12 Hours of Glenridge | Saturday, June 11th, 8 AM – 8 PM
With less than 3 weeks to go, Glenridge Acres is gearing up to host its premier event of the summer, the 12 Hours of Glenridge.
According to the organizer, Mike Rauch, “The 12 Hours of Glenridge is more like a bike festival than a bike race. In a team of 4, you are only on course for a total of 3 hours. The rest of the day is spent spectating, socializing.” Although the race can be done solo or in a 2-person team, the most common category is the 4-person team. There’s even a 5+ person category, ideal for corporate teams, family teams, or kid’s teams. “It’s a relay race to see which team completes the most laps in 12 hours. With lap times under 30 minutes, team strategies differ,” continues Rauch. “Some teams do multiple laps for each rider, allowing for longer breaks, while other teams prefer to blitz single laps as fast as they can. Stronger riders are allowed to do more laps…anything goes in terms of team strategy; it’s a totally open format”.
New this year, Glenridge has opened up registration for racers who don’t have a team. That way you can register as an individual, enter some information about yourself, and they’ll put together a team for you. “We had a lot of people ask for help putting teams together,” says Winsome Rauch, who helps behind the scenes. “This is a great way to meet other riders in a fun and relaxed format. There’s co-ed categories, kids categories, and of course some really competitive teams.”
Food is a big part of the day and Glenridge never disappoints. Included with race entry is the famous evening BBQ. “We’ll have two wood-pellet pig BBQs and a charcoal chicken BBQ, along with southern baked beans, coleslaw, buns and a veggie option,” according to Mike Rauch. “Riders get hungry and good food is key to the success of this event. We’ll also have the Taste of Heaven food truck providing delicious lunch food for purchase throughout the day. Camping is free, there’s music and lots to do for kids, families, and spectators. There will definitely be enough food for all who attend.” Beer sponsor Tinhouse Brewing will host the beer garden and is entering a 4-person team of their own. “This is a great way for us to participate in the community, share our love for bike racing, and contribute to the event,” says Tinhouse co-owner Phil Smith. “We recently sponsored a cyclocross event at Glenridge. The venue and views are amazing. We’re very excited to be part of the 12 Hours of Glenridge event. It’s going to be a great day.” Tinhouse will be serving up their recent Canadian Brewing Award-winning High Knoll Hazy IPA and will also be providing podium prizes for those participants who are of legal drinking age.
Giant Bicycles is the official bike sponsor for the 12 Hours of Glenridge, offering prizing and swag throughout the day. “Giant has been participating in the racing at Glenridge since the beginning. We’re really happy to have the 12-hour format back on the calendar and definitely would not miss this event,” reflects Steve Devantier, Marketing Manager of Giant Bicycles Canada. “The relay format is exciting because you get to race as well as spectate, all in the same event. Giant will be entering multiple teams and we encourage other bike brands to do the same.”
Glenridge Acres has been hosting weekly Throwdown Thursday races, kids camps, and most recently the BC Provincial Mountain Bike Championships this past long weekend. Nestled in the eastern forest of Glen Valley just 10 minutes from Fort Langley, the single-track course is suitable for all abilities from Pro-Elite to kids. The property is privately owned by organizer and racer Mike Rauch and the trails are available by invite only or for official events.
For more information or to register visit www.12hoursofglenridge.com