May 4/06 8:17 am - Test of Metal Announces Course Changes

Posted by Editoress on 05/4/06
 

Test of Metal Course Changes to Improve Race
Courtesy Paul Demers

Never content to rest on its past success, the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal is undergoing some course changes for this year's event.

"We're always trying to make this a better event for the racers," said race director, Cliff Miller, in explaining the changes. "We listen to feedback from the racers and tweak the course where we can."

The changes this year take about 2 km of road riding out of the race and replace it with mostly single-track and double-track riding.

"Mountain-bikers want to ride off-road," said Miller, "and we want our road sections only to spread out the riders and link the trails."

This year, racers will exit "Roller Coaster", cross Perth Drive and continue on "Lumber Jacks." They will then climb Pia Drive back to Perth. At the Boulevard, riders will head east over the new bridge that links the Highlands to university lands and will then follow the double-track route that skirts the west side of the university lands and exits at the "Carpenter's Son's Bridge."

"The course will also include Loggers Creek Trail rather than the road to the finish line," Miller continued.

Another change this year brings the Teen Test back into the fold. The Teen Test, which was cancelled last year for logistical reasons, will take place the week before the Test of Metal, on June 10, 2006.

"We've moved the race ahead a week, and we've moved the site of the race to Brackendale," said Teen Test race director, Jim Douglas. "The course we've designed will be challenging, but a lot more fun for the kids racing it."

The date of the race was moved to avoid previous conflicts with the big race.

"Having it the week before allows us to give the kids the attention they deserve," said Douglas.

The Teen Test is open to any rider from 12 to 17 years of age. Registration is limited to 250 racers. Maps for both the NSCU Test of Metal and the Teen Test will soon be available at www.testofmetal.com.