With Kim Myers, WORCA’s intrepid board of directors secretary, assuring me that there would definitely probably be at least 200 riders to take part, it looked like the SRAM/The Lift Toonie race was off to a good start. It was Thursday (Aug. 12) and this was the Crankworx Toonie

With the Village and specifically Skiers Plaza filled to the brim with a dynamic Crankworx crowd, just getting your bike from the sign-up table in front of The Lift to the race start at the bottom of Haulback was an achievement. I must say that being temporarily sidelined from riding Toonie races was not too much of a bummer for me when I observed the throng riding up Haulback, especially knowing what was to come. Haulback looked hot and dusty and while the front runners were halfway up trying to beat the other guy to the lead further down, a lot of riders became hike-a-bikers, and this was just the beginning.

For the past few years, SRAM has been handing out a goodie for the winners of the Cruiser Prime (pronounced “preem”) and Mattt Ryan was definitely going for it again this year. Leaving absolutely nothing in reserve, Matt rode up that hill like he was riding the Valley Trail and of course, he had to pay the price later on.

Whereas in the past riders had to grind up the skier’s right side of the halfpipe, this year saw a change to the course, with riders being sent to the Cheese Rolling course at the bottom of Cruiser. I don’t know if that made things easier or harder, but it did mean that all of the climb would be done on grassy slopes this year. Talking to Tony Routley, who has a bit of experience riding different racecourses, he assured me that he was not complaining but that this course was heinous and horrible. However, it was the set course, so you did it and that was that.

As I mentioned, Ryan used up all his reserves trying to win the prime, which he did, winning a complete SRAM drive train in the process. Brandi Heisterman won the prime for the ladies, scoring a RockShox fork. Brandi also the won the regular race while Mike Vine won that one for the guys. Mathew Wenzel was the winning junior this time around. The Lift put on an awesome après with mini burgers and an impressive lineup at the dessert table and hey guys, not to worry — I like my beer with some foam on top. That’s how they serve it in civilized beer-drinking countries.

Tonight’s (Aug. 19) race is sponsored by the Royal Bank and Gone Bakery. Mandatory Suicide will be part of this race and it will all start at the top of Alpine Way. The après will be held at the Rainbow parking lot.

Next week (Aug. 26) the 17th Toonie of the season will see Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), Fineline and Scandinave Spa take us from the Wedge parking to the WCSS offices in Spruce Grove. Two guesses as to how we’re going to get from Wedge to Spruce.