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Samurai sells out

The third annual Samurai of Singletrack mountain bike challenge sold out in a day this year.

The third annual Samurai of Singletrack mountain bike challenge sold out in a day this year.

People who have participated in the event in the past were given until July 31 to re-register for the race, after which time it was opened up to the general public.

In 2002, some 75 of the 100 riders returned to try their luck once again on a longer and more technically changing route. The course grew from 43 km to 55.5 km, with several black diamond trails.

Apparently, it wasn’t tough enough. Of the 104 entries for 2003 – the event was capped at 100 with a few special exceptions – all but 21 are returning riders.

According to race organizer Tony Horn, no fewer than six people were waiting at the doors to Slopeside Supply when he got to work on Friday, Aug. 1 to register for the race. The 21 open spots were sold out in a matter of hours.

The trail has not been set, but Horn held a contest for locals with the best trail design earning its creator a free entry into the race. He received 11 course submissions from the public to review, but the final course won’t be announced to the riders until the Loonie Race on Sept. 11.

Although not as long as the Test of Metal, the Samurai of Singletrack takes place mainly on mountain bike trails, and last year’s race included challenging trails like Babylon By Bike and Industrial Disease, and four climbs over 300 metres.

The race took riders anywhere from three-and-a-half to eight hours to complete.