It’s a sad week for Squamish.
This Saturday marks the end of an iconic race that has helped shape the town as the adventure capital of Canada.
More than 1,000 mountain bikers are expected for the final Test of Metal as it wraps up 21 years of excitement. The Test put Squamish on the map, bringing together a group with a passion for shredding trails through local forests, past streams and waterfalls, over bridges and rock outcroppings. For many who come to take part in the race, it’s their first taste of Squamish, and it’s exciting.
Every year, a virtual army of volunteers makes it happen, and the final Test is no exception. More than 300 people step up to help a core group of about 35 organizers, according to founder Cliff Miller, who with Kevin McLane sketched out the plans for the race in a pub in 1994. Miller, who also founded the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA), was inducted into the B.C. Cycling Hall of Fame last fall.
The Test of Metal is not just a race. It became, over the years, a defining element of Squamish with a profound impact in shaping the town’s international reputation as a recreation destination. Every year, the 1,000 riders have directly boosted tourism revenues while they’re in town, and the trails have drawn them and their friends back to the district again and again.
The impact of mountain biking to Squamish is significant. The sport pedals approximately $8 million into the local economy, according to a SORCA report presented to council in 2014. Not including the 1,000 during the Test of Metal, about 37,500 cyclists were using the trails here during the summer, the association estimated at the time, not long after Pedal magazine had named Squamish the best place to ride in Canada.
The Test also helped create a larger community of mountain bikers in Squamish as people came together to test their mettle through the races and also to help out as volunteers. While the race is long at 67 kilometres, it’s not considered as technical as many other races in the province, so the Test is inclusive, attracting both beginners and experienced bikers.
The residents of Squamish owe Miller and his Metal Crew a huge thanks for 21 years of dedication. They’ve created a legacy that will continue to benefit the town for generations.
– Editor Christine Endicott
