After a two-Toonie absence, it was good to join the throng at the top of Kadenwood, there to start the 12th Toonie race of the year, if only to observe them at the start.

It was Thursday (July 22) and the conditions for an excellent race were in place. Sunshine, a cool wind keeping the mozzies down and a classic racecourse would take the riders all the way from Kadenwood to the House Rock in the Interpretive Forest.

With about 121 riders plus stragglers showing up, we did slightly better than last year, but that ride up Kadenwood just to get to the start still seems to be a tad too much for some of our regulars.

As I mentioned the racecourse is a classic by now, taking the racers via the Microwave Tower Road to Lower Babylon by Bike and onto the See Colours and Puke trailhead. Some people like Puke; others hate it. Yes, it has sharp, loose corners and run-off ditches throughout, but on the other hand it’s downhill all the way, which makes it a great ride in my book.

Once down on the Cheakamus side, the ride went down the East Side Main Road all the way to the Farside trailhead. A ways into Farside, I have been reliably informed, dust clouds from previous riders made visibility hard to come by, which may be why one of our riders had an unplanned bike dismount on that trail about 100 metres before you get to the suspension bridge.

The rider in question broke several ribs, some in multiple places. The ambulance crew that attended suspected a flail chest, which is life threatening and calls for a helicopter evac without delay, which is what happened. Our rider was still in hospital when this story went to press but should be back home when you read this. Thanks to everybody who helped with getting our boy to hospital and by the way, if you run into an accident like that, do not hesitate; phone 911 right away. Our local first responders have been here and done that and they don’t mind if you’re rather safe then sorry!

The race, of course, went on with the vast majority of riders not aware of what had occurred until they got to the finish line. After the riders crossed the suspension bridge, a grind up the West Side Road took them all the way to Lucy in the Sky, after which it was downhill all the way via the Riverside Trail to the finish line at the House Rock. The actual distance you people rode that evening was 15 kilometres, just so you know.

Joanna Harrington did all 15K in 48 minutes, 34 seconds, while Fanny Paquette and Robin O’Neill did it in 50:36 and 54:57, respectively.

Ricky Federau rode the whole race in 41:24 while new Loonie rider Logan Metzel did it in 41:31, followed by Mike Vine in 41:46.

Last week’s race was sponsored and organized by Skiis and Biikes and Mike’s Garage, with some serious help from Whistler Brewing. The brewery had both Powder Mountain Lager as well as India Pale Ale on tap and here is the thing: You Loonie riders like lager better than pale ale. Who knew? asks the old time pale ale connoisseur.

Tonight’s (July 29) race will be the Fanatyk Co Westside ride. Be at the top of Alpine Way for the start and expect some Flank Trail and a Billy Epic descent for the evening. The après is going to be in the Rainbow Park events section.

Next week (Aug. 5) CERG/Brent Harley will show us their favorites in the Interpretive Forest. The après will be at Cascade in Function Junction.