Locals will again get a chance to snag an early spot in the 2012 Test of Metal when registration opens next Thursday (Dec. 1) at 6 p.m.
The registration, which is open to residents of the area from Furry Creek to D'Arcy, will close Dec. 5 at midnight or when all 200 reserved spaces are filled. Last year, the locals-registration sold out in less than two hours.
"This is one of the changes we made that worked really well," said race director Cliff Miller. "We try to ensure that there is good local participation in the race each year, and this registration process certainly helped that."
Registrants must provide the appropriate proof of residency - a B.C. driver's licence or ID card as well as a secondary piece of identification - in person (between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.) at Connections, 37710 Second Ave., or by fax at (604) 892-3380 by Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.
Local riders who are not successful at this registration period still have the opportunity to register at the general registration on Jan. 1, 2012.
Miller said that the Test of Metal will continue with its no-waitlist policy. Registrations will only be accepted online through the Test of Metal website at www.testofmetal.com.
The Test of Metal, the most successful cross-country mountain bike race in Canada, has sold out every year for the past 15 years.
Test of Metal Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation run by volunteers, and proceeds from the race are returned to the community through charitable donations. Since its inception, the Test of Metal has donated more than $150,000 to community organizations and events.
For more information on the race, visit www.testofmetal.com.
