Roll down to the rally

Green-minded West Islanders have something to look forward to this Sunday when the City of Beaconsfield welcomes bikers to its second "Beaconsfield Bikes Against CO2" bike-o-thon at Centennial Park in Beaconsfield.

"With the price of gas, we're encouraging people to use their bicycles when possible as an alternate method of transportation," explained city councillor Kate Coulter, who is also chair of Beaconsfield's environment committee.

Those who join in the fun will be able to start off at Centennial Park in Beaconsfield between 1 and 1:30 p.m. and go on a bike trail that touches on several of the town's major parks.

There will be two tracks available, Coulter said. The first is a shorter one, allowing families to ride together. The second, called a "Tricky Track," is a little longer, so those who don't need to think about children keeping up can hop on it.

However, the day will not only involve a simple trek through Beaconsfield. Bikers are expected to use their minds as well. "They'll each get a passport and a map," Coulter explained. Checkpoints will dot the parks to be visited, and bikers will have to answer environment-themed questions at each, ranging from areas like water conservation to waste management. If the questions are answered correctly, "they get the passport stamped," Coulter explained, and will be able to move on.

Upon returning to Centennial Park at about 2:30 p.m., participants should be able to relax to the exciting African and Brazilian rhythms created by a three-percussionist ensemble who are part of the musical production company Baratanga. Company head Louis-Daniel Joly said it should be a very interesting show. "It's going to be unique because no real instruments are going to be used," Joly said.

When he got the call from Beaconsfield, Joly was told the town was looking for a band that could play on everyday instruments themed toward the environment and recycling. "I said we already do that," Joly told The Chronicle with a laugh over the telephone. Bicycles, recycling bins, and other themed objects will be used in the unique show.

Though the weather calls for 60 per cent chance of showers as of this writing, Joly remained optimistic. "No that's 50 per cent sunshine," he said.

Coulter said the event had been well-advertised through Beaconsfield's municipal newsletter, so there is hope this year for a better turn-out than the 2007 inaugural rally's 50 in attendance.

Registration takes place between noon and 1 p.m. at Centennial Park in Beaconsfield. Exhibitors such as various environmental groups will be present at the time, as well as Beaconsfield's environment committee. Snacks will also be available. Bring your own bike and protection gear. The park's entrance is at 288, Beaconsfield Boulevard.