March 30/99 10:35 am - B.C. Race Cancellation, Ontario Trail Closure

Posted by Editor on 03/30/99
 

Wolfpack '99 International Mountain Bike Stage Race Cancelled
(courtesy G. Wong)

Ed. Note: We reported this last week, here is the official release.

Featured Squamish Test of Metal on tap for June 26th

VICTORIA, B.C. (Wednesday, March 31st) - The proposed WolfPack International Mountain Bike Stage Race has been canceled for 1999. The WolfPack concept included the popular Squamish Test of Metal race, which will go ahead as scheduled, Saturday, June 26th.

Plans had originally called for a five stage race, including the Test of Metal, a criterium leg in Squamish and three legs in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Following a five month development process, the decision was made to cancel the race due to insufficient financial support.

"Though the infrastructure and expertise were developing on schedule, the amount of financial support necessary to produce an event that is world class was not met by our sales efforts" said Roger Skillings, president of the PacificSport Group‚s National Sport Centre - Greater Victoria, home of the PacificSport National Cycling Centre. "We truly appreciate the support of our partners on the project, the Canadian Cycling Association, Cycling BC, and, in particular, the role played by the Squamish Test of Metal."

The Squamish Test of Metal was incorporated into WolfPack '99 as the feature stage to provide the best possible mountain biking experience for leading Canadian and international pros, and in an effort to accommodate the local event calendar.

With the cooperative efforts of the Canadian Cycling Association, Cycling BC, the PacificSport National Cycling Centre, the Squamish Test of Metal, the Comox Valley Cycle Club and PacificSport Group, preparations for WolfPack '99 have laid the groundwork for a more integrated approach to event planning for cycling in British Columbia in the future.

For further information, contact: Geoffrey Wong ph (250) 595-1865


Dundas Valley Trail Closure

The Dundas Valley trail system will be closed to cyclists and horseback riders for a brief period from March 22. This annual restriction is issued by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority to protect trails during the sensitive spring thaw period.

Trails remain open to hikers but they're reminded to use caution and remain within the boundaries of well-marked trails. The Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail is open to all users, regardless of weather conditions.

Limiting trail use briefly each spring is necessary to maintain the Dundas Valley's trails. It's at this time that frost comes out of the ground, making trails extremely soft. Under these conditions, bikes and horses can leave deep imprints that cause extensive damage to the trails. Additionally, excessive use along trails already loosened and sof-tened by rain and snowmelt poses significant erosion risks. This could potentially con-tribute to silt depositing in creeks flowing to Hamilton Harbour.
"The conservation area's trail integrity may be threatened because of the wet conditions. We're asking that trail users respect signs indicating trail conditions and closures," says Paul Piett, superintendent of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.

A committee of trail users and the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority have adopted etiquette guidelines for the Dundas Valley. Ecologist Bruce Duncan, the HRCA's liaison with the committee, urges visitors to call (905) 627-1233 or visit the HRCA web site at www.hamrca.on.ca for updates of trail conditions.