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'Wonder Women' brave the heat

Annual WORCA event attracts more than 100 riders
wonder_woman_by_braden_dupuis
WONDER WOMEN: Leah Trudeau (left) and Samantha Shook take a short break during WORCA's fourth annual women-only ride. Photo by Braden Dupuis

As temperatures climbed past 30 degrees Saturday afternoon, riders in WORCA’s annual women-only ride were grateful for the various cool-down stations along the way.

“It’s a tough race with the heat. Painful, but lots of fun,” said Whistlerite Leah Trudeau at one of the cool-down stations.

“It’s a great atmosphere. Everyone’s cheering, dressed up. It’s sweet.”

This year’s theme was “Wonder Woman,” with riders encouraged to don their best capes and spandex as they traversed five separate timed stages spread throughout Whistler.

Trudeau and her friend Samantha Shook wore tanktops emblazoned with the Batman logo as they made their way through the stages.

“It’s so fun riding with girls because everyone’s cheering at the top for each other, and you can’t find a race like this (anywhere else),” Shook said. “It’s inspirational.”

Proceeds from the event go to support the Howe Sound Women’s Centre in Squamish.

“It’s a great cause, and it’s neat to see everyone that comes out,” Shook said. “Like the guys that come out to support us, it’s pretty awesome.”

While the event is timed and the finishers will be ranked, the course is designed for veterans and less-seasoned riders alike.

“We have this huge talent pool here, and a bunch of them like to race but some don’t,” said race director Clark Lewis.

“So we kinda try to cater to both.”

Check back with Pique in the coming days for more on “Wonder Woman,” including results.