PHOTOS: Weekend warriors and Canada\u2019s best compete at Langford Bikefest<\/p>\n
Published 6:00 pm Sunday, March 15, 2026<\/p>\n
Tight turns, abrupt descents and steep uphill stretches were among the many features mountain bikers had to brave at the annual Langford Bikefest.<\/p>\n
Running from March 13 to 15, more than 300 competitors from across North America and beyond had the chance to race at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park and showcase their skills.<\/p>\n
While Friday and Saturday were reserved for national-level competitors, Sunday was open to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we have weekend warriors, young kids and enthusiasts too, who are welcome to ride the racecourse the pros were racing on over the last few days,\u201d said race director John Watkins. \u201cIt\u2019s an ability-based race, so it allows beginners and intermediate racers, as well as experts, to come out, race and learn new skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Launched in 2022, the same year the park opened its trails to the public, Bikefest began shortly after.<\/p>\n
In just a few years, Watkins said the event has already garnered \u201ctons of support\u201d from the local community and quickly made a name for itself on the local, national and even North American mountain biking circuit, with competitors coming from the U.S. and New Zealand.<\/p>\n
As the race continues to grow each year, attracting more riders and spectators, Watkins said the event remains rooted in the community and aims to celebrate local mountain biking culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve put so much energy and resources into this bike park that we want to throw a big party and acknowledge all that work,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
And what makes the course so special? Watkins says it all comes down to well-thought-out and properly engineered trails.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll our trails are built by accredited trail builders,\u201d he said. \u201cThis means they can handle the elements while taking advantage of the local topography.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Watkins hopes to grow the community, continue developing the park and create more events, while encouraging people to come out for the upcoming Canadian Mountain Bike Championships in July.<\/p>\n