On Sunday, June 12 the Williams Lake Cycling Club will be hosting the fourth annual Pedal by the Puddle mountain biking event.
Once again, more than 100 riders of all abilities, from all parts of the province will take part in the club’s “Enduro” format event, which takes place over six hours on a 10-kilometre loop course which starts and finishes at the same location.
The object is to complete the greatest number of laps before the end of the event. There is a solo category for the hardcore riders, but most people will do it as a team of two riders. Only one member of the team is on the course at any one time. In other words it’s a relay and you take turns riding.
The course is on South Lakeside on some of the best of Williams Lake’s famous singletrack. For those familiar with our trails, the route includes sections of Rotnee, Twizzler, Cabin Loop, the South Lakeside Ridge, Moose Drops, the old Gun-A-Noot downhill, Guiness, and Leppard Spots.
Last year the event’s overall entries increased to 157. New this year is a change in the climb portion of the course: you now climb up Guiness and Leppard Spots instead of Moose Drops, making the climb more gradual and broken up.
Again this year is the Mini-Pedal by the Puddle kids event for all ages and abilities. This will be a short, easy event with the emphasis on participation and fun.
The event is open to anybody of any age who wants to enter; however, some degree of experience riding mountain bike trails is necessary for you to enjoy the course safely.
There are no jumps, apparatus or drop-offs, but some sections are somewhat technical and steep. The course map is posted on the event website and the course is already marked with race logo signs, so if you’re not sure check out the map and head out for a test ride.
There is no rule against walking a difficult section if you want to play it safe.
The aim of the Enduro format is to encourage the participation of as wide as possible a range of rider experience and abilities, especially riders who may have never raced before but are looking to challenge themselves in a non-intimidating environment. Each year the event has had more than 20 riders who had never been in any kind of organized cycling event before, and all had a good time.
The goal for the day is for everyone to have a good ride, challenge themselves, and have fun. For detailed information on how the format works, and why it is a great experience for all levels of riders, visit www.pedalbythepuddle.com.
Once again, net proceeds from the race will be donated to local charities.
The WLCC is also looking for volunteers for the event, which help make everything possible and enjoyable. There are a number of social and fun volunteer jobs available, and no experience is required. To volunteer contact Scotty at 250-392-5177 or e-mail barkingspidermtb@hotmail.com.
Event organizers note the timing system for the race is complicated so riders need to be entered ahead of time. No race entries will be accepted on the day of the race or after the deadline. Deadline for entries is Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
Start time is 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 12. Riders are asked to be there by 8:30 a.m. to register, get set up and receive final instructions.
For more information, including a video of parts of the course, the course map, and online entry, go to the event website www.pedalbythepuddle.com.
