The Sunshine Coaster mountain bike race enjoyed sunny skies on Saturday, May 13 and was well attended by 200 racers from all over B.C., a few from Alberta and one lone wolf from our neighbours to the south (Issaquah, Wash.).
The 10 a.m. mass start was quite a spectacle to see; however, the 5 km logging road climb to the first trailhead separated the wheat from the chaff.
“First to Jimmy’s Skidder” was a cash purse thrown in by the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) and they presented $100 each to the first male and first female to get to the skidder on the road.
The TLA member who was supposed to be taking the photograph got so excited watching the pack approach him, he didn’t get a shot of the racers’ plate; however, the riders decided who it was. Congratulations to 15-year-old Emilly Johnstone from Comox and 19-year-old Sean Fincham, both riding in the Elite category winning our first ever prime.
Last week’s rainfall was not kind to our trails and the mud and roots took a toll. A few riders didn’t finish and a few more who signed on for the marathon changed their mind at the point the race split, and opted for the shorter course. All finished happy and smiling (and covered in mud) to enjoy a post-race meal and a beer. Cash prizing went to the top finishers in the marathon and Off the Edge Adventure Sports, Spin Cycles, Lambert and BC Bike Race provided many of the raffle draw prizes during the race.
Boreale Biking from Whitehorse again donated the grand prize of a pair of three-day holiday packages, one of which was won by local girl Lisa Allen, who was very excited. The second Boreale Prize was traded with a racer who won an equally amazing prize, a Fox 34 Fork from BC Bike Race.
Cash prizes to a locals-only category went to Jody Schick and Katherine Short for the marathon, and Katie Button and Kai Jenkins for the shorter course.
Sunshine Coast Community Forests parked a fully loaded logging truck at the start/finish area and invited everyone to guess what the load was worth. Guesses ranged from $3,000 to $52,000 with the winner being Matt Green who guessed $5,800. He got a box full of swag from Cove Bikes for that.
All the entrants were treated to a discounted Coast Gravity Park pass, so many of them stayed over and played again on Sunday. Local motels, hostels, and campgrounds enjoyed the business, and restaurants and merchants benefitted from the visitors.
Everyone on the top of the podium over 19 received a growlette of beer from Gibsons Tapworks and OK Springs provided beer to all racers. Many other local businesses provided support.
Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue was in attendance and cleaned up more than a few scrapes, but there were no broken bones this year.
No race is possible without the help from our volunteer army. Thanks to all for the never-ending efforts to make this race the best ever and sharing our piece of heaven with the world. The 19th year of the event is planned for the first weekend in May next year. Start training and we’ll see you next year! Registration opens Jan. 1, 2018.
– Submitted by Sue Duxbury
