Coaster 50, the annual marathon cross-country bike race that kicks off Cycling BC鈥檚 XCM series, will turn 20 years old at this year鈥檚 race scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
鈥淲e are celebrating 20 years of mountain biking on the Coast,鈥� race organizer Sue Duxbury told Coast Reporter. From 2000-2009 the event was known as The Rat Race. 鈥淣ext year we will be the oldest continuous cross-country mountain bike race in B.C.,鈥� Duxbury said.
Test of Metal had been the longest-running race but it folded in 2016. The race took place in 麻豆社国产but was born in Roberts Creek in 1985, according to Duxbury.
鈥淲e never focused on getting big,鈥� she said when asked about the race鈥檚 staying power. This year registration is expected to top out at about 200 participations, similar to years past. In its two decades at Squamish, Test of Metal attracted approximately 20,000 racers.
But despite staying small, Coaster 50 has earned a reputation. Andreas Hestler is expected to show up for this year鈥檚 race. Hestler raced in the 1996 summer Olympics, placing 31st, and is Team Captain for the BC Bike Race. 鈥淗e likes our little race course,鈥� Duxbury said.
Trails are raked and maintained diligently, and most of the proceeds from the race are spent on maintenance. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a local thing, put on by locals and all the profit goes back into the trail,鈥� said Duxbury, adding that they also provide funds to the local Search and Rescue organization. Half of the event鈥檚 30 sponsors are local, too.
Trails are already marked and open to pre-rides and the route and registration details can be found on the organization鈥檚 Facebook Page. The route is shorter than last year鈥檚 by about 10 kilometres. That change was made based on survey results from participants, who preferred forest roads not be used to lengthen the distance and to stick to single track routes instead.
Special beer glasses emblazoned with the Coaster 50 and Rat Race logos will be given away to honour the anniversary at the event. Duxbury is confident she has ordered enough.
