Sooke is gearing up for the return of the Island Cup Enduro Series this weekend, following the successful launch last spring that saw 200 cyclists descend upon the region for one of B.C.’s latest mountain bike races.
The Sooke Bike Club sponsors the April 21 event, which is one of six races in the series taking place on Vancouver Island. It will occur Sunday at Sea to Sea Regional Park.
Enduro races typically feature three to six timed stages, which are primarily downhill but can vary in difficulty depending on the location.
“It’s definitely an adrenaline sport and very challenging,” said event director Nicole Hoyer.
This weekend’s race will incorporate five trails: Arbutus (Airflow), Manzanita (K2), Bracken (Three Bears), Stonecrop 2 and 3 (GT 1 and 2), and Brule (Zigzag). Racers will compete in various categories, ranging from expert to youth, with some reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h
“The Enduro series is competitive, but it’s also welcoming to participants of all skill levels,” Hoyer said. “We have expert racers, but many people come out simply to enjoy the experience.”
Mountain bike trails will be closed to the public from 11 a.m. until the race concludes around 3 p.m. The remaining trails will be accessible throughout the event.
Organizers will have tents set up on the right side of the parking lot, with the remaining space available for public use. Spectators are encouraged to stay on designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation.
Following the race, participants and spectators can gather at Sooke Oceanside Brewery for the awards ceremony and post-event celebrations.
A portion of the registration fees for the race goes toward maintaining the trail to ensure it is well-preserved for future riders.
The Sooke Bike Club is also seeking new board members. Those interested can find more information on the club’s social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.
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