In its 21st year, the Cheakamus Challenge should be slightly less sadistic than previous editions.
On Saturday (Sept. 18), riders will head straight across to the Riverside and Farside trails after hitting the gate, instead of facing an extra burst of climbing in the punishing point-to-point course, Race Director Grant Lamont said.
The pain and pleasure inherent in the classic cross-country mountain bike race from 麻豆社国产to Whistler will now come from a course that's an even 70 kilometres long, slightly down from the previous total of 72.4 kilometres thanks to the removal of a section involving an extra climb up above the yellow gate near Loggers Lake
He thinks he'd thrown that section in "just for sadism."
The hundreds of riders who take up the challenge are also expected to see the effects of the money and manpower being put into the Cheakamus Canyon area through construction work on the Sea to Sky Trail.
"I think people are going to see some significant improvements," Lamont said.
The Cheakamus Challenge has attracted a star-studded cast of riders over the years, including the likes of current Canadian road cycling star Ryder Hesjedal, cross-country world champions Alison Sydor and Roland Green, World Cup gold medallist Geoff Kabush and Canadian champion Rocky Mountain rider Andreas Hestler.
Lamont said the list of registered riders includes Team Sho-Air rider and Canadian champion Max Plaxton, who claimed back-to-back Cheakamus Challenge titles in 2006 and 2007, to enter the fray again this year.
"It's a tough race where you get to pin it for three hours. He likes to watch people disappear off his back wheel," Lamont said.
He's also expecting to potentially see resurgent 麻豆社国产rider Neal Kindree, who made a stirring return to racing in the 2009 Cheakamus Challenge after dealing with a serious knee injury. Kindree won the men's memorial prime that honours Geoff (Lumpy) Leidal and finished10th among the Pro Men in last year's event.
On the women's side, Lamont will be watching out for Squamish's Brandi Heisterman, who has swept up numerous titles and strong finishes in cross-country races this season and is expected to hit the start line in her hometown with fellow pink-clad members of the Northlands Medical Clinic Cycling Team.
Some love the challenging ride so much that they come back year after year. Lamont estimates that Vancouver cyclist and actor Mike Ryan, an experienced road rider, has probably done the race the most, having survived 19 or 20 times.
"I think they like the destination aspect of the race. It goes from one point to another; it's actually a journey instead of a loop," Lamont said of the event's enduring appeal.
And what a journey it is. Riders start at 麻豆社国产Airport at 10 a.m. and head off into the challenging terrain and spectacular scenery that lies between 麻豆社国产and the finish line at Whistler Creekside. Last year, winner Marty Lazarski wrapped up the ride in three hours, nine minutes, 47.2 seconds.
There's also an approximately 38-km Cheakamus Lite version, starting at 1 p.m. at the Whistler Bungee bridge and featuring the great terrain north of the Cal Cheak recreation area. The shortened course allows riders to sample some of the most challenging sections in the course without the massive mileage.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the classic race can e-mail Lamont at [email protected].
Riders are requested to register in advance, either online before 8 p.m. or in person at the Whistler Bike Guides store in Blackcomb Lodge on Friday, Sept. 17.
