The fourth annual Orecrusher is getting ready to take over the trails of the Cheekye Fan, but this year there will be several new twists to the kickoff for the Hell of a Series bike races.
The race is now under the direction of Republic Bicycles' Armand Hurford, who said that the unlike past years, every participant will race the same number of laps. Racers will also start in a marathon style, on their bikes as opposed to the Le Mans style start of past years.
"I think it's going to be a good race this year," he said. "The trails are in amazing shape and I think the new changes will make this a better race."
Every racer will do three laps, with much longer loops than past years. Hurford said not only will the new format make it easier for participants to know who's leading but that it will also make for a more spectator-friendly event.
Last year more than 185 racers took part in the event, which helps raise money for the Don Ross Secondary School Outdoor Leadership Program. Hurford said that the Orecrusher is known for its speed and intense pace.
"It takes place mainly in trails and the speed can kind of be deceiving," he said. "You're not really dealing with the same kind of elevation you have to deal with in other races, but there's really not much rest. You need to work hard to keep your speed up but there aren't any really big climbs."
He added that the Orecrusher does have an important role in the Hell of a Series. Racers look at it as a stepping stone toward the Test of Metal.
"I suppose it kind of sets the tone for the season," he said. "The Test of Metal is the marquee event and the races before are almost kind of like a dress rehearsal for it."
Back in October, there was some concern that the Orecrusher may not return. Former race organizer Jim Douglas told The Chief that he needed help to put on the race that he helped create. Then Hurford stepped up to the plate.
"Cliff Miller approached me earlier this year to see if I would be interested in becoming the head delegator for the race," he said. "The Test of Metal group has assumed some responsibility for the race and I just wanted to do this for the love of the game. Jim has moved on to other things but he's been super helpful in the transition."
Hurford said he's not sure of the racer list but said he hopes to see local racers like Kelly Servinski, Neal Kindree and Lauren Rosser taking part in the event. He also said he would like to see Marty Lazarski of North Vancouver, the 2009 and 2010 Orecrusher elite male division champion, return to defend his title.
The race is set to hit the trails of the Cheekye Fan single-track trails of Brackendale on May 14 at 11 a.m.
For more information on the Orecrusher race, visit www.riderepublic.com or www.testofmetal.com/pages/orecrusher.php.
