The second Vancouver Island Slopestyle mountain bike event will feature upwards of 40 riders at the Stevie Smith Bike Park. A number of locals are expected to grab top results on June 22. (DreamsTime)

By Dan Marshall

Best Tricks

Slopestyle mountain bike event returns to Nanaimo for a second year

Jun 21, 2024 | 12:31 PM

NANAIMO — Nearly 40 freestyle mountain bikers are practicing and competing at the Stevie Smith Bike Park.

Spokesperson Nate Berkheimer said the second-ever Vancouver Island Slopestyle event began Thursday, June 20 and runs to Saturday, and is a departure from regular racing for competitors.

“It’s a little bit different than your typical race against the clock. It’s adrenaline-filled, each rider gets to take two runs down the course. The course has a dozen plus elements to showcase a trick.”

After practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, the competition will get underway at noon on Saturday, June 22.

“We’ll have 12 to 15 in each category and we’re going to go through the full list of riders,” Berkheimer said. “We’ve got the grom, the kid category, the pro men and the pro women and the best run counts for your score.”

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There are a number of riders from the US and one from Chile but Berkheimer said there will be a lot of homegrown talent on display.”

“Here on the island we’ve got a pretty deep talent pool. I know that we’re going to see all the heavy hitters from up and down the island showing up. BC is mountain bike mecca so we’ve got a lot of talent here locally. This is an opportunity for those local riders to showcase their skill here.”

Berkheimer said having a major freestyle event at the park named after racing icon Stevie Smith is extra special.

The facility off Labieux Rd. and attached to Beban Park was a long-time dream.

“His park here has turned into somewhat of a destination. It’s so cool to meet bike riders from all over the world. It’s a world-famous destination for them and the locals are fortunate to have it as a top-notch training ground.”

There are several local riders who Berkheimer said fans should keep an eye on as the competition unfolds.

“Young Rider Max Cookman won his category last year and he’s bumped up in age. Local rider Carter Melson is always adding new tricks and his riding has come a long way, the finesse is there with the tricks. We’ve got Dylan Butcher who took a win last year. He’s not slowing down he’s always progressing. The Acheson brothers Noah and Jonah, they’re always doing new tricks and adding more stuff to their arsenal.”

The local riders may have an advantage in knowing the course a bit better and they’ll also have some friendly competition with each other.

“These guys ride together all the time and they push each other. So when it comes down to the competition it’s just another day of doing tricks with your buddies except that now there’s a bit of a reward on the line.”

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