Alberta Bike Swap coming back to the Hat
For the second year in a row, Medicine Hat will be home to a spring bike swap event.
The Alberta Bike Swap will take place April 27 at the Wildrose Room at Higdon Hall, and will offer Hatters a chance to sell any unused bikes or buy a use bike at a good price.
“This is a one-day buy, sell and donate event,” said organizer Chris Grant. “People bring us their good used bicycles and then we check their serial numbers before we do anything.
“We obviously have to make sure they’re not stolen bikes, so we always make it clear to everyone that we’ll be checking serial numbers.”
People pay a small fee to have their bikes in the swap, and work with volunteers and employees to set a price on the bike
“Setting the price can be tricky for people,” said Grant. “People look at an old bike they paid hundreds or thousands for, and sometimes are looking to get that back.
“If you want to have your bike moved, the price needs to be set realistically. We work with people and help them set prices so they don’t try to get way too much or not enough.”
Another big part of each event is giving back to the community, says Grant.
“The other part is that we accept bicycle donations from the community,” said Grant. “This year those will be going to 67MTB, and getting them put back into the community.
“Medicine Hat BMX is also involved, but I’m not too sure what their plans are.”
The event showcased 65 bikes last year, and Grant says he expects to see roughly the same amount, or more this year.
“Last year was our first in Medicine Hat and it was a great first go at things,” he said. “The event is mainly adult bikes, but there are some kids’ bikes as well.
“You’ll see a bit of everything at our events, and I think that’s a big part of the appeal.”