Things continue to evolve for Squamish's biggest mountain bike race, The Test of Metal.
Cliff Miller, president of Test of Metal, Inc., announced a series of changes for the 18th edition of the race in June 2013. First and foremost, the event has a new title sponsor, Nesters Market, replacing North Shore Credit Union (NSCU).
Miller thanked NSCU for their eight years of involvement and said that Nesters Market should be a great fit for the Test of Metal.
"They've been a an amazing community sponsor of the Test of Metal for years, so we're extremely happy to have Nesters step up and increase their support," he said in a statement issued on Monday (Nov. 5).
The Test of Metal also announced partnerships with Squamish Days and Squamish CrossFit. The finish line for the race will be returning to Squamish Loggers Sports Grounds and Squamish CrossFit will run a event at the finish line called, "Test of Mettle: a contest of Strength and Stones."
"These are two more great community organizations working with us," Miller said. "Each year our finish line has more to offer, and the Loggers Sports Grounds venue along with the show that Squamish CrossFit is organizing will make for a spectacular day."
Miller also reminded locals that the 200 local-only spots for people living between Furry Creek and Pemberton will open for registration on Dec.1.
He also announced a new way of entering for those who wish to challenge all of the Hell of a Series races: Orecrusher, Test of Metal, Gearjammer, and Just Another Bike Race (JABR).
"If you're one of those riders who wants to compete in all four races, we are opening 150 spots from Dec. 15 to 30 just for you. Any of those 150 that aren't taken will be added to the 700 registrations available on Jan. 1."
There will be a total of 1,050 spots open for the Test.
"We keep trying to make it better, " Miller said. "This is our 18th year running on the current course, but we did two years on a short course above Alice Lake, so it's a bit of a milestone."
For more information on the event, visit www.testofmetal.com.
