Repsol Donates $1,000 to the Hinton Sprockids Program

REPSOL has generously donated $1,000 to the Hinton Sprockids Program.  A cheque was presented to the program's coordinator at the last Sprockids session of the season.   The kids were excited to ride in a warm Fall night and to eat the burgers and hot dogs provided for the kids.   Food items were donated by McDonalds, Safeway, Freson Bros - Hinton Hill and Freson Bros - Hinton Valley.

Jesse Kirillo, REPSOL, presents a cheque for $1,000 to Tim Trahan, Hinton Sprockids Coordinator.

Tim Trahan, Hinton Sprockids Coordinator, thanks Jesse Kirillo, representative of REPSOL, for donating the use of their mobile BBQ for the program's year-end session.

Behind the Hinton Bike Park

Build it and they will come....but who will maintain it???

To help give Hinton Bike Park users and visitors an idea of what goes on behind the scenes, some information is provided below.   When the weather makes bike park conditions poor, there are many reasons why the HMBA reminds all users to stay out of the park, and the main one is the knowledge of all the hard work put into keeping the park in great shape for the enjoyment of all.

How it all started

When the Hinton Bike Park was in its first phase (2008), the goal was to build an outstanding mountain bike skills park that is fun, safe, free of charge, and accessible for all abilities and ages, thereby facilitating the promotion of skills development, active lifestyles and mountain culture.   It was the first of its kind in the Yellowhead region, a regional hub for activity.

Grand Opening of the Hinton Bike Park

Partnerships

The Hinton Bike Park was made possible by the Hinton Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) - all volunteers!!!, the Town of Hinton, and the many, MANY, supporters over the years.  Check out our list of growing supporters!

The Stats

• The Hinton Bike Park has 37 Acres of land with the possibility of future expansion.  
• The cost to build the first two phases (2008-2009) was over $400,000 in cash, material and time.
• Free of charge to users (donations are welcome!)
• Central location to access Hinton's trail network (over 30 km!)
• Visitors from all over Alberta, Canada, US, and many international countries have been to the park

Fast Forward to 2017

The Hinton Bike Park is almost 10 years old and was showing signs of aging and deterioration.  It was time to focus on refurbishing many areas within the park.  The HMBA applied for grants, made use of the annual maintenance fund provided by the Town of Hinton, and used funds accumulated from donations received from its wonderful sponsors.

The total value of the 2017 maintenance work was $25,500, and focused on these areas:

• Skills Area
• Mini Pump Track
• Dirt Jumps
• Drop Zone (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Fo'Shore (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Slope Wars (part of the Hinton Community Grant)
• Midway Pump Track
• Business Time
• Jodoin's Journey (erosion/drainage issues)

Dirt Jumps

Midway Pump Track

Business Time

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New Trail

Earlier in the Spring, a representative from Pembina Pipeline Corporation contacted the HMBA about the opportunity to donate towards something Sprockids-related.  The Board of the HMBA suggested building a trail that was suited for the younger Sprockids group (dubbed the run-bikers).   With Hoots Inc. and Crew lined up for all this work, the new trail became a reality in mid-June!  The total value of this trail is $20,800, which includes $3,295 of services donated by Hoots Inc.  and $15,000 donated by Pembina Pipeline Corporation.

New trail!

Thank you Pembina Pipeline Corporation!

How you can help

• Ride Dirt Not Mud.  If you are leaving visible ruts, it's too wet to ride!
• Become a member!  It helps with grant applications.
• Stay connected via the website, facebook or through our member emails.
• Volunteer when maintenance days are announced.
• Be a bike park and trail ambassador!  Educate others.

Hoots Inc. Crew with their biggest fan

Pembina Pipeline Corp Investing in Hinton

We are SUPER excited to announce the donation of $15,000 from Pembina Pipeline Corporation's Community Investment Program. This amazing donation has funded our newest trail in the Hinton Bike Park, unofficially named "Pembina Sprockids Trail".

This BIG cheque was presented by Clint Walker, of Pembina Pipeline, to Jay Hore (HMBA President) and Julie Duval (HMBA Treasurer). Jay Hoots from Hoots Inc., and his crew were hired to build this sweet new trail. Hoots Inc. has also donated over $3,000 of labour towards the building of the Pembina Sprockids Trail. Revenue accumulated from our Hinton Sprockids Program registrations and donations have also contributed to this trail build.

The trail is over 600m of gently sloped terrain and is suitable for younger bikers and novices.

Thank you Hoots Inc. and crew for this new addition and THANK YOU Pembina Pipeline for investing in our community!!!

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A new trail well suited for riders of all abilities!

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Hinton Bike Park back in Great Shape!

Hoots Inc. and crew have completed three weeks of maintenance and trail building work at the Hinton Bike Park!

Thanks!

 The HMBA would like to thank Jay, Alan, Dalan, Fraser and Ben for the awesome work done!!!

The HMBA would also like to thank the Town of Hinton for the Community Grant received in April. This grant ensured that the Drop Zone, Fo'Shore and Slope Wars skill areas got inspected, re-shaped, and buffed.

Business Time

Other areas in the park that received similar maintenance include the Skills Area, Dirt Jumps, Business time, Midway Pump Track and Jodoin's Journey. Funds for this work was provided by the HMBA, the Town of Hinton's Bike Park Annual Maintenance Fund and from donated services/labour by Hoots Inc.

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Dirt Jumps

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Midway Pump Track

Lastly, the Hinton Bike Park now has a new trail!!! This trail is freshly built over approximately 600m of gently sloped terrain. It was designed with the younger bikers in mind, to allow easier access to the mid-areas of the park. This trail was funded by a generous benefactor which we hope to announce soon! Registration revenue and donations from the Hinton Sprockids program also contributed to this build!

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New trail

Investing in our Communities

Thank you Cody Begon! Through his employer, Repsol, and their "Investing in Our Communities" program, Cody donated $500 towards HMBA's Hinton Sprockids Program! Cody is also a longtime Hinton Sprockids coach.

Bike Park Closures

We have been very busy putting valuable grant, donation, and maintenance dollars to work on buffing the Hinton Bike Park. There are still some closures marked with Red Tape throughout the park.

PLEASE RESPECT CLOSURES marked by red tape - the dirt jumps, upper pump track, drop zone, slope wars need time to set. Once they have set they will be rock solid for the season.

Thank you for your patience, the rain has been slowing the process but we will be there soon!

Ride DIRT not MUD!

Let's all do our part and avoid these kinds of situations!

Parking Lot Addition

The Hinton Bike Park now has a designated parking "stall".  There are many times when the parking lot is full: during Sprockids sessions, special events, or just a busy sunny day!   The bike park is accessed by the Town Trail system, but may prove challenging to some visitors.  Having a designated parking spot will help visitors who require such a stall won't have to turn away when the parking lot is otherwise full.

Thank you to Hinton Sprockids, Darryl and Tim Trahan for the materials and installation!!

Cool Bike Plates for Sprockids

New this year! All participants will get a Sprockids bike plate that attaches in front of the handle bars (like a race plate!). A big thank you for all our Sponsors who have supported the program these past 5 years.

All proceeds from the Hinton Sprockids Program registrations helps to cover operating costs and any extra will be put towards trail development within the Bike Park (specific to Sprockids!). We will provide more info later in May. Exciting!

Ride DIRT, not MUD

Spring is indeed upon us! Current conditions in the Hinton Bike Park and many of our trails are very wet and muddy. Please refrain from riding in these poor conditions as it deteriorates our trails. It won't be long before we can all go out and enjoy riding!

Sprockids Registration Open

Registration is now open for 2017 Sprockids Program!

COST: $20 per participant (must be a 2017 HMBA Member)

WHEN: Thursdays May 18 - June 22 AND September 7 - 28 (10 sessions)

WHERE: Hinton Bike Park

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Coaches (training provided) and volunteers needed 

CONTACT: Tim at hmba.sprockids@gmail.com

Visit the Sprockids page for more information or click the button above to register.

Repsol Donation to Hinton Sprockids

A big shout out to Repsol and Sprockids Coach Cody Begon. Their generous $500 donation to the Hinton Sprockids program is greatly appreciated!

Sprockids Bring Energy to the Bike Park

The Hinton Sprockids had a bumpy start this spring.  After a very sunny, hot and dry April, the May and June sessions were met with rain, rain and even more rain.  3 of 5 sessions had to be cancelled.  Still, the coaches and kids are having a blast enhancing their riding techniques and general biking know-how. 

The Hinton Sprockids program is backed by many supporters!

Sponsors who directly support Hinton Sprockids:

• Dig That Stitch Embroidery
• DQ Grill & Chill
• Frieson Bros. - Hill
• Frieson Bros. - Valley
• Hinton Wealth Planning - Daniel Duval
• McDonald's (Hinton)
• Ouiprint
• Repsol
• Safeway
• Subway Restaurants
• The Hinton Voice Inc.
• Vicious Cycle
• West Fraser Mills Ltd.

Sponsors who support the Sprockids program via general donations to HMBA:

• Juventus
• RBC Royal Bank
• Steve Sevcik
• Talisman Logging

Vests Donated by Dig That Stitch Embroidery

Thank you Bill at Dig That Stitch Embroidery in Hinton for donating HMBA branded vest to all our Sprockids coaches!!

Upcoming Events

Monday Ladies Rides

• When: Every Monday
• Time: Meet at 6:45pm and be ready to ride for 7:00pm  (Rides start earlier in September - check calendar!)
• Where: Hinton Bike Park, Parking Lot
• Who: Ladies of all skill levels welcome  (sorry NO Boys allowed)
• Why: This is just for the Ladies to go for a ride together and help each other become better riders with No Boys allowed, so go have some fun. (also feel free to also come to out on Wednesday Nights)

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Wednesday Group Rides

• When: Every Wednesday
• Time: Meet at 6:45pm and be ready to ride for 7:00pm  (Rides start earlier in September - check calendar!)
• Where: Hinton Bike Park, Parking Lot
• Who: Everyone of all skill levels welcome 
• Why: To have some FUN by getting out and riding with other people and riding new trails. Our goal for club rides is to get more people out on the trails enjoying mountain biking.

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Hinton Sprockids

• When:  Thursdays from 6:00pm until 7:15pm (until June 30th, then back 4 weeks in September)
• Where: Hinton Bike Park
• What:  2016 marks the fifth season for the Hinton Sprockids program.  We are stoked to continue this program in Hinton and look forward to seeing Hinton's bike culture grow with kids of all ages.
• Who: kids aged 2 to 13, all abilities (sorry, registration is closed!)

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Busy Hinton Bike Park Day

Devon's DBA Bears and Edmonton's Juventus Sprockids are going to be at the bike park all afternoon of Sunday, May 29th.  These two groups have been making the annual trip to Hinton as part part of their programming.

Expect a busy afternoon at the park!   Line-ups on Flow Master will be a given!

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Muscular Dystrophy Slope Wars Challenge

A group of local individuals is hosting an 'MD Slope Wars Challenge' at the Hinton Bike Park on June 4th.  This event is in conjunction with the annual MD Walk, BBQ, and Car Wash at the Hinton Fire Hall on Eaton Road. The MD Walk is Saturday, June 4th from 10am - 2pm.

• When:  Saturday, June 4th, 4:00pm.
• Where: Hinton Bike Park, Slope Wars
• Who: Two age categories: 11-15 and 16+. Men's and Women's divisions.
• How:  Registration is by donation with a suggested minimum donation of $5.  Donations of $20 or more will be eligible for a charitable tax reciept.

Registration can be done from 11:00am-1:00pm at the MD Walk (Hinton Fire Hall) on Saturday morning or at the bike park from 4:00-4:30pm.   Come out and take the challenge or just cheer on your favorite rider!

See you there!

If anyone has any questions, please contact Stacey Cherry.

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Check out our Events Calendar and Stay up to Date!

AGM April 21st

AGM Announcement

The Hinton Mountain Bike Association Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday, April 21st at Lakeview Inn & Suites.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  AGM will start at 7:15pm.

2016 HMBA Memberships will be available for purchase.

• Individual Memberships:  $25
• Family Memberships:  $75

Memberships can be purchased ahead of time from our online shop.  Pick up your 2016 membership cards and stickers at the AGM!  If you are unable to attend our AGM, the membership cards and stickers will be mailed out to you after April 21st.

HMBA Apparel will also be available for purchase at the AGM.

New this year: Smaller-sized 'member' stickers!!

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Great door prizes!!  Including a Trek run bike donated by Vicious for our youngest members.

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Thank you to our sponsors for the great AGM door prizes!

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Thank you to Lakeview Inn & Suites for donating the use of their meeting room for our AGM!

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Thank you to The Hinton Voice and Ouiprint for designing and printing our AGM posters!

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And saving the best for last, a great BIG thank you to all our membership card discount sponsors!!

6th Annual Beaver Bike Fest Around the Corner!

The 6th Annual Beaver Bike Fest is happening August 22nd and 23rd, 2015!  

For event details and schedule, visit the 2015 BBF page.

Online registration is open -  Please save time by registering before the big day!

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IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew Coming to Hinton August 8th

The IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew is coming to Hinton on August 8th and 9th!!   This is a great opportunity for ALL trail users to contribute to our awesome local trails. Learn about trail building and maintenance techniques to help sustain our trails for all to enjoy for years to come! 

Directed by the Canadian office of the international Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and sponsored by Parks Canada, the IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew travels across the country in a Subaru Outback, giving workshops to IMBA-affiliate clubs, Parks Canada sites, and other land managers. The two-person team of professional trail builders educates Canadians on how to build and maintain sustainable trails, manage volunteers, and develop trails as community resources.

The IMBA Trail Building School is a half-day of classroom education followed by several hours of building new trail, rerouting and reclaiming old trail or adding new features to an existing trail. The goal of a TCC visit is education, not to build as much trail as possible. And remember: Sustainable trails don't mean sanitized trails!

Is the Trail Care Crew program only for mountain bikers and cycling clubs? No! The principals of sustainable trail design apply to all trails and all trail users, no matter if you are a hiker, a trail runner, or a mountain biker. We invite all members of the community to our events to learn something new, and meet fellow members of the trail
community!

Half-day classroom session on August 8th, 9:00 am to 12:00pm at the People's Center at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre.

Other locations and times to be determined - stay tuned!!

You must pre-register for this training:

June Dirt Jam

This Friday, June 19th at 7:00pm,  there will be a Dirt Jam at the Hinton Mountain Bike Park. Music. Shaped jumps. And rad riding with awesome guys and gals. Hope to see all of you out there!   Jump shaping starts at 7:00 pm and the event and music with start right after.

Important note:  The two smallest sets of jumps will be closed. This event is geared towards the big jumpers, so they don't have to worry about running the little ones over.

With the rain comes good dirt!

Some TLC for the Jumps

On Thursday June 4th, after a day of rain, a small crew made it to the Bike Park to fix the dirt jumps (aka give them some good TLC).

It was a solid evening of work. Thanks to Lindsay, Nathan, Heather and Gavin, a youth from Hinton Sprockids and out-working most other members I might add!

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Gavin showing the others how it's done!

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Great results!

Hinton Sprockids - Our Next Two-wheelin' Generation!

Highest Registration Numbers Yet!

The Hinton Sprockids program, run by the Hinton Mountain Bike Association and its member volunteers, is a BIG hit this season!  Now in it's fourth season, over 85 kids from ages 2 to 13 have signed up for the opportunity to develop and hone their mountain biking skills - doubling registration numbers from previous years.

“This year will soon be known as the Great Registration Avalanche of 2015 ”

— Tim Trahan - Hinton Sprockids Coordinator

HISTORY:

Sprockids was originally developed in 1990 as a Self Esteem/Anger Management Program to help students succeed in school. Since then, Sprockids has evolved into a multi-faceted program engaging thousands of young people in the life long activity of mountain biking while teaching them the skills, values, and strategies to succeed in life. The program is now used in over 19 countries by teachers, coaches, cycling clubs, youth organizations, law enforcement agencies, and parents. The Sprockids Program was designed with input from; educators, national level coaches, trail builders, professional athletes, and program implementation consultants.

The Hinton Sprockids program is a fun way to develop a taste for mountain biking through various games and activities at our local Hinton Bike Park facility.  The program teaches many skills on how to mountain bike, bike maintenance,  environmental stewardship, trail safety and trail building/maintenance.

Thank you to our local business sponsors for supporting this great program!!

The Hinton Sprockids program runs on Thursday evenings in May, June and September (10 sessions in total).