Concord Pacific and Cycling BC will host an epic bike festival, plus Metro Vancouver's biggest road bike race of 2021, a closed-circuit course around the future home of Concord Metrotown.
Positioning is essential in a criterium race because it dictates the energy. But, being mindful and closing gaps—equally key. Much like the carefully planned and sustainable Concord Metrotown from Concord Pacific, a landmark-worthy master-planned community with an innovative 50,000-square-foot comprehensive bike amenity, the world's largest for a condo project.
The Burnaby-Metrotown development closes a gap in the real estate marketplace for every cyclist who knows all too well the endless pain points of condo living with a bike—a nod to the developer for listening to its buyers. Where to wash, maintain, and store your bike is answered: bike elevators, a washing bay, gear room, and 1,500 premium storage lockers, just for starters.
Sustainability meets wellness
"Concord Metrotown is the most bike-friendly place to live, not just in the Lower Mainland, but in Canada," says Peter Webb, Senior Vice-President with Concord Pacific. "Recognized globally as a bike-friendly developer, we're very proud to be a part of creating this new opportunity for people to continue to develop biking into part of their healthy lifestyles and simultaneously feel supported by us. Concord Pacific is able to deliver these over-the-top amenities at a reasonable operations cost to owners because our projects are large scale."
Championing the cycling culture, Concord Pacific, in partnership with Cycling BC, will host the family-friendly inaugural Tour de Concord Grand Prix and the Concord Metrotown Bike Festival, creating a dynamic synergy between the project and the cycling community—win-win.
"With this development, Concord Pacific is making it much easier for people to participate in the sport if they don't live in a single dwelling," says Erin Waugh, CEO of Cycling BC.
"It's exciting to see the design, how thoughtful it is, and of course, them hosting this event; it all aligns so well with our mission around building our community."
Fun, fast and spectator-friendly
The eclectic site will be full of festivities and fun from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing: bike demos and test rides with Trek Bikes, live music, a BBQ and beer garden, bike tune-up services by Velofix, raffle draws, and the 800-metre course, where competitive cyclists will compete for bragging rights, racing glory and $5,000 in cash or prizes in three categories: junior, women's pro, and men's pro.
"The pro race is usually an hour, 40 to 50 laps, depending on how fast they cycle," explains Waugh. "It's fast, technical and exciting. The first person across the finish line without being lapped wins."
Opening ceremonies kick off at 2:55 p.m., culminating with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Complimentary secure bike valet parking is available, plus you can register your bike with Garage 529 to #endbiketheft.
The iRide youth cycling zone, hosted by Cycling BC, is a confidence-building activity built around physical literacy and bike handling skills. It provides kids with a fun environment to safely navigate an obstacle course with support from accomplished instructors. This helps prepare them for obstacles they might encounter on the street or trail terrain. Bikes and helmets are provided to eliminate any barriers to participation.
Accessible, inclusive and safe
"We encourage people of all bike levels to come out and participate," says Jaime Williams, Project Marketing with Concord Pacific. "From serious athletes to biking beginners, there will be something for everyone. Trained professionals will also be on site to answer your questions and educate you on the best bike for your ability, size and lifestyle."
Concord is donating the festival's proceeds to Cycling BC's youth cycling and high-performance programs through Sport BC. So, sign up today, and support the future of cycling in B.C. Registration is required for festival access, safety, crowd management, and complimentary food and beverage.
"Whether you ride for fitness, fun, or the environment, you are part of the cycling community in our province," says Waugh. "Cycling is for all ages, all levels, and all communities. We're all one big cycling community, so come out and love bikes with us."
For registration, race details and event schedule, visit Cycling BC or for more information Concord Pacific and Concord Metrotown.
