The Sea to Sky Mountain Bike Trail Challenge is set to get even
more mountain bikers out enjoying this developing trail corridor, as riders descend
on the area this weekend for the 13
th
annual event.
Participants from all over B.C., Washington and further afield (including
Montana and Mexico) will participate in the two day ride, a unique mountain
bike event in British Columbia.
The riders may cycle as much as 150 km, starting at Birkenhead
Lake and continuing south through Pemberton to Whistler on the first day. The
second day continues south, finishing in Squamish. The event is not a race and
although the trail is not technical, it will be a challenge for those who
haven’t been on their bike prior to the weekend!
The Sea to Sky Trail was the beneficiary of a donation by the
Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, which committed to donating $300,000 toward the
trail over a five-year period. New trail added in 2008 and open in time for
this year’s challenge will include sections between Function Junction and
Brandywine Falls.
On Saturday, July 12, the ride will begin from Birkenhead Park
(elevation 1,500’), from an aqua-marine lake reflecting snow-capped peaks in
every direction. The route, utilizing a combination of existing trail systems,
deactivated forestry roads and single track trail, will take riders
approximately 45 km to one-mile Lake in Pemberton, where shuttles will be
available to Whistler.
Those who bike the section between Pemberton and Whistler will
ride an additional 30 km and be rewarded with priority serving at the pasta
dinner, and recognition. There will be festivities and an overnight stay at the
Riverside Whistler Campground featuring “under the stars” camping, live music
with Dana-Marie, massage therapists, and of course, a wonderful dinner.
Sunday, the ride will continue south out of Whistler (65 km)
past pristine rivers and waterfalls, through the Cheakamus Canyon to Squamish (elelvation
200’) and a finish-line celebration.
The participants will enjoy well-stocked rest stops with food
and refreshments, breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday, transportation of
their overnight pack (sleeping bag, tent, change of clothes etc.), overnight
Friday & Saturday evenings, mechanical support, ‘sag’ service, a
commemorative Ride T-shirt and all festivities.
For event information or to register, call 604-730-1247, toll
free at 1-800-242-1825 or
visit
http://great-explorations.com/trips/canada/cyclingevents/seatosky.asp
