Registration Opens for the 2016 Nimby Fifty
It's Time.
With only 94 days, 8 hours, 23 minutes and 9 seconds until the race begins, it is time to register and start training for the 37-kilometre single track XC marathon known as the Nimby Fifty.
I love writing about this race. No way will you catch me riding in it, but I do love to write about it.
Space is limited to 420 riders.
It sells out every year, so you'd better sign up fast. But here's the thing. You'd have to be insane to sign up for this race. Here's what the official organizers say to encourage you to sign up:
"Why: Because we all love a little pain and fun right?"
Here's what the 2012 Nimby Fifty winner and 2011 Canadian National XC Champion said:
"It's probably the hardest course I've ever raced. It's uniquely demanding."
(Okay, he goes on to say that it is "extremely tough, but fun, too." Still.)
Neal Kindree (1st place in the 2011 Nimby Fifty, 2006, 2007 Test of Metal Winner, etc.) says:
"The most savage race course I've ever ridden."
Race Within a Race
I love that. I love that there are more than 420 people who think that this is a great way to spend their Saturday. I love that there are so many people out there who want to ride their mountain bikes along a 37 kilometre single track and then, when they get to "Overnight Sensation" they enter the "race within a race" also known as Red Bull Downtime.
That's a cute name, isn't it? Makes it sound like some kind of nap or something. But, no. You just pick up the pace and go for it, with the top male and female fastest time winning an extra $250.
You might wonder why it is called the Nimby Fifty if it is "only" 37 kilometres. One of the best things about this race is that it describes itself as 37-kilometres but it feels like 50. Yep, for the right kind of person, I guess, you could read that as you get an extra 13 kilometres free!
There are 101 switchbacks on this race, making it an absolute joy to ride. For the right kind of person, that is. Honestly, the riders in this race inspire the best in all of us.
This year, May 28th at 11:00 (sharp) be in Pemberton either to join in the race of a lifetime or offer support and encouragement to those who dare.
Alumni Program and After Party
If simply the fun of a grueling 37-but-feels-like-50 kilometer race isn't enough to charm you into riding this year, the spirit behind the race just might.
Winners get a lifetime pass to the Nimby Fifty. In other words, if you win, you can race every year thereafter with the registration fee waived. And the after party at North Arm Farm is legendary, I hear.
Posted: Tuesday, February 23, 2016
