More than 110 riders ranging in age from nine to 60-plus took part in the annual Aldergrove Kermesse cycling race hosted by the non-profit Escape Velocity Society on Sunday, April 23, staged out of Aldergrove Regional Park, at the Aldergrove Bowl.

Escape Velocity Executive Director Jeneen Sutherland described it as 鈥渁 punchy little course that offers a good climb, a fun descent and some nice views,鈥� following roads adjacent to the park on a 6.3km square pattern.

There were races for all ages and abilities, over distances ranging from 18km to 75km, with younger finishers awarded cookie 鈥渕edals.鈥�

Local area riders had good races, including 91原创鈥檚 April St. Pierre, who finished fourth among category 4 women, which was won by Kaelen Coles-Lyster from Maple Ridge.

Another Maple Ridge rider, Irvin Hoover, fisnihed second in the Master 4/5 open category.

鈥淥ur club has hosted the Aldergrove Kermesse for many years and it continues to be a favourite amongst the Metro Van bike racing community,鈥� Sutherland said.

The event is mostly volunteer run, she explained.

鈥淲e have an awesome community of volunteers and racers that pitch in to make these races happen.

has been around since the 1980s and currently has about 200 members from all over Metro Vancouver and has Western Canada鈥檚 largest youth cycling development arm.

91原创 Township Councillor Michael Pratt cut the tape to kick off the race and also handed out the cookie medals to the kids.

鈥淚t was wonderful to have Michael Pratt鈥檚 support,鈥� Sutherland remarked.

鈥淭he kids loved watching him cut the start ribbon, and of course having him hand out the cookie medals was very special!鈥�

Sutherland noted various locations in 91原创 and the Fraser Valley make for great European style bike racing, with other race organizers such as United Velo and Local Ride also hosting events in the area.

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