The seventh annual Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls (BVOD) is set to tour armoured mountain bikers through a maze of granite gems around the Valleycliffe area on Saturday (May 31).The SORCA group ride guides freeriders up and down five peaks that are only accessible by taking on a number of hike-a-bikes and knowing the area well. After sweating out the hauls, participants reward themselves with technical trails marked by righteous rock slabs.The expected 40 to 50 riders are encouraged to find the right balance between fear and fun along the four-hour ride, said organizer Bryan Raiser."The official line is the easy line and riders are encouraged to know their limits and play within them," said Raiser."There are big slabs and fun stuff which people are more than welcome to do, it's just that I can't encourage them - well, I certainly don't dare them like I used to do."Originally, the BVOD featured about five "nutty triple dog dare" sections where riders were judged for their style. However, the niche ride has evolved into more of a go-at-your-own-pace tour where locals and out-of-towners can experience the free in Valleycliffe's signatures rides like 5 Point, Meet Your Maker, Cougar Ridge, Pipetrail and Labour of Love."The event has evolved but the core good time with good people and trails have remained," said Raiser.Freeriders still use BVOD to challenge themselves on intimidating sections. Sometimes nothing prompts a rider down a near vertical rock slab quicker than seeing a buddy do it. "What's really good is a lot of people go in it a little scared, but you've got a bunch of friends and you see somebody do it and you think 'okay, if they can do it I can do it.'"The refreshing fruit booth is back by popular demand, where bikers can refuel on fresh melons, Gatorade and compare scrapes and conquered demons from the sweet first half.BVOD ends with a post-ride party at the Howe Sound Brew Pub. Minors are welcome and there will be food and beverage specials and mountains of great prizes and praise from sponsors. Traditionally, all participants leave with about $100 worth of prizes, said Raiser. BVOD is open to members of SORCA and any other Grass Roots Mountain Bike Association (GRMBA) affiliated club. Advance registration costs $25 at Tantalus Bike Shop and Corsa Cycles, or $35 at the trail head. Proceeds go to Squamish Emergency Program. Ride starts at 11 a.m. sharp at Raven's Plateau at the top of Westway Avenue. Last-minute registrants should arrive at 10 a.m.
