CCN snagged a few minutes with Tom Skinner from Mud Run Ride for a quick Q&A and a look behind the scenes of their events.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your mountain biking background?
The little-known truth is that I'm actually quite new to mountain biking. This may come as a shock to most, especially for someone who spends most of their waking hours planning and preparing mountain bike races. Growing up on the North Shore allowed me to start appreciating the trails at an early age, but this was usually from the perspective of a trail runner. About ten years ago, I was involved in starting the Ironlung Trail Series, focussing mainly on running events, but there was the odd mountain bike race or off-road duathlon thrown in for good measure. My first real introduction to mountain biking events came about with the inaugural BC Bike Race, where I was asked to manage the Start/Finish area. My fascination with mountain biking started to grow from there and I'm enjoying seeing the trails from a riders perspective now.
2. Where did the idea for Mud Run Ride come from?
In 2009, the organisers of the Mud 'n Bud (formerly Muddy Buddy Vancouver), asked me whether or not I'd like to take over their event. After discussing the possibility with some friends from BCBR, John Crosby, Thomas Howard, Clifton Cunningham and myself started Double Deuce Events and took over the Mud 'n Bud, rebranding it to Mud Run Ride. We wanted to continue in the tradition of the original event, but put our own personal spin onto it. The goal was a fun, beginner-friendly event that would show participants the joys of mountain biking and trail running.
3. What makes the race such a great event?
We focus heavily on the participation aspect of the event, celebrating every participant from the first team across the line to the last. Participants of all skill levels are welcome at the event. Plus, no matter where you finish, you'll end up covered in mud with a great prize - that's right, everyone walks away with a prize! Adding in the various challenges, a mud pit, and making it a team event make for a great day out on the trails.
4. The 2011 event is coming up -what changes if any do you have for the future?
We're pretty happy with the two courses we have right now (one in Campbell River, one in North Vancouver). Each year, we make minor adjustments and change the challenges around to keep things exciting. Stay tuned for our 2012 dates - you might see some changes there.
6. What can riders expect over the course of the day? Any advice for success in the race?
Two participants will show up, along with one bike. The first team member will head out on their bike, followed a few minutes later by their team mate who will be on foot. After a few kilometres, the biker will reach the first challenge. They'll drop the bike, complete the challenge, then continue on on foot. The second team member will also have to complete the challenge then pick up the bike and ride the next section of the course. This continues on, back and forth, until all the challenges have been completed by both team members. The final challenge, the wall and mud pit, must be completed by both team members together. After this, teams collect their prizes, clean up, then head for some well-deserved beverages at the after party. Post-race beverages happen to be a key component of this event - you might notice that our logo looks suspiciously like a beer label.
As for advice, we find it's much easier for teams if they've had their bike tuned up before the race and if both participants wear a helmet. Sharing a bike is one thing - sharing a sweaty helmet is something else altogether. We also like to remind teams that there are prizes for costumes, so keep that in mind when planning your team uniform!
7. On an organization side, it must be keeping you busy. Where did you find the time to get out and ride and what's your favourite trail?
Well, we have to do some "quality control" for our courses, so we force ourselves out the door for that. It's a tough life, I must say. Favourite trail though - that's a tough question. I've recently been exploring some of the trails around Cumberland and Thirsty Beaver is a true work of art that's probably on the top of my list right now.
8. What are you riding now and what would be your ideal next bike purchase?
I'm currently riding a Rocky Mountain Altitude and am loving it. I don't see myself swapping it out anytime soon, but I could easily spend a fortune upgrading the components. I think a dropper post is the next item on the list though.
9. What's your favourite post-ride beverage?
You guys are all about the tough questions, aren't you? How about we narrow it down to three options. The seasonal beverage I'm enjoying this summer would probably be the Phillips Wheatking, but my two go-to post-ride beverages are the Howe Sound Diamond Head Stout and the Red Racer IPA. That said, when I can get a freshly brewed seasonal offering at Taylor's Crossing, that beverage trumps all other options. You're welcome to join me for one at the after party this Saturday.
11. Any closing comments/thoughts?
I encourage everyone that reads this to get out and explore the local trails, either on foot or two wheels, as often as possible. We forget how many great trails there are in our backyard and not enough people get out to enjoy them. That's really what our goal is at Mud Run Ride - to get people out there and having fun. So whether you're joining us at the race or going out there on your own, have fun and get muddy!
If you still wish to register for this weekend's event, you can register onsite between 8:30 -9:30am.
Or head down to spectate this Saturday 27th down to Lower Seymour Conservation Area (Rice Lake), North Vancouver, BC
For more information regarding Mud Run Ride Visit: www.mudrunride.com
