The growl of revving engines may speak louder than words at the third annual Cat Scratch Fever Hare Scrambles dirt bike race Sunday, Sept. 30. With the proposed Garibaldi at Squamish golf and ski resort threatening trails around the Brohm Ridge area, organizers are gearing to sound an alarm by doing what they do best.
"This type of event shows that we are responsible members of the community and builds awareness for trail users," said Squamish Dirt Bike Association president Ed Alder. "We're definitely not willing to let go of the area."
Trail use conflicts that were resolved after extensive mapping and co-operation among user groups will be rekindled by the development's takeover of 50 km of dirt bike trails, and it'll spark fresh problems with new residents of the development, he said.
Alder said he not only wants to see a successful race, but also a strong gathering of representatives for an individual sport that isshort on management.
"We need a strong unified voice in the area, which is more difficult than other sports."
Alder said dirt bikers stand to lose the most from the looming Garibaldi at Squamish development because the nature of the sport requires a larger buffer zone from residents to avoid conflicting use and noise complaints.
The event is the final Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) coastal race of the season. And according to Alder, it's the toughest.
"The course is of the old school - definitely not a cakewalk. It's actually known as the most technical race course on the tour."Riders rip around a 15 to 20 km off road track, completing as many laps as they can over two or three hours.
At least 110 riders from around the province, Alberta, and Washington are expected to mount up at the start area near Brohm Ridge and Cat Lake. The race starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday Sept. 30, and registration is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. There is a $30 fee for sportsman riders and $40 fee for all other classes. Money raised will go to trail maintenance.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can contact Scott and Erin Ellis at 604-815-9091.
