Wheels are in motion for the Sooke Bike Club as it plans more workshops, more local events and more trails this year.
The club, which has on average between 40 to 60 members, focuses on promoting cycling in Sooke and helps develop and maintain trails.
“Our mandate is to get people out on their bikes. [The] main reason for that is health and wellness, getting out in nature,” said Julie Budgen, club secretary and treasurer.
Budgen added the club’s mantra hasn’t changed much since its inception 10 years ago.
Still, one of its core values has been community engagement, she noted, pointing out the bike club does regular workshops for Journey Middle School at the Sooke Bike Park, teaching kids how a bike works and how to ride one safely.
Club members are also keen on not only maintaining existing trails, but also expanding and connecting them throughout Sooke. In its recent meeting with the Capital Regional District, the club helped open the Harbourview trail to the public.
“We worked with them [CRD] to make this happen and helped them identify the trails,” Budgen said, adding that the club will even have “maintenance days” where they go in and fix up any damaged jumps or ramps at the bike park.
At its upcoming Feb. 17 annual meeting, the club plans to discuss its initiatives for this year, such as figuring out trail maintenance and which areas could support more trails, whether in town or in the Sooke Hills. It also wants to hold more “dirt jam” events, where riders of all ages can take part in cycling competitions and win prizes.
The idea is to bring the world of cycling to other audiences as well by expanding its workshops beyond just Journey Middle School, Budgen said.
“It would be great to get the elementary schools involved, as well as the high school ... so more trails, more events and more workshops.”
Budgen hopes the club will grow further into a network of cyclists throughout the Sooke region, collectively working together to create a unique trail system for everyone.
For more info on the Sooke Bike Club and how to join, please visit their Facebook page.