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Bike Swap returning Saturday, May 7

New online registration seeks to reduce congestion at the beginning of the day
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SWAPPIN' ON UP This year's WORCA Bike Swap is slated for Saturday, May 7 at Whistler Olympic Plaza. File photo

With bike season set to begin in earnest, it's time to stock up.

The 2016 WORCA Bike Swap will take place this Saturday, May 7 at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Sellers will have a more efficient way of getting set for the sale this year, as WORCA launched a pre-registration form on its website (www.worca.com) where they can detail all items they plan on dropping off in advance of the sale.

"It'll ease the congestion at the start of the swap. When people are dropping off bikes and parts for sale, often, there can be quite a big line," bike swap coordinator Greg Walker said. "They detail their items, we prepare the tags for them and then all they have to do is turn up, pick up the tag, attach it to the bike, pay the fee and then they're good to go."

The pre-registration process has allowed Walker to get a sneak peek at some of the merchandise that will be up for purchase this weekend.

"There were quite a few items, and quite a few high-end full-suspension and road bikes," he said. "It's hard to say whether there are going to be some good deals until you actually see the condition of the bikes, but from what I've seen in the pre-registration, there are certainly a lot of offerings on the way."

The tag fee per item is $2. WORCA also takes a 15-per-cent commission on any sale $999.99 or below and 10 per cent on any sale $1000 and above.

Those looking to drop off gear can do so between 8 and 9:30 a.m., while the sale kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Items that remain unsold can be entered into the live auction, which begins at 2:15 p.m.

First toonie race slated

Bet your bottom couple bucks that toonie season is back.

The first toonie race of the season is slated for Thursday, May 5 in Cheakamus Crossing. The course includes trails such as AM/PM and Business Time and will cut off at the top of Highline.

Sign-in begins at 4:30 p.m. at Fineline Bike Shop in Function Junction while the race itself begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Westside Main FSR. After the competition, riders are invited back to Function Junction for an après at Olives Community Market.

The race also includes a Youth Toonie. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Rides are open only to WORCA members for insurance reasons and, as the name suggests, each race costs only $2 from there on.

Memberships cost $50 for adults 18 and over and $25 for youth aged 13 to 17 and can be secured online at www.worca.com.

The toonie race season runs every Thursday until Sept. 8, while a final Halloween toonie will take place in late October.