highway 16.  AGM to start at 7:15pm.   See you there!

 

2015 MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS *

*All Discounts Valid until March 31, 2016

HMBA sponsors continue to offer Membership Discounts!  Please see the list below of businesses that support the HMBA.  We would like to give a BIG THANKS to all the businesses that provided these discounts for our members.

HINTON

Bike Boy – 10% off bike parts and accessories

Escape Clothing Company – 10% off regular priced items 

Hinton DQ Grill & Chill - 15% off food and drink.

Maximum Work and Active Gear - 10% off regular priced items

Mountain Donair - 10% off food and drink.

Subway - 10% off regular prices items (not valid with any other discounts) - valid at 5 locations including Hinton, Jasper, Banff and Canmore

The Hinton Voice - Two free classifieds per week (maximum 30 words each)

The Old Grind - 10% off food, drink and giftware (excludes alcohol)

Vicious Cycle Hinton - 10% storewide (excludes bikes and Go Pro cameras)

Yukon Sausage Inc. - 10% off meat purchase

JASPER

Bombshell Boutique  - 10% 

Coco's Café - 10% off food & drink

Jasper Freewheel Cycle  - 10% (labour not included)

Jasper Source for Sports – 15% bike services

Patricia Street Deli - 10% 

Ransom Clothing and Eyewear - 10%

Subway - 10% off regular prices items (not valid with any other discounts) - valid at 5 locations including Hinton, Jasper, Banff and Canmore

Totem Ski Shop - 10%

Vicious Cycle Jasper  - 10% storewide (excludes bikes and Go Pro cameras)

HMBA's 2015 Annual General Meeting

Where:

Lakeview Inn & Suites, 500 Smith St.

When:

Thursday April 16, 2015

Doors open at 630pm so you can come down and purchase your:
* 2015 Membership
* Jerseys 
* Socks
* Register for Sprockids

Presentation starts at 7ish. Find out our great plans for 2015:
* Happy Creek Bridge Build
* Youth Committee Plans (park & shuttle sessions, Dirt Jams, etc)
* Trail and Park Plans
* Awesome events, including the 6th Annual Beaver Bike Fest.

Can't make it? Memberships will be available online shortly.

New! Buy & Sell Board

Selling your bike or bike related gear? There will be a 'Sales' board at the AGM. Just bring in a flyer with a pic, description, and contact info to share with those in attendance.

See you there!

Winter Magic and Fat Bike Love

Great article written by Jay Sanders!  READ HERE.

Winter Magic Photos from The Hinton Voice

Check out these great picks taken during the Fun Fat Bike Race at the Winter Magic Fat Bike Demo Day on February 21st, 2015!

Flickr Photos from The Hinton Voice

Spring Conditions in Bike Park - Please Stay Out!

Please stay out of the bike park during these early spring conditions.  The weather is great and we are all itching to get out, but please have some patience.  It takes a lot of time and effort to fix ruts created when trails and features are muddy.  Time that would be better used making the park radder for all of us!

Thank you!!

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Great Fun at the Winter Magic Fat Bike Demo Day!

The Winter Magic Fat Bike Demo Day was a great success!  Some fresh overnight snow, groomed tracks and lots of bikes to try out.  10 riders participated in a fun race - randomly paired with enthusiastic partners on a beautiful wintry day.

Thanks to HMBA's Sarah, Mike and Mike for putting time in organizing and prepping this fun event!  Thanks to Christopher Read for being a great MC! 

Thank you to the bike shops for bringing Fat Bikes to Hinton for folks to try out!!!

Thank you to local businesses that helped make it a great event!

Thanks to Sandra, Paul and Michelle for the use of these great shots!

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Sarah staying in front of Colin on the final lap.

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Fun Fat Bike Race Trophy - crafted by Mike Mahoney

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The winning team.

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Lots of people trying out fat bikes for the first time - and loving it!

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Gals on Fat Bikes

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Volunteer Call!

Volunteer Call! HMBA is looking for someone to help with a Hinton Bike Park mini-project. We need to have a cement pad installed near the seacan in the spring (roughly 3'x3' to 4'x8') and would like someone with good concrete know-how to help manage this small project. Any takers??

Email us at info AT bikehinton.com for more details!

What makes HMBA tick? Come and find out!

Discover HMBA

Are you wondering how you can further contribute to awesome mountain biking in Hinton? Anyone who is interested in (or thinking about!) joining our board as an executive member or as a coordinator is invited to attend a meeting.  Come check us out - you don't have to commit right off the bat!  

Contact Us and let us know you are interested!

Our mandate is to:

1. To provide and maintain free access multi-purpose mountain bike trails and facilities, for use by the public.
2. To promote local mountain bike events and activities for community participation in healthy recreation.

Let's work together and continue to provide awesome mountain biking opportunities in Hinton for all!