Get ready to gear up for the first annual Victoria International Cycling Festival
Get on your bikes and ride!
Victoria will truly become the cycling capital of Canada from May 27 to June 12, 2011 for the first annual Victoria International Cycling Festival.
The Victoria International Cycling Festival (VICF) will celebrate everything cycling, from cycling-inspired art and films to family bike events and community rides.
For the more ambitious rider, there will be events ranging from a 140 kilometre ride with local cycling phenom Ryder Hesjedal to a spectacular big air dirt jump competition on a barge in Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour.
"This cycling festival is a great example of combining the healthy lifestyle advantages of sport, and the tourism investment opportunities that flow from this international event," said Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong during a press conference this morning at Harbour Air Seaplanes.
Minister Ida Chong at the VICF press conference
"The Victoria International Cycling Festival provides an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience what our city has to offer," said City of Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin. "It's about more than cycling; the Festival invites everyone to celebrate the joy of the outdoors."
The Trek Red Truck Racing Team, which includes Team Aviawest member Annie Ewart, centre, poses in the Inner Harbour
Aviawest Resort Group, which owns and manages six properties in British Columbia including Parkside, has been a big supporter of Victoria's cycling scene for more than a decade. CEO Jim Pearson helped found both the Aviawest Cycling Club and the Aviawest Cycling Society, and is also the Vice Chair of the VICF.
Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa, the founding sponsor of Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria event, is pleased to offer accommodation specials during the event from May 27-31, 2011.
VICF Event Schedule
May 27-28 Reels in Motion
May 27 Hotel Grand Pacific Harbour Sprint Series #1
May 28 Jordie Lunn Open
May 28 Kona Russ Hays Time Trial
May 28 Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria
May 29 Tim Hortons Tim Bits Challenge
May 29 19th Annual Condo Group Bastion Square Grand Prix
June 3 Hotel Grand Pacific Harbour Sprint Series #2
June 5 Classic Bike Rally
June 5 Thrifty Foods Family Bike Festival
June 10 Hotel Grand Pacific Harbour Sprint Series #3
June 10-30 Peddling Art
June 11-12 Balls in the City Bicycle Polo Tournament
June 11-12 JumpShip
For more information about the VICF, please visit the event website.