Riley Suhan Invitational Backcountry Race at Quartz Creek, Golden BC April 7
There’s nothing like an exciting new event to get the hearts and engines of sledders revving. And the Riley Suhan Invitational should do just that. Inspired by the vision of Revelstoke’s “The Calling” backcountry race event, Riley Suhan shared his dream of a smaller version with the wrong person…or the right person, as the case may be, because the event is scheduled to take place April 7, at Quartz Creek near Golden, BC. The course has been inspired by Riley’s childhood spent riding the area, and fuelled by the stoke of the Golden Snowmobile Club’s board of directors.
Riley Suhan Invitational Hits the Snow for the Inaugural Event in 2018
The race course itself is under wraps until the day of the event, when the riders’ introduction will be via a cool lap prior to the first start. And while the exact course will remain a secret until the day, it is known that one lap should take about 10 minutes at top speed. Each lap will feature a timed climb, a jump and a technical tree section. The course will traverse the big alpine bowls that are featured at Quartz Creek.
The Riley Suhan Invitational course will traverse the big alpine and treed terrain of Quartz Creek.
The course will be run as a relay for time efficiency and to increase excitement. Teams of four will compete in sequence, with the fastest team taking home the grand prize. Teams will be randomly drawn on the evening of April 6th, to ensure the competition is fair. Each team will have one pro rider, one lady shredder and two other randomly selected members. There will be individual rider awards as well, so that the fastest or steeziest riders can take home honours, regardless of how their team performs overall.
This year there will be only 52 spots (13 teams) on the start line. Racer spots are going fast. If you’re interested in riding, send the race organizers an email or visit the SledGolden website for a link to register. Registration will be by invitation only. Registration will cost $100 for riders who are selected to participate.
The prize purse will be $2500: $1250 to first place team, $750 to 2nd place and $500 to 3rd place. There will be other prizes and swag given away as well.
Riley Suhan Invitational Backcountry Race at Quartz Creek, Golden BC April 7
Not into racing? Spectators are welcome and encouraged! There will be a BBQ and great viewing of the race throughout the Quartz Creek area. The race will start and finish right in front of the cabin at Quartz Creek. Although there is no cost to spectate, regular trail fee collection will take place.
For event goers, there will be social events in the Town of Golden on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The Dugout in downtown Golden will host the awards ceremony and photo slideshow after the event at 7pm on Saturday.
