May 13/09 12:09 pm - Event Filled Weekend Planned for the Test of Metal

Posted by Editoress on 05/13/09
 

Another full weekend of fat-tire fun is assured for this year's North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal weekend on June 19th to 21st.

In addition to Saturday's marquee event-the 14th annual North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal -there are activities organized to keep everyone entertained throughout the weekend.

“We're planning to hold a number of event to complement the race,” said Test of Metal race director, Cliff Miller. “There will be some of the things that visitors have come to expect, plus we'll be sure to keep some surprises too.”

The weekend's events kick off on Friday afternoon at 2:30pm with the Republic Bicycle sponsored Show and Shine Cruiser Ride starting at the Brackendale Bistro and winding to downtown.

Downtown Squamish will be the place to be Friday evening with the return of the “Pre-Test Festival.” Beginning at 6 pm events offers opportunity for people of all ages to participate in bike-friendly activities.

“We're inviting families to come downtown with their bikes and participate in a bunch of fun, family friendly-activities,” said Pre-Test organizer Sheila Cassels.

This year will see the return of “funny-bike race” and the always popular bike-poker. New for this year is the “Velcro Olympics.” Musical entertainment will be provided by Squamish bands, Dead Heathers and Jamatonics.

Cassels said that although all ages are welcome to participate, waivers will have to be signed for some activities and participants under 18 will need a parent to sign, so she encourages parents to come to the event with their children.

All events are free of charge, and coupons for 25% off for local business for Friday and Saturday will be given for anyone who registers for an event.

"This was great family evening last year, and this year will be even better,” Cassels said. “Ride together downtown. Grab some food at one of the local restaurants. Have a coffee or some gelato and spend the evening playing on your bikes.”

The Howe Sound Inn will host the Pre-Test Carb Load with a discounted pasta menu from 6 to 9 for anyone looking to up the calorie intake before the big race. Following that, the official pre-party for the Test of Metal, featuring DJ's Riddim Fernandez and Sheila, is being held in the pub at the Howe Sound Inn   

After Saturday's big race, head to Station Square Mall on Sunday morning for a Lion's Club pancake breakfast feed and the always zany Mini-Test sponsored by Corsa Cycles.

Later on Sunday, the Tantalus Bike Shop sponsored “Rock Star” invitational downhill competition pits some of Squamish's best downhillers for supremacy on the granite in Valleycliffe starting at 1pm.    

The Pre-Test kicks off the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival which is highlighted by the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal at 11 am on Saturday, June 20th.

Complete information about the Pre-Test and the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival can be found at testofmetal.com.

Press release