The best part of the Soo Valley Rumble is that local riders have had an entire season to get ready for it.
The race once again begins at the north entrance to the Soo Valley before following a series of logging roads higher and higher into the watershed until joining the North Flank Trail. After another climb riders will descend the Flank to Rick’s Roost and Cat Scratch Fever, a trail that got a lot of work from Whistler Off Road Cycling Association volunteers this year. From there the trail follows Mandatory Suicide and Mel’s Dilemma before crossing the road to do a circuit of Emerald Forest and A River Runs Through it. The next section requires some technical climbing or hike-a-bike, following the north section of Danimal to Stonebridge, and the south section of Danimal to the Lower Sproatt climb. From there the trail goes back up, before following upper and lower Beaver Pass trails down to Alta Lake Road, and the short climb to the finish line.
The route is easier than last year, says race director Jerome David.
“We wanted to use some of the west side trails this year,” he said. “It was tough to use trails in the No Flow Zone (Emerald) because we wanted to have our post-race party where we finished, which we couldn’t do last year. There were maybe five people at the finish line at Kill Me Thrill Me last year, which was a bit of a downer. This way people will ride past the finish on their way up Danimal, and wind up in the same place with lots of people.
“This route is about the same length, around 42 km, so it’s still a long ride but it’s definitely a little bit easier.”
The cost is $20 to register, and you must be a member of WORCA. Registration starts at 9 a.m. by the dam in the Soo Valley, and the race gets underway at 10 a.m.
The north entrance to Soo Valley Forest Service Road is about 2 km past the Wedgemount parking lot on the left hand side. You can ride to the start or arrange a ride to the entrance. From there, Bear Back Biking will be providing free shuttles to the start line, 3.5 km up the road.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers. If you can help out, contact Jerome David at 604-938-2133 or email info@worca.com.
