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Great Explorations

(800) 242-1825
(604) 730-1247

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• Itinerary
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• PDF Version of this itinerary

Particulars

Event Dates:

2009
July 11+12

Limit:

250 participants

Start/Finish:

Birkenhead / Squamish

(Shuttles from Squamish and Whistler to Ride start are available)

Accommodations:

Camping under stars

Activity Level:

Our participants have rated the trail 30% green, 60% blue and 10% blackish. We will provide options so that those who want a somewhat easier ride can skip the more more challenging sections. Having said that, it is a long ride and not for beginner mountain bikers. In fact, the more time you have spent on the saddle prior to the ride, the more fun you'll have.

 

Cost:

By May 1: $119 CAD

By July 1: $129 CAD

By July 9: $139 CAD

Bus/bike transfers to ride start available at $20

See reg form for further details

See Registration form

Sea to Sky Trail, Biking

14th year!

2008 was a pivotal year for the Sea to Sky Trail as there was signficant progress on new trail initiatives and further funding commitments that will ensure the trail gets better each year. In addition to donations by Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the municipality of Whistler has been building trail to incorporate into the route and this new trail is some of the best that has been built in years. Ask anyone that rode in 2008!

The 2009 event will take place July 11+ 12! We’re limiting participation to 250 riders in 2009, so register early to avoid disappointment. Remember, this is not a race and although the trail is not technical, the distance will be a challenge if you haven’t been ‘on your bike’ prior to the weekend. For those new to the Ride this year, the Sea to Sky Trail is fast becoming known as one of the classic point to point off-road bike trails in North America. Come see for yourself why!

Itinerary

ROUTE - see map below Our first day’s ride will begin from Birkenhead Park (elevation 1500’), from an aqua-marine lake reflecting snow-capped peaks in every direction. Our route, utilizing a combination of existing trail systems, deactivated forestry roads and single track trail, will take us (65 km) to Whistler Resort (elevation 2100’). There will be festivities and an overnight stay at the new Whistler Campground featuring ‘under the stars’ camping, live entertainment by musician Suzanne Wilson, massage therapists, and of course, a wonderful dinner. Sunday, the ride will continue south out of Whistler (65km) past pristine rivers and waterfalls, through the Cheakamus canyon to Squamish (elelvation 200’) and a finish-line celebration.

FESTIVITIES Invite your friends and family to our pasta dinner, wine and beer garden with live entertainment Saturday evening, and in Squamish a ride completion BBQ with festivities to celebrate your accomplishment of riding the Sea to Sky Trail.

SUPPORT Your registration fee includes well-stocked rest stops with food and refreshments, breakfast & lunch Saturday and Sunday, transportation of your overnight pack (sleeping bag, tent, change of clothes etc.), overnight Friday & Saturday evenings, mechanical support, ‘sag’ service, a commemorative Ride T-shirt, and all festivities en route. Maps and route instructions will be provided in the rider kits at the start of the Ride.

TRANSPORT We offer bus transportation on Friday night at 7:00 pm from the Adventure Center in Squamish up to Birkenhead Lake, where we have camping available at Birkenhead Lake Park. Buses will also depart from the Adventure Center in Squamish Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. and Riverside Campground in Whistler at 7:00 a.m. You must pre-book to be guaranteed seats (standby seats may be available). After your departure by bike Saturday morning, your overnight pack will be transported to the campground in Whistler where it will be waiting for your arrival. Sunday morning it will be transported to Squamish and the finish line.

TRAINING You and your bike should be in good condition; have your bike checked and serviced by your local bike shop. Whenever you ride, carry plenty of water, be courteous on the trails to hikers and other bikers and wear an ANSI approved helmet.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are needed before and during the event to help with registration, sag support and marshaling. Please call (604) 730-1247 or toll-free at 1-800-242-1825 to leave your name and telephone #.

Further Questions? Please email us at info@great-explorations.com or call (in Vancouver) 730-1247 or toll-free 1-800-242-1825.

Since the first Sea to Sky Trail Ride in 1995, over 1500 people have ridden the trail, helping to raise over $80,000 for trail building in the Sea to Sky corridor. In 2008, we donated $500 to the Sea to Sky Trail Society and in 2009, we will be donating additional funds for continued trail building and trail maintenance. The Sea to Sky Trail Society continues with its objective of linking the communities of D’Arcy, Whistler and Squamish entirely by trail. In addition, staff and volunteers for the Ride contribute time and resources to maintaining the trail that is part of the route for this event.

Registration forms also available at the following locations:

Gibsons: Spin Cycle

Pemberton: The Bike Co.

Sechelt: Up the Creek B&B; Off the Edge Adventure Sports

Squamish: Corsa Cycles; Tantalus Bike Shop

Vancouver: MEC

North Vancouver: MEC

Whistler: Meadow Park; The Bike Co.