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Test of Metal competition to test mountain bikers in Squamish, B.C. for the last time this June

In June, the Squamish Test of Metal Mountain Bike Race, one of the most toughest, most celebrated events in the discipline's Canadian history, kicks off for the last time.

February 26, 2016
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Image: Test of Metal/Facebook.
Image: Test of Metal/Facebook.

There’s sad news this week for followers of the national mountain bike scene. In June, the Squamish Test of Metal Mountain Bike Race, one of the most toughest, most celebrated events in the discipline’s Canadian history, kicks off for the last time. The final Test rolls out on June 18, 2016.

For the past 21 years, the event, presented by local business Nesters Market, has been a high point of British Columbia’s annual mountain bike calendar. Originally presented by Brodie, the Test of Metal was discontinued in 1994, prompting two pillars of the B.C. mountain bike community—Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association founder and president Cliff Miller, as well as noted Squamish mountain bike author and expert Kevin McLane—to take matters into their own hands.

Before long, a new incarnation of the Test of Metal race was unveiled. The rest, spanning over two decades, wouldn’t just become history, it would become iconic of the discipline’s growing Canadian presence—something that the event helped nurture.

At least until 2016, that is.

In an announcement posted to the event’s website, Miller announced the Test of Metal’s impending final ride. “The Test of Metal has had an incredible run,” he said. “The more than 20,000 racers, thousands of volunteers and the overwhelming support of [the] people of Squamish have helped weave this organization into the fabric of this town and the mountain bike community.”

The Test of Metal’s prestige helped to cement Squamish’s reputation as a haven for mountain bikers, and as such, the event’s legacy will endure well past its final competition this June. “Mountain biking is not going anywhere,” Miller assured. “It’s more popular than ever, in Squamish and around the world. But it’s the end of an era for the Test of Metal. It’s time to move on. I hope you will enjoy your last time to be Tested by the iconic Test of Metal.”

Other races under the Test of Metal’s organizational umbrella will end their runs this year, too, with Orecrusher rolling out for the last time on April 16 and Gearjammer, traditionally held in mid-July, having its last hurrah on May 7. Just Another Bike Race, finally, will put a cap on the 2016 season with a race date of September 17.

Those who want to put the Test’s 67 kilometres of dirt under their rubber for the last time can do so online, from Feb. 26 onward.