Kimberley is bike mad. Kimberleyites ride bikes to work, to school, for enjoyment and exercise.
But kids grow, or the type of bike you need changes. Not everyone can afford a new bike, so why not swap what’s available, says Dawneen Robison, who is organizing this weekend’s Bike and Gear Swap Saturday at the Kimberley Independent School.
“I have young boys who love to bike and it gets financially difficult when they grow out of their bikes and gear every year,” Robison said. “Not everyone can afford to buy brand new bikes every year, and most of the time someone has one that will fit them. Usually kids bikes are still in pretty good shape for someone else. We have successful ski swaps in the area so lets make a bike and gear swap an annual event that people can look forward to.”
It’s perfect timing —you can head to McWhinnie Day at the Skate Park on Sunday with a new to you bike.
Here’s how it works.
Drop off bikes and gear at Kimberley Independent School between 10 and noon Sat, April 25th - one day only. (all items must be in good condition, bikes will be inspected for brakes, tires, chains, etc)
Sale: free admission, cash or cheques only from 1 to 3 p.m. Come early for best selection, bring a helmet and ID if you’d like to take a bike for a test ride. A 15 per cent commission will be charged on items that sell and $3 on bikes that don’t sell, 100 per cent of the proceeds are going to the Chapman Camp Community Playground and the Pump Park.
From 3 to 4 p.m. pay out or pick up. Come back to see if your items have sold.
“We accept adults bikes (Mountain, Cruiser, Road, Fat Tires, etc) and kids bikes (tricycles, stryders, etc) and all types of gear such as shoes, bells, quality parts, bottles, gloves, pumps, clothing, etc. (please no helmets),” Robison said.
You can also grab some information on the Kootenay Freewheelers Cycling Club, Rails to Trails and the Kimberley Trails Society.
“There will be an obstacle course to test out your mad biking skills. Why not bike there as we are right by the Rails to Trails.”