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Test of Metal sold out

Ouch. If you hadn’t gotten around to registering for the 2003 Test of Metal, thinking that you still almost had two months, then ouch.

Ouch. If you hadn’t gotten around to registering for the 2003 Test of Metal, thinking that you still almost had two months, then ouch. On April 22, the race organizers announced that all 800 available spots had been snapped up in record time – almost a month earlier than last year, which was a record unto itself.

"This is a testament to the continuing growth of mountain biking and our commitment to put on the best race anywhere," said Cliff Miller, the Test of Metal race director and the organizer of the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival.

"We’ve evolved into a full-on, weekend-long mountain bike festival, and it’s exciting how much interest there is in this event. This is great for the community of Squamish, recognized as a mountain bike mecca, and it’s great for mountain biking."

While the 67.5 kilometre Test of Metal race on June 21 has been sold out, there are still other ways to participate in the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival, which runs from June 20 to 22.

There is the two-person chariot race, a downhill freeride competition, a trials competition, a Mini-Metal for kids under the age of nine, and a Teen Test for kids aged 9 to 14.

The organizers are still looking for volunteers to help out with these events. Although a number will be returning from past years, according to Miller, the event will need about 200 volunteers to be successful. To apply, you can visit the festival Web site at www.testofmetal.com.

For competitors who wish to pre-ride the course, Miller asks drivers and cyclists to be respectful and aware of one another. In addition, cyclists riding the Mamquam Forest Service Road (9-Mile Hill) should be aware of the industrial traffic on the road as Canadian Hyrdo Developers are developing a hydroelectric project in the area.