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Crud 2 Mud course fun for everyone

Winding giant slalom course, downhill course follow blue level trails
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The rapidly melting snowpack is prompting organizers of the resurrected Crud 2 Mud race to re-evaluate the "crud" section of the course before this Saturday, May 22.

Right now the course will tentatively start off with a long but relatively easy giant slalom ski/snowboard race on Whiskey Jack/Orange Peel/Lemon Peel, Upper Dave Murray/Tokum and Expressway, all the way down to Olympic Station and the transition point. However, if the snow retreats any further there may be a short running section between the ski and bike sections.

The mountain bike course is in good shape already. Utilizing the B Line and Ho Chi Min trails it's also appropriate for beginner and intermediate riders; heavy downhill bikes aren't necessary.

The Crud 2 Mud kicked off the mountain bike season for the first time in 2003 before it was cancelled, first due to a lack of snow and secondly because of too much snow in the bike park. It fell by the wayside after that, but this year the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and events department have brought it back.

The race combines skiing/snowboarding with downhill mountain biking, and can be raced solo or as part of a team of two.

Where the race gets interesting is in the solo category, where participants have to choose whether to completely change footwear and helmets at the transition point - and full-face helmets are mandatory for the bike section - or to attempt to ride the on-snow course in a full helmet and the dirt part of the course while wearing ski or snowboard boots.

The Crud 2 Mud has a full range of solo categories starting from age 13 and up, as well as separate rankings for skiers and snowboarders. There are also junior, male, female and co-ed team categories.

Registration is available at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations for $45 for solo racers and $55 for teams of two. That doesn't include the price of a lift ticket to use the mountain bike park but they are available for racers at a discounted rate of $26.

There is no day-of-race registration, you must sign up by Friday to be assured a spot.