A bike race first envisioned 10 years ago by local cyclist, Rudi Peters, had its tenth running on June 12. The event allows riders to choose from one to three repeats of a 31.2 km loop through Jackpine subdivision, Highway 32, and Thornhill.
11 riders participated this year and most rode two loops. A faulty stopwatch prevented accurate times but since this year’s race emphasized the recreational element, most riders felt that it was peripheral to the enjoyment of the ride.
Participants this year were from three different communities: Spencer Edwards from Kitimat, Chris Lightfoot from Prince Rupert and the rest were from Terrace, including Royleen Seidlitz, Ernest Hidber, Crystal Thomas, Sherry Hamer, Susan Moldenhauer, Murray Warner, Ed Cooper, and Michael Bruce. Visiting from Switzerland was Bruno Hidber.
Once again, many volunteers made the race possible and the weather, which had looked very troublesome at the beginning of the race cleared and riders enjoyed generally sunny weather throughout the day.
“Road cycling in Terrace has changed over the last few years,” said Michael Bruce, the TORCA race director.
“Instead of a core group of competitive and stronger recreational riders, we are seeing many new cyclists just entering into the sport for fitness and to enjoy the company of others.”
“An event like the Tour de Jackpine fits well for those riders as well as people who want to race.”
The next TORCA road event is the Terrace Gran Fondo. This event includes a choice of three distances starting from NWCC and heading north on Highway 113. Like the Tour de Jackpine the longest distance, 160 km, will have a race element to it.
- Story contributed