It is going to be the hottest Test of Metal ever - and that means the riders will need your help.
With the Environment Canada weather forecast calling for a high temperature of 31 degrees Saturday (June 19), race director Cliff Miller is concerned for the well being of the competitors in the 67-kilometre race, the highlight of the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival.
"They will need to be hydrated," Miller said. "We are trying to find ways to get more water on the course for the riders."
Organizers are looking for sprinkler systems that can take water out of streams along the course in the remote areas and put the water into a sprinkler. Riders can go under the water stream as they race by.
Traditionally, residents who live along the course set up sprinklers for the riders. Miller hopes that as many residents as possible will help keep the riders from over heating in the sun by offering streams of water that racers can pass through.
The temperature won't be a significant concern for the participants in the annual chariot races tonight (June 18). A lack of entries is forcing a downsizing of the races. The chariots will ride with the bikes in the Show and Shine.
See the official guide to the Squamish Mountain Bike Festival in today's Chief.
