Dust off your bikes, squeeze into some shorts and get geared up for the 麻豆社国产Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) annual racing season with Super Toonie Sunday on (April 4).
The day starts off with a 10:30 a.m. downhill race at the new Pseudo Tsuga trail on Garibaldi Park Road, and a cross-country race on a yet-to-be determined course starts at 2 p.m. followed by a social cross country ride at 2:30 p.m.
SORCA Toonie race director Ian Lowe said the racecourse finish line will likely be near Rockwell's Bar and Grill on Tantalus Road since that's the location of the first after party of the year.
The courses will likely be a bit easier since it's start of the season, taking about one hour and 15 minutes to complete, he said.
"The courses tend to get a little bit harder throughout the year."
Lowe said any rider who feels comfortable riding an intermediate trail and wants to get into racing should try a Toonie race.
"It's a great way to do your first mountain bike race and some people out there are very competitive and there are others out there just having a jolly old time."
With nearly 200 racers competing in last year's season starter, Lowe suggests cyclists arrive and register early.
Riders looking to compete in the downhill race can register as early as 10 a.m. while cross country riders can do so as early as 12:30 p.m. the day of the race.
Everyone must have a valid 2010 SORCA membership and there is no race day membership sign up. Riders must sign up beforehand online at www.sorca.ca, which costs $28 for adults, and complete the required insurance waivers, which costs $27, so Lowe recommends sorting all that out a few days prior to the Toonie race.
Each race costs - you guessed it - a Toonie and all of the proceeds help fund trail maintenance.
Downhill, cross country, social riders and their friends and family are invited to chow down and celebrate the race season launch at Rockwell's Bar and Grill.
District of 麻豆社国产Mayor Greg Gardner will be present at the after party to officially recognize the start of the season. And since the cross country Toonie race is part of the Callaghan Winter Sports Club (CWSC) pole and pedal weekend, Toonie race sponsor CWSC will also be on hand giving out awards. Sunday's (April 4) races are also sponsored by Corsa Cycles, Specialized Bikes and Save on Foods.
For up to date information on the 13-race Toonie season visit www.sorca.ca.
