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Bike Event | Bikenbender

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Off-Road Cycling

Saturday September 12, 2026
The Bikenbender

The Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area is getting ready for the third edition of this unique Birkie gravel ride: The Bikenbender. Now the Canadian Birkie has a ride ready to suit your trail and gravel riding wishes. Make sure to register as there are only a limited number of spots available.

Please find here the 2026 Rider Guide (Click to open)

Event Info

The Canadian Birkebeiner Society is very excited to host an off-road cycling event, the Bikenbender, Saturday, September 12th, 2026. Bikenbender is designed for both new and experienced riders to this type of cycling. Come and try out this exciting type of riding in one of our favourite places to exercise. The event is ideal if you are new to gravel or cross country riding.  It can be completed using a cyclocross, gravel or mountain bike.

Course Description

The ride will take you along the undulating grass trails and gravel roads within the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot recreation Area. Participants will encounter a challenging  37 km course which, for the most part,  they can ride at a comfortable pace. 

The racing occurs over three timed segments within the route. The placings will be determined by the sum of the times for the three timed segments. The race course is a large loop, with riders also finishing in the same location as the start.

Click the map below for the Final Map.  The GPX File can be dowloaded here: FINAL GPX 2026 Bikenbender

Bikenbender Registration Fees

  • A maximum of 150 participants can register for the Canadian Birkie Bikenbender.

  • ABA Race License holders are eligible for a $20 discount when registering on Zone 4.

  • Please register through Zone4.
  • Registration fee is non-refundable & transferable.
  • The below rates are excluding tax, processing fees. etc.
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Details

Is this Ride for me?

  • This event is designed for both new and experienced riders to this type of cycling.

  • The event is ideal if you are new to gravel or cross country riding.   

What is included in the registration?

Your Bikenbender registration includes a unique gravel experience in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area:

  • Race entry
  • New * Full meal by A1 Catering *
  • Race instructions prior eventFrame plate number with zip ties
  • Use of timing chip
  • Well marked course with marshals
  • 1 stocked aid station at halfway point
  • Medical and emergency support
  • Post event awards
  • Prizes for fastest times for each segment
  • Prizes for the overall winners (male and female)
  • Draw prizes 
  • Draw prize for riders that car-pool
  • Digital Race Booklet including map
  • Opportunity to meet other cycling enthusiasts!

Can I Volunteer?

Like to be part of the Bikenbender as volunteer?  We have volunteers many opportunities to fit the different skills or interests, including:

  • Course and start/finish area set up will occur on Friday, September 11th.
  • On course marshals that can cycle out to specific points on the course on event day, Saturday September 12th.
  • Awards and food will be after the riders finish, around 1:00PM.
  • Sweep of the course and teardown of the start/finish area occurring immediately after the awards.
  • SIGN UP to volunteer online via https://canadianbirkebeinersociety.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=116596

The duration of the cycling portion of the event will be the Saturday morning September 13th, with riders finishing be around noon.

Interested in Volunteering? Sign Up today for a Variety of Roles/Jobs!

 

If you have difficulty siging up via volunteer local,  email ski@canadianbirkie.com with subject volunteer Bikenbender

 

 

Can I participate?

Anyone above 12 years old with a cyclocross, gravel bike or  mountain bike can participate. If the participant is between 12 years and 18 years old, an adult needs to accompany the participants.

The start and Finish will be at:

Race Pack Pick Up:

Race Number pickup available:

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Mud, Sweat and Gears

2030 Sherwood Drive,

Sherwood Park, AB.

4:30 – 6:30 PM

Please find further information in the 2026 Rider Guide

 

 

Event Schedule

Saturday September 12 – 2026 – Please find more details in the Bikenbender 2026 Rider Guide

8 am

Race Headquarters Open at Blackfoot Lake Staging Area

8.50 amCall for riders to assemble at start
8.55 am

Pre-race instructions

9 am

Mechanical bike start

9.10 am

E-Assist bike start

12.30

Finish Line Closes

12.30

Awards

Parking

Parking is available. As spots are limited, participants will be encouraged to bring a friend or two and to carpool. Extra draw prizes will be available for participants who carpool

Questions about the Bikenbender Ride?

If you have questions about the Bikenbender, please contact:

Charles at ski@canadianbirkie.com

Register Now