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North Shore Bikefest 2009: The Resurrection

By Paul Sales

Photo by Joe Sales

Two hundred anxious racers, ready for the resurrection.

Mountain bike racing on the North Shore has not happened since I was too young to remember, but thanks to a group of incredibly dedicated individuals, much to the delight of local racers, racing returned to the Shore this spring through an event aptly named North Shore Bike Fest: The Resurrection. Cycling BC sanctioned two events, a marathon and a downhill race. The races were held May 23 and 24, respectively. In addition, there were several festival-type events all based out of the Inter River Bike Park near the base of Mt. Seymour.

The festival spanned three fun-packed days and incorporated many activities for cyclists of all ages including races on a portable wooden pumptrack, and a barbecue for nutritional needs. BC Bike Race, one of the event sponsors, also lent a hand and brought their inflatable tents to help participants stay out of the sun.

Photo by Joe Sales

Mass start.

As soon as I saw the races on the calendar I registered for the marathon and the downhill. Both events filled quickly to the maximum 200-rider field limit set by the race promoters, who wanted to ensure that the new event ran smoothly for this inaugural edition. Many people didn’t register soon enough and missed out, this wasn’t just a beginner’s mistake though, even ex-world cup racer Andrew Shandro managed to miss entering the DH. Better sign up a bit earlier next year.

Photo by Joe Sales

Gaining elevation.

The Opus Bikes Double Crosser Cyclocross kicked off the weekend on Friday evening at the Inter River Bike Park. Clearly not in cyclocross season, they chose to mix it up and use the BMX track. It was also decided that instead of the traditional hour-long, mass start race, the event format would be much more like a dual slalom with two racers competing in one-lap heats. Races were very close with times around 40 seconds. Beers were available and it turned out to be a great way to start off the weekend, not exactly customary, but it was won on a cyclocross bike and it sure was fun, so it must have been cyclocross.

I was really impressed with the way the organizers laid out the courses. I never felt unsure of which way to go during the cross-country race and from my experience that isn’t to be taken for granted. I think everyone agreed that they made excellent use of the trails considering all that is available in the area. As for the downhill, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin was a no-brainer with multiple line choice options, and overall it’s one of the most flowing trails on the mountain.

Photo by Joe Sales

Teamwork suffering.

The marathon was in memory of Richard Juryn, an avid mountain bike advocate and trail builder and the key personality in organizing the original Bike Fest many years ago. I was impressed by the amount of effort organizers put into the event. The races were very well coordinated with volunteers at all the intersections. Additionally, the feed stations were well equipped. The race began with a neutral start up Seymour Demonstration Forest Pathway and quickly led into some of the most challenging cross-country trails around. The course climbed up 900 meters on trails such as Bridal Path, Baden Powel, and Old Buck, and then dropped us into Severed, a trail mostly frequented by freeride bikes. From there things didn’t get any easier, as a hike-a-bike section, a couple more climbs and a high speed descent spit us out at the festival area for the finish. The whole ordeal clocked in at 40 kilometers and took the average rider (i.e. me) about two and a half hours to complete.

Photo by Joe Sales

Strong woman.

The Smackdown downhill was a provincially sanctioned BC Cup race and the course, although unorthodox, turned out to be a blast. The race covered most of Ned’s without any climbing, as it worked its way down Seymour. Ned’s is a quintessential North Shore trail with nearly continuous cobblestone-style terrain. Throw in a drop and a gap jump and you have yourself a nice little race course. The timing system was spot-on and thanks to the help of volunteers I don’t think anyone’s time got mixed up. The course was unusually short and created some grumbling among the downhill race community before the event, but registration still filled up weeks in advance. The world-renowned characteristics of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, with its tight corners and numerous features, kept the racing tight and fun. BC legend Tyler Morland set the fastest time of just over two minutes forty seconds. Unfortunately the race took place far from the festival area so I didn’t get to spend any time on the pumptrack or doing any of the other Sunday activities.

Moments before the drop-in with Bicycle Paper's own Claire Bonin officiating.

The Festival was a great hit with strong attendance at both the races and at the awards presentations, which were handed out each night at the festival area. Special prizes were awarded on the last night to competitors that participated in all three races. There was tons of swag to be won with great sponsors like Obsession Bikes, BC Bike Race and Lezyne. Overall the event was a huge success and the organizers made sure that there was something for everyone — from hardcore racers to families and kids — out for a weekend of mountain biking. I know I had a great time and I’m sure I will be there next year.

Photo by Joe Sales

Ned's Atomic Dustbin offered a great challenge to all.

Son of Joe Sales, our regular Up North columnist, Paul is 17 years old. His first race was at Mammoth Mountain at age two. He raced in one of the kid’s events sponsored by Shimano and finished dead last, but he was so far behind the other kids that he still thinks he won that race. Paul now competes in ‘cross, cross-country and downhill races.