It may have been titled Just Another Bike Race, but for the competitors who took to the road and trails around Quest University on Saturday (Aug. 21), it was an exceptional event.
A total of 147 riders weaved their way in and around the hills of Garibaldi Highlands, and in the end, it was Chilliwack resident Ricky Federau who had the honour of winning the inaugural event.
"I guess I have the new course record now," he laughed. "It was a great ride for me and the course was perfect today. Really great job by the organizers of this race."
Federau achieved his victory by taking an early lead and never relinquishing.
"I remember going up the first climb and I had a lot of energy," he said. "It seemed like no one was really taking control of the race, maybe they were giving me a little respect."
Federau posted a time of 2:02:47, finishing almost three minutes ahead of the second place racer, but it was no easy feat - the final stretch was a challenge, he said.
"I knew I had a pretty good lead but the last climb was pretty tough," he said. "I just kept telling myself that they have to go faster than me to catch me so I just wanted to try my best to maintain my lead, and I managed to do that."
Colin Kerr of Lions Bay placed second with a time of 2:05:03, edging out North Vancouver's Kevin Calhoun by 11 seconds.
Neal Kindree was the top local rider, as the Garibaldi Highlands native finished in fourth with a time of 2:09:21. Kindree was also the fastest non-pro racer of the day.
The top female was Melanie Bernier of Revelstoke who clocked in at 2:33:07. The top local female was Rua Read of Garibaldi Highlands who placed 72nd overall with a time of 2:49:36.
Local elite racer Kelly Servinski, who placed sixth, said he enjoyed the race.
"It was a great race today," he said. "I think the JABR will hopefully become a staple in the local circuit."
Race organizer Dwayne Kress said he was pleased with the debut edition of the JABR.
"I was taken aback at how well the whole thing went," he said. "A lot of credit should go to the volunteers who dove right into their roles and helped the race go smoothly."
Kress said a number of the riders spoke highly of the route the organizers plotted out.
"All the participants I talked to just loved the course," he said. "It's another feather in the cap for Squamish and the biking scene here."
He also confirmed that JABR will return next year.
"When I first brought the idea of this race forward, the idea was that Squamish could have one big race a month, and I think the JABR proved it can be done. I think everyone really came together for this race."
For full results on the JABR, visit http://testofmetal.com/pages/jabr.php.
