The Giro di Burnaby is finally here, and organizers can’t wait for visitors to check out the activities they have lined up for this year.
The annual Giro criterium race in the Heights, one of five races that make up B.C. Superweek, has continued to grow year after year, and 2014 is no different. In addition to the races, this year there will also be a Kidz Zone for the younger Giro fans.
Race organizer Rainy Kent says the event has grown into a true community outing for Burnaby residents.
“The ride is definitely the show but the community involvement is huge. All the way from the little Valley Bakery wheels to now the Kidz Zone to all the Heights merchants being the contributors of the primes,” she says. “The Giro is really community.”
Kent says organizers were aware that watching the bike races might not be enough excitement for the younger crowd, so they put together a new event that will run prior to the races on July 10.
“The idea was just to try and inspire the kids and have them involved in the sport of cycling in their own,” she says. “It was just a great step for the Giro.”
From 3 to 5:30 p.m. kids can bring their bikes down to Fountain Square at MacDonald Avenue and Hastings Street.
The Kidz Zone, hosted by Giro sponsor Appia Developments, Burnaby Parks and Recreation, HUB, Pedalheads and the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, will feature a number of activities for children aged four to 12. There will be bike decorating, safety checks, bike ID engraving, face painting, a skills and obstacle course and a riding area.
“The kids can come out with their bikes and they’re not going to miss the race at all. They can do their activity, maybe have a hotdog at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House (booth), kind of make it a little bit of a family event,” Kent says.
But the fun doesn’t stop there.
Just before the criterium races get started to kick off the Giro, Kidz Zone participants will take part in a “Parade of Champions.” The parade will ride past special guests in the VIP section, including Mayor Derek Corrigan. Kids who ride in the parade will be entered to win a brand new bike donated by Dandy Horse Cycles.
“It just provides a little bit of entertainment for the kids but still within the bike theme,” Kent says.
Participants in the Kidz Zone require parental supervisor at all times and must be able to ride a two-wheeled bike for four blocks. Helmets are also mandatory both at the kids’ event and during the parade. Participation in the Kidz Zone cost $2.10. To register, call the Eileen Dailly Pool at 604 298-7946 or visit online at www.burnaby.ca/webreg.
For more information on the Giro di Burnaby, visit www.girodiburnaby.com.
