Whistler's longest-running mountain bike race is quickly approaching, once again providing a great chance for local riders to wind up the season.
The 21st annual Westside Wheel Up takes place on Sept. 13, supporting a few good causes. Proceeds from the race will help benefit athletes with a disability, including the B.C. Para-Alpine Ski Team, as well as WORCA and the Whistler Cycling Club.
This year's Wheel Up will follow the same route as in 2013, and finish up at Rainbow Park, where après will take place as riders arrive at the finish line.
The race will leave from outside the Whistler Brewing Company on Millar Creek Road in Function Junction. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with riders rolling off the start line at noon. Après will be ongoing at Rainbow Park until 6 p.m.
The entry fee is $25, and as usual, many excellent prizes will be up for grabs, including a 2014-15 Whistler Blackcomb season pass.
Race director Phil Chew has also put out a call for volunteers, particularly anyone interested in looking after event timing at the finish line. Those interested in donating their time to the event can contact Chew at 604-907-2110 for more information.
Visit www.worca.com for more details and a course map.
KIDZ MAKE UP CALLED-OFF RACE
The Phat Kidz race that was postponed from earlier this summer took place Aug. 26, giving dozens of young rippers a chance to test their skills on a course following B-Line and Ho Chi Min.
Sten Petersen was the lone rider to break the four-minute mark, finishing his race in three minutes, 59.97 seconds to top the 13-14 age group. Stirling Anderson finished second in the class at 4:00.61.
In the 11-12 age group, Finn Finestone set the fastest time, clocking in at 4:10.88. Rhys Higgins (4:17.38) and Tyler Wallace (4:20.42) rounded out the age group podium.
Drew Mozell was fastest among all riders in the 9-10 age group, reaching the line in 4:17.90. Riding into the runner-up spot was Jackson Goldstone (4:20.23), while Kenzo Okazaki (4:27.47) placed third.
Jonathan Mozell topped the 7-8 group with his time of 4:29.69, while Dylan Marino and Anthony Shelly finished in under five minutes to reach the top three.
Another Phat Kidz race is planned for Saturday, Sept. 6. See bike.whistlerblackcomb.com for more details.
