Whistler's weekly rides attract hundreds of cyclists out for some friendly competition
Whistler's Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) was founded in 1989 with a mandate to keep bike trails open in nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park. After this initial success, WORCA has evolved and become an integral community group. Today, an eleven-member board of directors serves more than 1,000 members.
The biggest draw for members is the weekly gathering of mountain bike aficionados who race across Whistler's green, blue and black diamond biking trails, winding up the night to toast the ride over a beer and some eats. Each ride is a new adventure and has been known to draw over 300 riders eager to tackle the trails, share a laugh and the battle scars from their ride. Called the Toonie Race, the two dollar entry fee is the best deal in town for a weekly party that celebrates mountain biking in Whistler.
As soon as the snow melts, WORCA offers a range of ongoing services geared to its active and growing membership:
- Weekly Toonie Rides are run alongside the Phat Wednesday downhill bike series
- Weekly bike clinics that introduce newbies to the trails and teach technical skills
- Special race events like the annual Soo Valley Rumble;
- Youth programs and clinics, teaching safety, etiquette and technique to cyclists;
- Maintaining hundreds of kilometres of trails to the highest environmental standards through member fees and volunteer efforts
By working with government, landowners and developers, WORCA continues to ensure mountain bike trail access and help position Whistler as a four-season mountain destination.
