Bike park benefit: Two films screen Wed., May 18

Locals can lend easy support to the Chapman Hill Bike Park next week. A benefit screening of the bike films, “Life Cycles” and “Freedom Riders” is set for Wed., May 18. The films roll at 5 p.m.

“Life Cycles” is a cycling film “like no other.” Whether it’s Cam McCaul back-flipping above a wheat field in Saskatchewan or dust hanging in the air as Mike Hopkins charges down a steep singletrack, the film captures a deeper side of mountain biking. The film features the talents of McCaul, Hopkins, Darren Berrecloth, Matt Hunter, Brandon Semenuk and Thomas Vanderham and was shot in British Columbia, Iceland, Japan and the United States.

“Freedom Riders” is a story of a small group of riders who evolved from covertly building rough and unsustainable trails to creating a precedent-setting relationship with the Forest Service and building some of the best freeride trails in the country. The film takes a look at the continuing evolution of the sport and the progression of trail building in this country. The film traces freeriding from its days as a rebellion against Spandex to the multimillion dollar, mainstream sport that it is today.

Funds raised will go toward planning for the Chapman Hill Bike Park.