Participation at this Sunday’s Fifth Annual Pedal by the Puddle enduro-format mountain bike race looks like it’s increasing again.
Organizer Ivor McMahen said so far 81 people have registered for the race — up 11 riders from last year at the same time.
“We’re ahead of last year which is nice,” McMahen said, noting participation has increased each year the race has been held. “Last year we had 137 total and typically most of the entries pour in the last few days.”
The race, wildly popular among not just locals, but also out-of-towners, situates itself on some of South Lakeside’s famous singletrack including sections of Rotnee, Twizzler, Cabin Loop, the South Lakeside Ridge, Moose Drops and the old Gun-A-Noot downhill, Guiness and Leppard Spots.
The objective is to complete the greatest number of laps as an individual, or as part of a team of two in six hours.
The Pedal by the Puddle also features a Micro Pedal by the Puddle for youngsters, along with a 1.4-kilometre Mini Pedal by the Puddle for kids a bit older.
McMahen said it’s nice to see more youth getting involved with this style of racing.
“We are seeing a slow but steady increase in the number of under-20 participants in the main event which is good to see,” he said. “Traditionally that age group tends to do the shuttle-type riding ... but some of the more competitive riders in that age group have discovered if they can improve their cardiovascular fitness their downhill performance actually improves.”
Scott Bicycles will be on hand demoing bikes for participants to test out around the course, and Kamloops’ legendary freerider Brett Tippie will be MCing the event.
In addition, for riders exhausted from multiple laps around the course, Satya Yoga Studio will be providing a warm-up session and recovery yoga throughout the day.
McMahen cautioned participants to get their registrations in early to avoid any problems.
“It really is a fantastic setup,” he said. “It’s in the middle of some really great trails that are very suitable for this type of event.”
The race kicks off at 10 a.m., but riders are asked to arrive by around 8:30 a.m. to take part in pre-race activities. Sign-in closes at 9:15 a.m.
For more information, and for registration packages, visit www.pedalbythepuddle.com.