The 2010 Brat Race last Saturday in Sechelt brought together some 60 participants, ages 10 to 70, who rode along some of the most beautiful single-track the Coast has to offer.
The course flowed down 10 km of pure bliss with riders made up of fathers and sons, husbands and wives, Capilano University students and even a few tourists. Some were seasoned veterans, while others were brand new to the sport. New friends and old all now share the fond memories of the time they did the Brat Race.
After the race, the requisite pasta and spirits were awaiting riders and their supporters at the Old Boot Eatery. Stories were shared, and excuses were made. Most importantly, a $500 cheque, made up all of the proceeds generated from the event, was presented to Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue team.
Steve Sleep made a comment that captured the essence of last Saturday as he literally bounced into the restaurant. Sleep, who has been heavily involved in the racing scene for more than 20 years, had never actually entered a race. He has spent a lifetime supporting his family and friends through the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club achieve their bike racing goals, but that all changed last Saturday.
"I just did my first race," he said grinning from ear to ear.
I didn't need to ask how he liked it. His face told the entire story.
So, do you want to know who won the race? Suffice to say, I think everyone did.
With more than 30 years racing experience between my husband and me, we can honestly say that to us the word race means so much more than winning or losing. To race is to be a part of the community. To race is to have shared goals and values. And most of all, to race is to feel a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.
