The Test of Metal mountain bike race didn’t set any new records for registration this year, but by 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day all 800 spots had been snapped up.
According to organizers, the first 600 entries came in the first 14 minutes, and the other 200 spots went in under two hours — a little slower than last year, where the race was filled in a record 48 minutes.
However, it’s safe to say that interest in the race is stronger than ever. For the first time the Test of Metal held a locals’ registration in early December, overselling the race by 200 spots and getting rid of the waitlist. No doubt the fact that those spots sold out in two hours had some impact on New Year’s Day registration.
It’s also safe to say that some people started the New Year disappointed. According to race organizers the Test of Metal website (www.testofmetal.com) received over 1,752 unique visitors on Jan. 1.
The Test of Metal takes place June 14, and covers 67 km of roads and trails in the Squamish area.
It’s also the second race in the Squamish Triple Crown, along with a new race in Brackendale in May and the Gearjammer in July. The Brackendale race replaces the Roberts Creek Rat Race, which will not be held this year.
