events for new to pro level riders.
Events have been a part of SORCA’s DNA for almost 30 years. Originally called ‘Loonie’ races, with a dozen or so enthusiastic riders challenging the best of Squamish’s trail network and reconvening in a backyard for a refreshing beverage and BBQ, these events have grown exponentially in popularity and diversity. Find out more about our offering and event details, below.
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We need Trail Marshals, Timers, Sweeps, and Registration support. No experience necessary!
The positions available include:
Marshal: Giving directions to racers and a heads up to non-racers that a race is happening. Being an emergency communication liaison and cheering on riders.
Timer: Setting up and monitoring timing equipment. Cheering on riders.
Sweeps: Ride behind the racers to ensure everyone has cleared the trail safely.
Registration: Check in riders as they arrive for the event and hand out timing devices.
Positions will be finalized 3 days before the event, and an email with meet-up instructions will be provided.
On the event day, there will be an orientation for all new volunteers to ensure you have the knowledge and direction needed to succeed.
Didn't get into the race with all of your friends? No problem, you will see them at the apres! All volunteers will receive a free ticket to the apres.
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Today, SORCA offers XC and Endur open to all members and Social rides for new to pro-level riders. Additionally, SORCA offers a broad spectrum of special events. SORCA’s events do not end when you cross the line. Thanks to the admirable support of the local business community, your $5 is stretched even further as your event Apres hosts have a dinner and social event waiting for you. Kick back and banter over some tasty food and beverage. These are a highlight on your summer schedule for sure!
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The Social rides are a logical gateway into our events as you can literally ride at your own pace on one of 4-5 pre-determined routes (varying from our introductory ‘chill’ routes all the way to our ‘thrill’ routes).
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Our timed Cinco XC and Enduro community races are as competitive as you want to make them. If you want to take it easy, there are many other riders just out to enjoy the camaraderie, yet if you want to try and win, you will find plenty of competition.
Social rides
The Social rides are a logical gateway into our events as you can literally ride at your own pace on one of 4-5 pre-determined routes (varying from our introductory ‘chill’ routes all the way to our ‘thrill’ routes).
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So you want to attend a SORCA social ride but you aren’t sure about how to navigate riding with a big group of mountain bikers? We have you covered!
Things to remember:
This ride is supposed to be FUN and is NOT a race!
This is a great opportunity to chat with other riders and ride new trails
Your position in the pack is NOT a reflection of your riding ability!
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Before the ride:
Look up the trail plan on trailforks. If you haven’t ridden these trails before, make sure you know where you are going and what the route is. Should you get separated from the group, it is important to know how to get to where you need to be
Make sure you have registered for the social through the SORCA website
Equipment check: helmet, glasses, pads, bike shoes, functioning bike, snacks, water, first aid, extra clothing.
Ride start:
All rides start at a common meeting point at a certain time. If you want to make sure you are in the right pack going to the right trails, show up at least 10 min early so you have time to figure out what group you are in. This is also a good time to strike up conversation with other SORCA members. Start to get to know eachother!
The ride will leave in a large group and will naturally filter out faster to slower riders. Again, your position in the pack isn’t a reflection of your riding ability but rather how you want to ride that day and who you want to ride with. It’s supposed to be fun so make sure you go at a comfortable pace!
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Take breaks when you need to. If you are stopping on a climb trail to walk or take a break, let the riders behind you know and find a place off to the side to stop so you don’t hold up the whole group if others want to keep riding.
Drink water and eat your snacks as needed. Its not a race, so if you need some fuel- get into it
Riding at a pace where you can chat is common, if you want to go faster or pass, politely let the riders ahead of you know and give them some time to find a safe spot to pull over. Please see our riding communication etiquette for more information
Give riders in front of you space on the descent. No need to drop in right behind someone (unless you are friends) Give a bit of space so if a rider stops at a feature, you have enough time to respond safely and appropriately.
If you are stopping for a feature, let the rider behind you know so they can slow down safely.
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The original race series. A mass start to finish race on intermediate-level trails. These races will get your heart pumping, while you jockey for position. Don’t worry it’s not that serious, unless you bring your spandex. This is a great option to get in shape for longer XC races, or use it as a motivator to get fit with your friends!
45-90 minutes of mass start to finish racing
Intermediate trails
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The new kid on the block. Although we have held some one-off enduro-style events in the past, 2022 was our first year incorporating the Enduro into our full events roster. These races follow typical enduro racing parameters, for our weekly races we have 2-3 descent stages with liaisons/climbs required between.
2-3 timed descent stages – with non-timed liaison/climb segments between.
Intermediate and advanced trails
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It’s important to remember that our community races are all about building the mountain biking community and not about winning. Whether racing your first XC or Enduro Cinco or taking a break from the world cup calendar, there are things to know about what to do when passing or passing other riders on the course that will make for a safer riding experience for everyone. For riders new to racing this may be largely new information, for seasoned racers, this may be a refresher. Check out our intro race etiquette pamphlet!
