The Wam Bam dirt jump jam has gained a reputation since it’s premier event in 2009. It’s the only competition of it’s kind in the East Kootenays that’s on the Freeride Mountain Bike world tour, and according to Dylan Siggers, “it’s probably the most fun dirt jump comp around.”
Siggers is one of the main organizers of the event, taking over the Dirt Jump park on Sept. 4 and 5, and has been involved with the event in some capacity over the six years it has been around. Siggers credited the many people who have helped with the organizing of this year’s event, namely the Fernie Mountain Bike club.
“This year the mountain biking club has taken over it and it’s split between everyone at the Fernie mountain bike club,” he said.
The event features a variety of bikers showing their tricks, starting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 and finishing around 10 p.m. on Sept. 5. The qualifying round along with a casual jam session is held on the Friday evening with the majority of the competition going on Saturday. Kids and novice riders are welcomed to participate in the daytime, and the evening is set for the professional riders to compete. The event has a variety of categories, including beginner, intermediate, and a variety of best trick categories. One of the main attractions of the event is that it is a night, creating a different atmosphere than some other competitions.
“It’s at night and the riders get to ride in front of a couple thousand people under lights, which usually doesn’t happen for people at that level,” said Siggers. “Crowds like that are for events like Crankworx [in Whistler]. This is more of a relaxed event.”
For more information on the event or registration, contact the Fernie Mountain Bike club, or visit www.bikefernie.ca.
