Vancouver Sun

E-fest no more, but family bike fest to proceed as planned

- JOSEPH RUTTLE

A Canada Day weekend that was set to feature a Formula E electric car race and a concert by B.C. rockers Nickelback in Downtown Vancouver was cancelled weeks ago.

But one family-friendly event that was supposed to kick off the festivitie­s is set to go as a standalone event.

The free Family Bike Festival and Tour de Concord Cycling Race is planned for the evening of Thursday, June 30.

The festival on the north shore of Vancouver's False Creek is sponsored by Concord Pacific.

A free family bike ride from 4 to 5 p.m. will cover an 850-metre track.

Then the pro cyclists take over for a criterium road race, offering competitor­s a chance to race in Vancouver despite B.C. Superweek, which was to have included the popular Gastown Grand Prix, being cancelled.

“I'm proud that Concord Pacific is following through on its promise to help kick off this year's Canada Day long weekend with a homegrown bike fest and free family event,” Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said in a statement.

The evening will feature a main stage, DJ, artists and race play-byplay, plus bike obstacle courses, vendors, bike demos, beer gardens and food trucks. Electric race cars will also be on display.

“Whether you ride for fitness, fun or the environmen­t, you are part of the cycling community in our province,” said Erin Waugh, the CEO of Cycling B.C. “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.”

Online registrati­on is required to be part of the family ride. Proceeds are being donated by Concord to Cycling B.C. youth cycling and high-performanc­e programs.

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