Sun Peaks Pedal Fest rolls into its 11th year 

This Labour Day weekend, Peaks Pedal Fest marks its 11th year with a mix of community spirit, family-friendly activities and plenty of adrenaline on two wheels.

Launched in 2015, the festival was originally designed to celebrate both the bike park and the expanding network of community trails, Christina Antoniak, director of communications for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) said.

“The vision was always to grow it, make it bigger and better and create even more of a culture of mountain biking in Sun Peaks, and that’s exactly what’s happened.”

Since that first year, the resort has rolled out a multi-phased investment plan, expanding downhill mountain biking infrastructure with new trails, adding the Sundance chairlift and extending the operating season through September. 

Meanwhile, the grassroots Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) has continued building and maintaining a growing network of community trails, supported by volunteers and local riders.

This year’s festival doesn’t feature brand-new events but continues to build on recent additions. 

An anticipated highlight is the Junior Down Hill Championship, introduced last summer as a way to give young riders ages eight to 16 a taste of competitive downhill racing before stepping onto the provincial stage. The event sold out in its first year with 50 participants and organizers expect more than 100 youth riders this time around. 

“It’s helping to create a foundation for future mountain bike racers,” Antoniak said.

Another popular addition is Mullets for Movement, which debuted during the resort’s 25th Bike Park anniversary. Local hairstylist Heidi MacGowan will once again be offering mullet haircuts by donation, with proceeds benefiting SPRTA and the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation.

The weekend also features the return of the Toyota Pacific Downhill Thrill, a free shuttle service that ferries riders and bikes up Mount Morrissey for descents on the community trail network — no pedaling required. Classic festival staples like the Grass Dual Slalom and Foot Down Derby round out the schedule, offering lighthearted competition and entertainment for riders and spectators alike.

The festival is about more than just racing, Antoniak said.

“Most of the events where there’s a registration fee, the money goes back into local nonprofit associations,” she shared. “That’s a really cool piece of the weekend, where so much of it gets put right back into the community.”

With its mix of competitive events, community fundraising and family-friendly fun, Peaks Pedal Fest has become both a capstone to Sun Peaks’ summer season and a celebration of the mountain biking culture that continues to grow in the village.

“This long weekend is the perfect time,” Antoniak added. “It’s often that last little family getaway before school starts and there’s no better way to spend it than on a bike.”