July 30, 2005 – It was a weekend marked with displays of stamina, strength, speed, finesse and a whole lot of gravity management. And it’s returning again this summer. For the second year, Cycling BC has chosen the Mountain Bike Park at Mount Washington Alpine Resort as the venue to host the SISU BC Cup Finals. Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th will see some of BC, Alberta and Washington State’s best riders converge on the 1588-meter mountain that is 30 minutes above the Pacific.

Locally dubbed The Island Throw Down, the SISU BC Cup Finals will not only test the mettle of cross-country and downhill riders but will also determine the season champions from the various categories that have been fought over around the province since May. On Saturday, August 27th, cross-country riders will vie to tame the very challenging racecourse that saw much of it turn into a rain-soaked mud slog last year. The circuitous route around much of the lower half of the mountain bike trails tax even the most experienced of riders and the look of utter exhaustion was apparent on many who crossed the finish line last year. Some tweaking of the route for this year will ensure that the racecourse remains one not to be underestimated. Sunday, August 28th marks the beginning of a daylong brutality session otherwise known as the Downhill.

Using much of the Monster Mile trail with some killer additions built by former World Cup rider Leon “May Day” May and the Mount Washington Trail Crew, the course is one that attempts to dominate the rider and the plethora of bent rims, flat tires and DNF’s (Did Not Finish) was attest to that. Biking super star Shaums March carrying his 25-kilo (+) Norco downhill bike across the finish line due to a flat tire shows just how serious this race is.

Looking to see the race up close and personal? Looking for some free riding before or after the race weekend? Join the Island Throw Down volunteers and you’ll be compensated for your time with some sweet free riding at the Mount Washington Bike Park this summer. Experience is not necessary, just a willingness to help put on an excellent event as well as an ability to work outdoors in an alpine environment. Check out the race website at www.bccupfinals.com and look for the Volunteer area.
For competitive mountain bikers looking to get involved with the BC Cup series, check out the link to Cycling BC from the race website. For more information on this or any of the programs that exist at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, surf to the resort website at www.mountwashington.ca

Needing a great adrenaline rush in a recreational vein? Check out the Mount Washington Mountain Bike Park, open seven days a week and it sports some amazing gravity-fuelled downhill and cross-country trails. The downhill trails are accessed by two lifts, the Eagle Quad and The Hawk High Speed 6ix Pak lift and the park is open until 8 pm during August. Bike and Rider Passes are $28 for a full day of riding and Season Passes go out the door for the low price of $189, both prices excluding taxes. Mount Washington is located 30 minutes above the Comox Valley and the Pacific. Take Exit 130 off of the Island Highway and drive the scenic Strathcona Parkway to the resort, 16 km up the highway.