Test of Metal

The Nesters Market Squamish Test of Metal cross-country mountain bike race is many things to many people. On paper it’s a 67-kilometre course with over 1,200 meters of climbing and 35 kilometers of single-track. Off paper it’s an unforgettable day for everyone involved from the organizers and volunteers, to the thousands of spectators and of course the riders. For those in the saddle it is in every way a test of mettle. The unrelenting course will take the fastest about 2 1/2 hours, the average competitor about 4 hours and the humans 5-6 hours.

But Test of Metal is more than a single event; it’s a festival with activities for everyone who’s looking for mountain bike-related fun.

More than 800 riders will participate in one of the most successful mountain bike events in Canada with the running of the 20th annual Nesters Market Test of Metal cross country mountain bike race. While waiting for racers to complete the course, spectators at the finish area at the Loggers Sports Grounds can take in the CrossFit Squamish Strength in Stone competition, along with the many vendors, food and beer garden.

The Mini Metal, on Sunday morning starting at the Squamish Adventure Centre, will give young riders a chance to race along the Loggers Creek trail system to Brennan Park, finishing at the SORCA Bike Skills Park. Pre-registration will be at Corsa Cycles in Squamish from June 1 to June 14. The race is designed for kids on run bikes up to 24-inch wheel bikes.

On Sunday afternoon, it’s the downhillers’ turn with the Rockstar Invitational down some of the gnarliest mountain bike terrain in Squamish.