Sunday, May 13, 2012 at Lebreton Flats

About MEC Bikefest
MEC Bikefest is a daylong community celebration of all things bicycle related. Our goal is to bring together Ottawa’s bicycle community and those new to bikes, to celebrate the wonders of cycling. Come join us and make it the best bicycle bash in Ottawa.
Registration
This free event has something for everyone, so bring the whole family down to the sweetest cycling celebration of the summer.
Workshops and clinics are $5 each with proceeds donated to charity. Group Rides are free, however, space may be limited.
Pre-registration for workshops and group rides is now open. Register to enter bike give-away!
Event description
Download the schedule for MEC Bikefest Ottawa 2012. You can also find this event on Facebook.
Group rides run from 9:00am to 11:00am. The main festival and marketplace is scheduled between 11am – 4pm at LeBreton Flats, and features playing host to various exhibitor booths, retail vendors, demonstrations, and family fun!
We will also be running two Group Rides with Pancake Brunch departing from LeBreton Flats at 9:00am sharp, and arriving back at 11am. The City Ride will showcase the scenic pathway system and bike friendly infrastructure; the Gatineau Park Ride will feature the wonderful park setting and bike friendly routes.
Bikefest reaches out to all ages and skill levels. Stay tuned as we continue to update and add event details to the current line-up of activities which includes:
- Bike demos, including new line of Ghost Bikes
- Bike Trials demonstrations by local riders Matt Thibeau amd Max Fraser
- Retail marketplace and exhibitor booths
- Bike maintenance and repair workshops
- Community and cycling advocacy information
- Bike Swap: sell your used equipment, get some great deals
- Group rides and pancake brunch
- City ride showcases pathway network and bike infrastructure
- Gatineau Park ride showcases bike friendly routes and park setting
- Free safety and helmet checks
- Spot tune-ups and bike technical support
- Training and bike fitting clinics
- Family fun area (kids activities, bike decorating and crafts)
- 25′ climbing wall and slacklines by Altitude Gym
- Bike obstacle course and safety education
- Bike valet parking
- Bike give-away (register in workshop or group ride to enter draw)
- Gift prizes
- Stone Soup Foodworks and Pascale’s Ice Cream on-site
- CKCU radio and live performances including Phil Jenkins and Umbrella Protest
Location
This year’s event will be held at Lebreton Flats, south of the Canadian War Museum.
View Larger Map
Equipment
You don’t need your own bike to take part in MEC Bikefest – there will be lots of demo bikes available. However, for some of our workshops and clinics, and for our rides you will need to have your helmet to participate. If you do not have your own bike, contact us directly and we will try to find a bike to accommodate you!
MEC Bikefest happens rain or shine so please dress for the weather. Be prepared for both warm temperatures and rain. Food and snacks will be available for purchase, or you are welcome to bring your own. And don’t forget your water bottle!
Participation
Participation in MEC Bikefest Ottawa is free and open to all ages and skill levels. You must pre-register for workshops, clinics and group rides. Workshops and clinics are just $5 each, and rides are free but have limited space.
MEC Bike Swap
Similar to MEC Gear Swap events, MEC Bike Swap provides a place to sell your previously ridden bikes and used cycling gear. We can supply the table – you supply the gear.
- To sell or swap bikes or cycling gear, you can book a table prior to the event. Members must host their own tables and are responsible for selling their own goods.
- What can be sold? Individuals and vendors may sell used, demo, seconds, or sample gear and/or bikes. Retailers may sell used rental equipment or other gear. No current or old stock is to be sold at Bike Swap.
- MEC provides the space and one table per booth. Booth holders bring all other necessary materials, float, chairs, and provide their own staff for the duration of the event.
Please visit the staff at our Member Service Desk or call 613.729.2700 for more information.
Exhibitors
This year’s confirmed exhibitor registrants and supporters include:
- Altitude Gym
- The Bicycle Commons
- Bicycles For Humanity
- Bike & Sail Croatia
- Bridgehead
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
- Capital Bixi
- Capital Vélo Fest
- Citizens for Safe Cycling
- City of Ottawa CAN-BIKE
- CKCU FM Radio
- Cycle Salvation
- CycleFit Chicks
- Cyclelogik
- Ecology Ottawa
- EnviroCentre
- Ergo Cycle
- Fresh Air Experience
- Gran Fondo Ottawa
- Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau
- Kanata Nepean Bicycle Club
- Kunstadt Sports
- Natural Food Pantry
- Orontas
- The Otesha Project
- Ottawa Balance Bikes
- Ottawa Bicycle Club
- Ottawa BMX Association
- Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Ottawa Mountain Bike Association
- re-Cycles Community Bike Shop
- Rentabike
- RightBike
- Share the Road Cycling Coalition
- Souria Vélo [French site]
- Spoken Bags
- Think First Ottawa
- Tommy & Lefebvre
- University of Ottawa Bike Co-op
- Wellington West BIA
- Wilderness Medical Associates International
Who to contact
For information, to volunteer, or to become an exhibitor, please contact:
- Caron Cheng, Mike Burke or Rebecca Goostrey
ottawabikefest@mec.ca
613-729-2700














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