The race dubbed the King of the Classics and the Celebration of Pain is offering something new for those who like only small amounts of pain with their pleasure.
The Cheakamus Challenge mountain bike race is offering its traditional hardcore race and a shorter version on Saturday (Sept. 24) so there's something for everyone.
The corridor classic has a long history in existence for more than 24 years. If you ask Grant Lamont, race director, the event is completely original and the first of its kind.
Lamont decided it was time for the Cheakamus Challenge to evolve. As a result, the Cheakamus Lite course was unveiled, giving mere mortals a chance to participate. The "lite" version is 40 kilometres but features a taste of tough and challenging sections.
The Cheakamus Lite starts at the Whistler Bungee site in Cal-Cheak at noon and finishes at Dusty's in Creekside.
This year, the Cheakamus Challenge ends in Creekside rather than Whistler Village. Lamont said the change allows the use of a better trail and the addition a new single-track section through the demonstration forest. Dusty's is also offering participants two drinks and dinner for $5.
"It is going to be an unbelievable place to stop. Instead of being one star in the village, we will be a bright light in a barn," Lamont said.
The challenge lures new and old faces to redefine cross-country racing. Founded by the late Doris Burma as "See Colours and Puke," the Cheakamus Challenge continues to live up to its former name. Recent course changes ensure that riders are pushed to nauseating limits.
With more than 2,000 metres of vertical gain, about 8 kilometres of new singletrack have added to the constant evolution. According to the Cheakamus Challenge website, the new section is 500 metres up from the exit of TRASH and climbs 300 metres on the Ridge Trail. From this point, it is down past Loggers' Lake and up the Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds Trail (Riverside) to the Black Tusk access road.
Riders then cruise down the road to Riverside Trail, down to the landfill/Olympic athletes' village bridge, turn 180 degrees up Far Side to the High Trail then up the Microwave Climb, and down Tunnel Vision. Riders then climb the Kadenwood switchbacks and then proceed down Big Timber to the finish at Dusty's.
To capture every cringe, wipeout and tear, a camera crew from RIDE GUYS will cover the event. They are doing a special on the Cheakamus Challenge, which will be shown on the Outdoor Life Network and Global three or four times throughout the winter.
"It is really good publicity for the event," said Lamont.
To keep things technological, a riders' show is starting this year. Lamont has hired three on-course photographers to take photos along the course. The goal is to gather 2,000 to 3,000 images for a slide show after the race. The awards presentation starts at 5 p.m. and $10,000 in prizes and cash will be doled out.
"We've also hooked up with Cops for Cancer this year and $2 from every race entry is going to the charity. So many of my friends who help out with the race are cancer survivors, so it made a lot of sense to get involved," Lamont said.
For more information check out www.cheakamuschallenge.ca.
