The mountain bike search-and-rescue extravaganza that is ‘Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls’ (BVOD) 20th annual is on July 24, 2021. Wait, that can’t be right because if BVOD is 20 I must be 50 and I don’t feel 50. Yikes, turns out yup — the deluxe tour of the granite maze that is Valleycliffe is back for the 20th lap!
Over the years, BVOD has evolved but at its core it’s always been a fundraiser for Search and Rescue/trail builder appreciation event/deluxe group mountain bike ride on secret Squamish trails with an epic after-party to top it all off. It was a social enduro ride before those were even a thing.
20 years later the world now knows Squamish, BC, has unbelievable riding. However, very few ever venture into the granite paradise that is Valleycliffe mostly because it’s a hike-a-bike maze of trails you simply can’t navigate without a guide.
The event itself is different for a few reasons. First, although people are more than welcome to race, the object of this day is to simply have as much fun as possible. The first few years I actually had “Double Dog Dares” but was later told this was not insurable and maybe even illegal to dare someone to huck themselves up or down a cliff. The spirit, however, of sessioning sections and cheering on friends, remains to this day.
The other signature move of this event is the “fruit booth”. Basically, I want to make the perfect ride and what is better than being half way through an epic ride when you come upon an oasis of melons, refreshment, chocolate, and other goodies giving you a much-needed boost to finish the ride. Yes, it is as awesome as it sounds.
This 20th year is different for a few reasons. First, there is the whole ‘Covid precautions’ portion of planning with screening forms and altered fruit booth and after-party. Second, Squamish is paving the places that we used to play so the original course only has a few laps left before it’s mostly houses or mining pit so let’s get while the getting is good. One thing that is back and will never change is the legendary mountain of prizes from amazing sponsors because Squamish is awesome that way.
The trails will be difficult and the stoke will be high, if you are OK with that you will have a great time and we can’t wait to see you!
Details: July 24th 11 am Cherry Drive Trail head
Cost: $50 donation to Squamish Search and Rescue. Donate online or day of event.
You should also join SORCA because this is a SORCA event and our trails need an advocacy.
More information on our Facebook page.
