May 22/08 10:50 am - Test of Metal News: Route Change for 2008

Posted by Editoress on 05/22/08
 

Test of Metal Route Change
Test of Metal press release

Test of Metal Makes Good Time Rock & Roll

Rock & Roll, the much-dreaded hike-a-bike in first half of The North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal, has been re-routed and made rideable according to Test organizer, Cliff Miller.

"There's some talk that it should be renamed Muzak, " Miller joked about the trail work done.

Miller said that the hike-a-bike has always been a concern for racers and organizers, and this year, Test of Metal, Inc., the not-for-profit that runs the Test, paid to build an alternate route that runs parallel and switches back to the top of the hike-a-bike.

"This year we're allowing riders to choose their route," Miller said. "The hike-a-bike and the ride will be open, but I think that most people want to stay on their bikes and will choose the riding route."

Miller said that determining which route is faster will be dependent on the rider.

Trail work continues on the course, and organizers are confident that the course will be in better shape than ever.

Miller also announced the return of the Ambassador Program for this year.

The Ambassadors are a group 10 or 12 local mountain-biking enthusiasts who ride the course and assist racers encountering difficulty

"These folks have all ridden the race and felt the pain. They will do almost anything to get a stranded rider back on the trail from fixing mechanicals to offering encouragement," Miller said.

Miller also said that many of the weekend fun elements are returning this year.

On Friday evening before he race, a family-oriented fun event is being resurrected down town this year sponsored by the Test of Metal .

The Lions are also back with their famous Sunday morning pancake breakfast at the ever-popular "Mini-Metal" hosted by Corsa Cycles at Hunter Square.

On Sunday, hundreds of spectators will line the granite slopes of Valleycliffe for the "Rock Star," an invitational downhill sponsored by Tantalus Bike Shop.

This is the 13th year the Test of Metal has run in Squamish in its long-course format.

The race, which is the most successful cross-country mountain bike in Canada, has sold out for the last 11 years.

Starting time for The Test of Metal will take place in Squamish is on Saturday June 13 at 11 am.