Bring out the cheer squad for Revelstoke Women’s Enduro

Revelstoke Women’s Enduro racer coming down the path on a mountain bike while three audience members dressed in inflatable dinosaur costumes sheer from the sideline. — Audiences are encouraged to get loud and creative at the Revelstoke Women’s Enduro race Saturday, Sept. 13. **Photo by Alex Cooper**

Revelstoke Women’s Enduro is calling on crowds to line the race trail and get loud Saturday, Sept. 13 as over 100 riders race it out on nearly 30 kilometres of Revelstoke’s mountain biking trails.

Enduro races are known for big climbs and even bigger descents. With the Revelstoke Women’s Enduro clocking in at roughly 1,000 metres of elevation climb and 1,200 metres of descent, racers are timed only on the descent parts of the run, each section called a stage.

Racers start at the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club at 9 a.m. and head out onto the Macpherson trails for three stages before crossing over to the Boulder trails for the last two stages. Audience members are encouraged to find a spot along the race route and cheer on riders as they go by.

“It’s really about encouraging each other and building each other up and having a great day on bikes with your friends,” Dana Wacker, Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA) events director and Revelstoke Women’s Enduro volunteer organizer said.

With most riders focused on beating their personal best times, this staple event during Revelstoke Bike Fest has become a highlight of biking comradery.

“I think Revelstoke is such a tight-knit community that it’s something special that we can offer at these races,” Wacker said.

Part fundraiser for the RCA, Revelstoke Women’s Enduro race spots have been sold out for months, but future racers can start planning for next year, Wacker said. Whether it’s connecting with the Shred Sisters for mountain biking clinics and lessons, the Bikes, Beers and Babes for a Tuesday evening ride around Revelstoke’s bike trails or even coming out to the Enduro and other Bike Fest events and connecting with Revelstoke’s cycling community, there’s plenty of opportunities to connect with women bikers in Revelstoke.

“It’ll just set you up for success if you’re unsure or not confident or struggling with certain things,” Wacker said.

Once the final racer has crossed the finish line, Wacker invites crowds to come down to the Dust Punk disco, co-hosted with Revelstoke Bike Fest. Held at Centennial Park, the party wraps up Bike Fest’s expo day, bike showdown and pump track jam.

“We’ve combined forces, and we’re just putting on a big old party. Come down and join,” Wacker said.