Peaks Pedal Fest is back with a weekend of biking events

Peaks Pedal Fest is back again with a full weekend of events to celebrate the bike season. On top of the Junior Downhill racing, from Aug. 28 to 30, Sun Peaks Resort is hosting a lineup of seven events over the span of three days. 

The weekend kicks off with the cross country scavenger hunt open  to anyone with access to the cross country trail network. With biking and hiking trails involved, there will be 25 checkpoints to find. Each checkpoint will have a QR code where folks can enter their email and name in a draw to win a prize pack from Patagonia. The more checkpoints they have, the more chances there are to win.

“It’s for anyone, all abilities, all ages, as long as they can either walk or hike the designated trails,” Milly Driver, events supervisor at Sun Peaks Resort LLP said. 

Next in the lineup is Mullets for Movement on Aug. 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., where Heidi MacGowan, local hairstylist from Style for Everyone, will be giving speed streaks or a mullet by a donation. All funds made will go toward the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association and the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation. 

On the evening of Aug. 28, the second session of the Summer Stoke Series will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m for $15. 

“It’s a little bit more of a community vibe, a little bit more family friendly, all ages, all abilities and it’s just some really good fun where anyone that participates can pretty much get a prize,” Driver said. Folks who participated in the first session of the series are encouraged to come race again.

During the Summer Stoke Series, there will be a chance to win either a small or big bike by trying to guess the correct amount of ducks in a jar. The closest number to the actual amount will win!

Moving to Saturday, the Toyota Pacific Downhill Thrill will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 30 on the Morrisey side of the mountain. Sponsored by Toyota Pacific, shuttles will be available for folks to get a ride up the mountain to be able to bike right down. 

Sunday, Aug. 30 marks the 17th annual Grass Dual Slalom at 3 p.m.

“It’s really a grassroots, classic event that you wouldn’t find at many other places, but it’s just something that’s going to be friendly competition that anyone can do,” Driver said. Donations will also go toward the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association and the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation. 

Wrapping up the Peaks Pedal Fest weekend, the final event on the lineup is the Foot Down Derby. 

“This event has one rule and that rule is don’t put your foot down,” Driver explained. Participants will start by cycling around and as the event goes on, they will be told to take one hand off or take one foot off and be given different challenges to make it as hard and as fun as possible to keep riding around. 

This event is located at the base of the mountain and all folks have to do is show up with a bike and helmet to join the fun!

Throughout the weekend, there will be DJs playing in between the Sundance Express and the Sunburst Express lifts as well as some beverage sampling from two sponsors for the weekend including Pepsi and Lonetree Cider.

“For me, it’s an awesome community event, but also bringing in people to enjoy our resort from far and wide as well.”