This weekend is one of the biggest for the local mountain biking community.
The Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association (FVMBA) is partnering with Cycling BC and the BC Enduro Series to bring the annual Vedder Mountain Bike Festival to Cultus Lake on Saturday and Sunday.
For years, the FVMBA has been hosting mountain bike races in the Fraser Valley, and participant numbers have been steadily growing. Last year’s Vedder Mountain Bike Festival attracted hundreds of race participants, including racers from as far as Switzerland.
Saturday is the Vedder Mountain Classic, a cross country race sanctioned by Cycling BC. The Vedder Mountain Classic first started in 1982 and ran until the mid-90s. At one point, it was once the longest-running mountain bike race in North America. It returned in 2016.
The Vedder Mountain Classic also has short (15 kilometres) and long (33 kilometres) course options. Over the years, the race has attracted competitors from all over North America, ranging in skill level from novice to Professional, including Olympic medalist Catharine Pendrel.
Last year’s full course race male winner was Ricky Federau from Chilliwack (2:09:05), while the women’s full course winner was Jayne Rossworm from Kamloops (2:44:32).
A kid’s race (for ages five to 12) will also take place on Saturday.
Sunday is the Fraser Valley section of the MEC BC Enduro Series. The race is part of the Canadian National Enduro Championship, North American Enduro Tour, and Enduro World Series Qualifier.
The festival will also include group rides, bike demos, prize giveaways, beverage gardens, local food vendor, after party, and other events for families, casual bike riders, and outdoor enthusiasts. The public is invited to come out to the bike festival and celebrate some of best trails in BC.
For more information about the festival, or to register for the races, go to fvmba.com.