Hoots Blog
Ride ON at the Construction Yard!
The Petawawa Bike Park, aptly named The Construction Yard, was officially opened on Saturday, June 29th. With well over 350 people out to celebrate, the park was long desired in the community and is a perfect fit between two ball diamonds and a beach volleyball court at the Petawawa Civic Centre grounds, combining traditional and non-traditional sport.
Jay Hoots kicked off the Grand Opening with a speech to the community - thanks for letting Hoots and crew be a part of this amazing community project!
The Town of Petawawa, Gearheads and Norco Bicycles put on a great Grand Opening! Lots of door prizes and over 500 hot dogs gone in an hour! One lucky winner went home with a Norco Rampage bike signed by Jay Hoots, donated from Gearheads!
Jacob was first in line to get into the park on Opening Day after many dedicated hours of checking in on construction progress!
Bikes everywhere - the rain didn't keep anyone away!
It didn't take long for the park to fill up - the start ramp was easily the busiest spot in the park.
Mom and son riding the pump track together - how awesome is that!
A friendly round of pump track pursuit ensued, with both Allan and Jay Hoots rocking Norco Sights.
Trials riding is alive and well in Petawawa - thanks to Chris (pictured) for his input to the advanced trials area configuration - he is stoked on his new playground!
Damien's and his new ride getting funky in the pump track!
With progression jumps, a wall ride, beginner and advanced pump tracks, a drop zone, skills area and trials zones, this park caters to a wide range of riding styles and skills levels, the perfect combo for a municipal park meant to teach progression, get people into the sport of biking and bring visitors into the community.
No sleeping in for this 8:30am clinic - that's how excited they were to be at the park! Jay Hoots, giving the kids (both young and old) some tips on riding the park before hopping into the pumptrack...
How many people and bikes can you fit into a pump track?
Ashley had the pleasure of showing theses 9 lovely ladies around the park. All the ladies showed progression within the session and each one tried something new - super fun clinic - these ladies are inspiring!
This community project, spearheaded by Gearheads bike shop owners, Tammy and Damien was strongly supported by local construction company, Clouthier Construction among many other community supporters. The Hoots crew made up of Jay, Ash and Ben Glassen for this project worked with the Town of Petawawa Parks Department to get the park in the ground.
Tammy & Damien of Gearheads - great supporters of everything community!
Clouthier Construction donated equipment and materials to get the park in the ground - great community supporters!
Mayor Sweet grabbed a bike and a helmet to test out the new pump track - thanks to him and his Councillors for their support of this great project!
The Town of Petawawa Parks Department worked alongside the Hoots crew during the construction of the park - safety first with these guys and gals!
Local dirt jumper, Cody, has been hired to maintain the park for the summer - he doesn't mind the 7am mornings when he gets to "test ride" the dirt jumps.
Jay Hoots and Ben Glassen testing and tweaking jumps.
Our time in the Ottawa River Valley was super awesome, we had the opportunity to meet great people, ride fun xc trails in the Forest Lea trail system, check out some live entertainment at Esprit Rafting, celebrate Canada Day by riding at Mont Ste Marie in Quebec, and be part of an active community that loves bicycles!
"Upstream Dave" traveling upstream to perform at Esprit Rafting - awesome spot, great live music!
Pondering the great view at Mont Ste Marie on Canada Day.
Thanks Petawawa - Tammy & Damien - you two rock the park!
Check out this link for a full article and more pics from the Pembroke Daily Observer - Ride it and leap!
Jay Hoots & Damien from Gearheads riding the pump track.