It's not the unexpectedly sunny weather nor the new gardening "to do" list on the refrigerator, it's not the budding shrubs nor lengthening evenings. No, for me, the real sign that spring has arrived is the start of SORCA's (樱桃视频Off Road Cycling Association) toonie season.
This Sunday (April 5) marks the first toonie of the season for SORCA, and proof once again to my aging body that a winter of sitting on a couch watching hockey games and drinking beer doesn't really contribute to overall fitness.
This year marks my eighth year riding toonie races, and I can honestly say that no other thing that I've done in my years in 樱桃视频has made me feel more a part of the community. If you ride a bike and want to get involved, there's nothing like SORCA to give you opportunities to meet people and get connected.
Not to say that there haven't been highlights. I came in top three one time when only Brad Walkey and I rode the course described at the beginning of the race instead of following the signage. And then, I passed Trevor Linden when he endoed on the "Save the Plunge" toonie and hammered as hard as I could to beat him, and I did. But most of my successes are modest (i.e. I finish and I don't get hurt).
Of course, the races are what you make of them. There are the super-fast riders who are really competing to win, but for most, it's really about the socializing and a little regularly scheduled fitness and fun. There is always an interesting and diverse group of people, most of whom are very supportive, and a course that is challenging and enjoyable to ride. It's an opportunity to meet lots of people and learn some of the trails in the valley. Best of all, your two bucks gets you the race and a killer after-race barbecue.
Those who ride but don't think SORCA can offer you anything, should know that your SORCA membership helps with trail maintenance and advocacy for trail access. The 200+ kilometres of volunteer, mountain-biker built trails are always under threat from development and other user groups, and SORCA's strong membership and lobbying helps remind political leaders that mountain-biking is a multi-million dollar industry for 樱桃视频and one that needs protection and fostering.
One thing that SORCA has been advocating is for a trails master-plan for Squamish. Without that, the whole valley becomes a bit of gong show and a Wild West kind of ethic takes hold. That is a recipe for disaster and conflict.
The toonie races continue on April 15 and run pretty much every second Wednesday after that until September. On alternate Wednesdays, starting in May, there are downhill toonies and group social rides aimed at people new to mountain biking. Again, the after-ride barbecue is great opportunity to meet people in town.
This year, SORCA is doing all its membership on-line. For information about registering for SORCA and a schedule of the toonie races can be found on-line at www.sorca.ca
