COCHRANE— Cochrane Physio donated $1,000 to the LaunchPad Bike Park on Friday (July 30), continuing a sponsorship which began with the project’s inception led by Bike Cochrane.
Robert Martens, president of Bike Cochrane, said the park is basically complete, but with this new funding they are also able to install some simple tools onsite for cyclists.
“What they make these days is like a tool stand that you can actually secure in place,” Martens said. “So, when there’s a small cable break or you want to adjust your brakes then people can use those tools.”
He suggested that the tool stand will be customized with Cochrane Physio’s logo, symbolizing a more lasting kind of sponsorship that is also visible to the community.
Serge Tessier, clinic owner, director and physiotherapist at Cochrane Sport Physio, said they are just happy to keep the project going.
“Our initial involvement was based on local sponsorship of something that met our mission and vision of health and wellness in Cochrane,” Tessier said. “Being involved when this was just a schematic, to what it is now, has been really special.”
Having a tool stand at the park allows for a simple tightening of a screw, or fixing something that means a cyclist can either keep riding in the park.
Wes Feagan, owner, director, and physiotherapist under the sister clinic, Cochrane Physio, said knowing a lot of the cycling players in town like Garmin, and some of the local bike shops, was a big driver in their involvement.
“We both come from a cycling background too,” he said. “So that was really big, we can really get behind this because it’s something we love and something we do a lot anyway.”
The LaunchPad, which broke ground in September 2019, was completed in August of last year and has been popular since its opening.
“There’s been a lot of uptake, it’s in a great central location, and it really fills a gap in the community,” Martens said.
As for some of the younger youth who use the park, Martens acknowledges that not everyone will know how to use certain tools if their bike needs repair.
“Often, they’re under the supervision of parents [who can help],” he said. “But you can also just ask, it’s a friendly community.”
