The second annual NimbyFifty mountain bike race in Pemberton passed the 200 rider mark this week, leaving one month to go and less than 100 spots left before the May 28 event.
The course is 30 km long and features a selection of Pemberton trails, including the 10-kilometre, 101-switchback Big Nimby trail, Radio Tower, Happy Trail, Overnight Sensation, Sphincter, Econoline, No Err, Ramble On, Moby Dick and Dark Forest - not necessarily in that order.
What is new this year is the start and finish, moving from the Pemberton Festival grounds to the Sturdy Farm.
The very highest trails still have snow on them and organizers will be marking the trail in the next week for people who want to train on the route.
"All the trails are in wicked shape and almost everything is open except for the top of Big Nimby," said Russ Wood, one of the race organizers along with Dean Linell and Terry Evans. "It was a bit of a later start this season, but the conditions right now are perfect."
So far most of the registration is from North Vancouver and Vancouver, although Wood expects to see the local numbers grow as the race gets closer.
The ride also has a new food sponsor with Western Promises, and a new headline sponsor with Different Bikes on board. The event is also part of the Hell of a Series this year along with the Ore Crusher (May 14), North Shore Bike Fest (June 3 to 5), Test of Metal (June 18), GearJammer (July 23), GearJammer Flow (July 24) and Just Another Bike Race (Aug. 20).
Registration is $60 and available online at www.nimbyfifty.com. If any spots are still available you'll be able to register on race day for $70.
