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The annual mountain biking fundraiser, Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls (BVOD), returns on June 6, for its 25th year, and participants are encouraged to wear costumes.
“This is a day to wear something whimsical,” said organizer Bryan Raiser.
The event has always had a bit of a personality. Over the years, some riders showed up in costume here and there, but it was never official. Last year, a few people went all out, and Raiser decided to make it part of the deal. “Put some effort into it. Make it special,” he said.
Riders meet at Raven’s Plateau Valleycliffe for sign-on between 10 and 11 a.m., with the group setting off at 11. Tickets are $60 for SORCA members and $90 for non-members
Raiser said the terrain is classic Valleycliffe, with double blacks, clifftop riding, hike-a-bike sections, and a fruit booth at the halfway mark to recharge before the second half of the course. Diamond Head Development has once again granted access to make the course possible, as they have for all 25 years of the event. “They’ve been fantastic,” he said.
BVOD started in 2001 after Raiser participated in a gruelling 11-hour tour of Squamish organized by the late local legend Chris McCrum. Inspired, he decided to spin off his own event centred on Valleycliffe, with a cause attached. “I decided that raising money for Search and Rescue is a good way to get karma,” he said.
The event is organized by Raiser under the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA), which handles insurance, registration, and the legal logistics. It raises money for search and rescue, typically around $5,000 a year, with an estimated lifetime total approaching $60,000.
Registration for the event is here, and every dollar goes directly to search and rescue. Raiser encourages those unable to ride to still donate .
“If you don’t want to ride, you can still donate to search and rescue directly,” he said.
Part of what has kept Raiser coming back for 25 years is the chance to share the trails he loves. “I love showing people where we live,” he said. “There are so many hidden gems in this town. There is no better feeling than showing somebody their new favorite thing. That feeling does not get old.”
Turnout typically runs between 80 and 100 riders, and Raiser is expecting a strong showing for the anniversary. The riding is challenging but welcoming. “It’s old school riding,” he said. “You’re sessioning as a group, everyone’s very encouraging, and it’s all just everyone out having a good time.”
Next year, BVOD will officially be the longest-running mountain bike event in the Sea to Sky corridor, according to Raiser. “We’ve gone too far not to go further,” he said.
You can register for the event here.
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