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All smiles at the Brat Ride

Racers from Saskatoon to Singapore participated in this year's Brat Ride enjoying some classic West Coast singletrack with some classic West Coast weather.

Racers from Saskatoon to Singapore participated in this year's Brat Ride enjoying some classic West Coast singletrack with some classic West Coast weather. Not even the tail end of a South Asian typhoon could dampen the spirits of racers and volunteers.

The brat ride is a fundraising event for Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SAR). Sechelt Plumbing once again donated $500. SAR noted, "The funding is wonderful but these events are also great training exercises to field test equipment as well as egress points, making potential rescues safer and faster."

The ride also benefits race organizers from larger coastal events.

Rod Camposano, route designer for BC Bike Race, said, "Events like these help us establish race routes for BCBR as well as potential new events."

He flagged this year's course and also had the best time based on subtracting one's age from their total time - maybe a little local knowledge there.

The Brat showcases all that is great on the Sunshine Coast. This 100 per cent volunteer run event combines the talented team from the Sunshine Coaster Mountain Bike race with Capilano University and Off The Edge bike shop. Riders from all realms, including national team member Forrest Riesco and first-time participants Bill and Dayton Stockwell, all loved the course.

"Single track in paradise, what could be better?" one racer asked.

A truly family-oriented event, grandparents, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons all ride together. When was the last time you saw an 18-year-old young man sharing a playground with his parents? Very inspiring!

So Coasters, if you haven't become a "brat" yourself, we urge you to ride along or volunteer. You'll get some exercise, raise some money, and you may even have some fun.