October 17/07 9:48 am - Test of Metal Modifies Registration for 2008 Event

Posted by Editoress on 10/17/07
 

Test of Metal Modifies Registration
Courtesy Paul Demers, Test of Metal

Organizers of the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal announced this week changes to the registration process for next year's race.

“We recognized the need to tweak our registration process, so this year we're going to try something different with the hope that it will work a little better,” said race director Cliff Miller.

These changes include overselling the event by 200 entrants and eliminating the waiting list to allow more racers to know with certainty they are registered for the race by January 1, 2008.

Another change is a “locals only” registration period from December 1st to 5th.

Two hundred spots will be open to local racers on a first come, first served basis.

Registration for those living from Furry Creek to D'arcy who can show proof of residency with a BC Driver's license or ID card as well as a secondary piece of identification will open at 6 pm on Saturday December 1 and close on Wednesday December 5 at midnight.

The deadline for "locals only" delivery of paperwork is 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 12 to Connections at 37710 2nd Avenue, Squamish, and must be made in person or sent by fax (604-892-3380).

Miller said that one of the organizers' objectives for implementing this change is to ensure local participation.

“We have hundreds of local volunteers and thousands of local spectators, many of whom are out there to cheer on their friends and neighbours,” he said.

As in past years, the general registration starts at 6 pm on January 1st and is capped at 800 entries, once again on a first come, first served basis.

With the elimination of the waiting list Miller has said there will be no refunds, cancellations or transfers.

“It may seem that we're increasing the number of participants,” said Miller, “but our data shows that approximately 20 percent of those who register will not ride. In the past, we've filled those spots through the waiting list, but feedback from riders indicates that they would like to know sooner rather than later that they're in the race so that they can begin their training.”

As always, Pro-Elite racers can register up to the day of the race.

Miller also indicated that in addition to the racer's Primes along the course, cash prizing returns to the Test of Metal.

The top 5 men and top 5 women overall will each win a cash prize: $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd, $100 for 3rd, $75 for 4th, and $50 for 5th.

As in past years, medals will be awarded to the top three in each category, and the winner of each receives a free entry into the following year's race.

There are also new categories for ages 50- 54 and 70+.