Time to lace up your riding boots, 麻豆社国产families, the third annual 麻豆社国产Motorcycle Festival rolls into town this weekend.
The festival has grown a lot in the last few years, so much so that organizers have moved the event from Cleveland Avenue to the Howe Sound Secondary school grounds to accommodate the ever-increasing crowds, according to festival founder Suzanne Jolly.
鈥淟ast year we actually had to close down the Show鈥橬鈥橲hine and turn people away because we just didn鈥檛 have room for everyone,鈥� Jolly said.
More than 100 bikes were on display downtown and more than 1,000 spectators came to check out the two-wheelers and participate in the various festival activities in 2015.
While the mainstays of the festival remain, including the Show鈥橬鈥橲hine, food trucks, workshops and ride-day, much is new this year.
The festival now has five categories: ride, learn, show, eat and play. Most importantly, Jolly said, this year will offer more chances to get on a bike. Saturday will feature a slow-skills course for riders with current motorcycle licences.
Dakar rider Don Hatton will also run two dual-sport clinics, on Saturday 鈥� one for women and the other for men.
This year鈥檚 evening speaker series will be held at Match Eatery and Public House and feature three big names in the motorcycle world: Hatton, New Zealand enduro racing champion Chris Birch and 2015聽Westwood Motorcycle聽Racing champion Spero Benias.
鈥淭hey will be giving talks and sharing some really neat photography and video and sharing some of the 鈥榟umblest tales of riding,鈥欌�� Jolly said.
Gone this year are the fan-favourite stunt riders, but in their place is the sure to entertain No Limits Motocross FMX Freestyle Progression Airbag Experience where riders learn to race down a runway, up a ramp, do some tricks in the air and land on a massive airbag.
Riders have to have previous experience jumping their dirt bike to take part, Jolly said.
The event remains family-friendly for riders and non-riders alike, Jolly stressed. A fun-zone will feature motorcycle-related games such as pin the helmet on the rider and a bolt and spoon race, she said.
Once again this year, Sunday will be devoted to longer rides with a cruise up the Sea to Sky Highway to Pemberton, a ride in the Whistler backcountry or a dirt bike ride on 麻豆社国产trails, hosted by the 麻豆社国产Dirt Bike Association.A portion of proceeds from the volunteer-run festival will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Squamish.
The festival runs July 2 and 3. For more information and the full schedule of events go to .
