Kazlaw Community Mountain Biking Award to honour those who make B.C. mountain biking happen

Six years ago, the BC Bike Race announced the first Kazlaw Community Award Contest, organized by the British Columbia mountain biking event in partnership with the Kazimirski Law Corporation to recognize those who boost mountain biking in their communities. Whether trail builders, volunteers, organizers or young, up-and-coming talents, the award honours the pillars of British Columbia’s mountain biking scene.

This year, as Sunshine Coast publication Coast Reporter noted, one of those in the running is Bob Stanhope from Halfmoon Bay, who was nominated for his role in building Sunshine Coast cycling.

Among other achievements, Stanhope, the Coast Reporter described, was closely involved in the development of Sprockids bike park, just outside Gibsons, B.C., and had a hand in establishing what would become Sechelt, B.C.’s Off the Edge Adventure Sports. Beyond that, he also coaches the mountain biking team at Chatelech Secondary School in Sechelt.

Still, the veteran B.C. cyclist is humble about it all, noting that cycling in his region wouldn’t be what it is without the contributions of many.

“There are so many people who are unsung heroes behind the scenes—who don’t get paid a cent—who are building bridges and trails,” Stanhope told reporters. “We really have put this place on the map. About 25 years ago when I started riding here, it was a lot of logging roads and the odd trail. Now we have probably 300 km of trail alone.”

“There are people building constantly,” he said.

Among the seven other finalists nominated along with Stanhope, that legacy is evident. British Columbians nominated for the award include Mike Manara of the United Riders of Cumberland, whose extensive volunteer dedication helped raise the profile of mountain biking in Cumberland, B.C. Scott Baker, meanwhile, was recognized by his nomination for advocating Kamloops, B.C.’s Lac Du Bois Grasslands as a riding area, and for his devotion to the area’s good environmental stewardship among riders. Jessie McGarrigle’s impact on cycling in Nanaimo, whether as a rider, an educator or an advocate, earns the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club boardmember a nod, too.

Each of the eight nominees is profiled, with thorough biographical details , on the B.C. Bike Race’s website.

The winner of the Kazlaw Community Award Contest will be given a spot on the 2016 BC Bike Race’s start line—currently sold out—which rolls out on July 6 and runs until July 13. Starting in Cumberland, B.C., located on Vancouver Island, the race proceeds to Powell River, south to Gibsons, across Howe Sound to North Vancouver, and finishes in Whistler. The public, meanwhile, can vote for the award’s most deserving recipient online.

Voting is open until March 14.