On Saturday (June 4) at 11 a.m. dozens of riders will take a journey through Squamish's granite playground in Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls.
"It's a freeride extravaganza!" said Bryan Raiser, now in his fourth year of organizing the event.Raiser vehemently reminds anyone who will listen that the event is not, repeat, not a race. "The event's not about speed," he said, "It's about style."
Fueled by the love of the ride, Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls takes freeriders through four hours of trails in what Raiser calls the secret cherry of local riding. And to add to the enjoyment, two fresh fruit stands will be placed along the trails to replenish riders' energy.
Raiser credits trail builders, volunteers and sponsors for the event's success.
"The community support is unbelievable, I can't say enough about it."
He hasn't yet decided on the exact trail since wet weather detracts from certain areas, but the circuit will be close to last year's with a few new challenges.
Although not, repeat, not a race, participants will receive prizes from sponsors Mountain Equipment Co-op, local clothing company Gauge and local bike stores, as well as the satisfaction of consuming well-earned brews and pizza during the post-ride party at the Howe Sound Brew Pub.
Riders come from all over the corridor, Vancouver and Calgary with numbers growing annually.
"Those who like it, like it a lot," said Raiser. "Once they've done the event, they always come back."This year's challenge has been getting new die-hards on board, however, since riders now have to be members of local bike organization SORCA for insurance purposes. The membership boosts the cost to $100, which could sour some riders on the event. Something Raiser completely understands.
"Freeriders spend all their money on bikes," he said. "The insurance has been a huge challenge."
If any profit is made, the money goes to Search and Rescue and SORCA.
For more information on the location of the event, go to www.cynicalsunshine.com/ cynicalbvodpress_2005.html.
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