Could you feel it, could you sense it, did you see it? The rolling caravan that is the North Shore Secondary School Mountain Bike League rolled through town last week as Coast Gravity Park – with Elphinstone and Chatelech secondary schools – hosted race three of a six-race series on April 20.
About 200 racers plus their entourages from Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish, West Vancouver and North Vancouver applied sunscreen and boarded the 11:20 ferry bound for our little piece of paradise.
Racers were greeted with a smile and warm weather. Combined with the venue, food, music and view, the stage was set for a great afternoon of racing.
The name Coast Gravity Park conjures up images of downhill, free-ride mountain biking, and so it should. With a little imagination and effort, the creators designed a 2.8 km lap with 82 m of climbing followed by a flowing descent. Depending on grade, racers rode two to four laps.
Any complaints about the uphill portion were soon put to bed after the descent left a smile on riders’ faces. There were yee-haws and high fives all around at the finish line.
Winning is an attitude, not a podium finish. Nobody quit and the locals did their community proud. That’s got winner written all over it in this writer’s book.
Both local schools have been well represented over the years with various team and individual championships. Curtis Robinson, Dylan Dunkerton and Jonas Lomax – the hosts at Coast Gravity Park – raced with their local high school teams many years ago; talk about full circle.
But that’s the past and times change. This is the present and there is a new generation of riders. This year Coast Gravity Park was chosen as a new race location after 15 years hosting the event at Sprockids Park in Gibsons.
It’s not certain who was more excited – the crew at Coast Gravity, locals, or the guests. Judging by the smiles, positive energy and reviews, it’s expected this change will stick.
