Mountain biking life here in 蜜桃视频appis pretty sweet and sometimes we take a lot for granted no vehicle necessary access to world-class mountain biking trails, a six-race series right in our corridor, three amazing bike shops and an army of volunteers keen to build trails and make great events happen.
However, when an event such as the world-renowned Test of Metal happens and nearly 1,000 competitors pour in from various corners of the globe, 蜜桃视频appresidents are reminded just how lucky they are.
Competing in the Test of Metal for the third time and coming all the way from Honolulu to do so is Mike Taratko, who aims to celebrate both his third Test finish and his 39th birthday on Saturday (June 18).
"I'm really excited to be heading back to 蜜桃视频appand can't wait to race," he said.
"It's definitely worth the trip - if I would recommend heading anywhere for a race, the Test is one of my top picks."
Taratko, who grew up in New York, moved to Tokyo when he was 25 and met Vancouverite and avid mountain biker Danny Soda, who was also living and working in Tokyo.
"We used to ride all the trails in the Tokyo area together and took part in a number of races as well," he said.
Years later, when Soda had moved back to Vancouver and Taratko was still in Japan, he received a surprise invitation from Soda.
"He [Soda] was the one who saidl, 'Hey, there's this race up in Squamish, it's epic and it's one we need to do,'" said Taratko.
So in 2003 Taratko traveled more than 7,000 kilometres to compete in his inaugural Test of Metal race, and he said he owes it all to Soda.
"I have to thank my good friend and host Danny Soda for introducing me to the race," he said. "Really, without him, I wouldn't have ever been able to make one time, let alone three."
The Test has been one of Taratko's favourites ever since.
"The race itself is like the four seasons of mountain biking - the variation of the course is incredible," he said. "You've got your super climbs, your sprint start, the plunge which is incredible downhill, skinnys and all that good stuff.
"You have to be a really good all-around rider. If you're just a downhiller you'll do great on the downhill parts, but there's a massive climb to get there."
Taratko said the event's organization is also well above the norm.
"The organizers do an awesome job," he said. "I've been to a lot of races. We used to race a lot in Japan and the organization they put on is incredible - the support and the parties before and everything is really good."
Taratko moved to Honolulu shortly afterwards and returned to the race the Test of Metal in 2008. He's thrilled to race again but said the reason behind the trip is really "all about getting together with my mountain biking friends and facing the challenge."
He's been gearing up for the race by riding the steep, technical terrain that dominates the mountain biking in the Honolulu area, and spent last weekend riding the North Shore of Oahu on Saturday.
"It was downpouring and muddy, but it was a good pre-test before the real Test," he said.
"Hopefully I'll finish and do well - but no matter what, I've no doubt it will be a good time."
