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Local racers take on La Ruta

There is less than a month to the annual La Ruta de los Conquistadores mountain bike race, a four-day epic that bisects Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

There is less than a month to the annual La Ruta de los Conquistadores mountain bike race, a four-day epic that bisects Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the toughest endurance races in the world, with more than 12,000 metres of climbing over 378 kilometres. While not technical, the course can be muddy at times and the temperatures can climb over 40 degrees Celsius with the humidity. Riders can take 10 to 12 hours to finish the first three stages, and while the final day is the easiest and has the most paved road it’s also the longest at 125 km.

Three Whistler athletes have registered this year. Mike Charuk and Tony Routley will be representing Team Whistler, and Dr. Cathy Zeglinski will be representing herself.

As well, North America road champion Svein Tuft is entering the race where he hopes to give the mountain bikers a run for their money.

The race takes place from Nov. 12-15. For more information visit www.adventurerace.com.

 

Test of Metal guaranteeing spots for Team Diabetes

One of the corridor’s most epic, and hard to get into, bike races is offering guaranteed spots in 2009 for riders that raise at least $500 for the Canadian Diabetes Association. They will also get Team Diabetes cycling jerseys to go with their free race entries, as well as fundraising tools.

The registration deadline is on Nov. 3 at www.teamdiabetes.ca. You must be over 18 and a resident to take part.

 

Cheakamus Challenge donates to Cops for Cancer

Cheakamus Challenge race director and Whistler Bike Guides owner Grant Lamont presented a cheque for $600 to Cst. Azfeel Yakub and the provincial Cops for Cancer last week. With donations the past three years, the Cheakamus Challenge contribution is nearing $2,000. Lamont is hoping to increase participation in the Cheakamus Challenge next year and increase their donation to Cops for Cancer.

Lamont chose Cops for Cancer several years ago for several reasons. One is that the charity involves a bike ride through the Lower Mainland up the Sea to Sky corridor each year. Another is the assistance that the RCMP have given the Cheakamus Challenge over the years, closing the highway to let riders cross over safely.

 

Fun Run on Oct. 26

On Oct. 26 local runners are invited to take place in the Whistler Women’s 5 km run or walk, looping the Whistler Golf Course. Sign-on is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in the golf course parking lot, and the $10 entry fee will go towards the Howe Sound Women’s Centre.

 

Lumpy’s Epic on Sunday

The last big trail run of the year is this Sunday’s annual Lumpy’s Epic in Pemberton. The race starts and finishes at One Mile Lake, and follows 10 km of mountain bike trails and riverside trails from start to finish. The views from the bluffs along the top of the run are spectacular.

The trail itself is challenging with a long and winding climb at the start, a technical flat section at the top, and a steep downhill before heading back to the park on a mix of road and trails.

Registration gets underway at 9 a.m. at One Mile Lake, and the race gets underway at 10 a.m. The cost is $15 to take part, with all proceeds going to local community organizations.

The after race celebration is pot luck, so bring something to contribute to the snack and drink table.

 

WORCA annual general meeting tonight

Tonight, Thursday, Oct. 16, the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) is hosting its annual general meeting at Legends Creekside, getting underway at 7 p.m. All members are welcome.

There will be reports from directors, a chance to ask questions, and a board election for next season. Members are encouraged to come out and participate, and to run for spots on the volunteer board.