World's Largest Loonie Race - Whistler, BC

Few local events can boast the level of growth and sustained community enthusiasm as the Loonie Race - a fun, weekly recreational ride through the trails of Whistler, named for the race's entry fee, a Canadian one-dollar coin.

"For many, the Summer Gravity Festival represents the latest manifestation of the community's long love affair with mountain biking," said Barrett Fisher, Acting President & CEO, Tourism Whistler. "Whistler locals are as passionate about the sport as they are about skiing in the winter.

"In addition to the growth of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the Summer Gravity Festival is another step in Whistler's evolution as a mountain biking mecca and year round resort," adds Fisher.

Long-time Whistler residents will remember that the very first Loonie Races started in the early 1990s with a small group of riders who, looking for a bit of friendly competition and some fun, paid a dollar towards the winner's prize and raced through the technical trails of Whistler. The Loonie Races grew in popularity as did the prize money - from a few friends gathering after work to a full-blown community event, which now draws more than 200 riders weekly.

Today, the weekly races are hosted by WORCA in conjunction with local businesses who plan the route and organize the post-race barbeque and festivities. Since it's inception, the race entry fee has doubled and half the funds up to $50 are awarded to the top finishers in the Senior Men and Senior Women categories. The remaining dollars go to WORCA in support of ongoing trail maintenance in the region, youth programs, freeride and womens-only mountain biking clinics, and more.

During the Summer Gravity Festival, mountain bikers from Whistler and beyond are invited to participate in the World's Largest Loonie Race on July 17, and join in one of Whistler's most established and fun summertime traditions. The World's Largest Loonie Race is also a memorial event for Al Grey, former WORCA president who was instrumental in the growth and success of the organization.

The Whistler Bike Park Package includes a pass to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and three nights accommodations starting from $165 Cdn ($109 US) per person, valid July 10 to September 8, 2003, available by calling Whistler's Official Central Reservations Service 1-800-WHISTLER (1-800-944-7853). For bike rentals, service, guided tours and trail locations, visit www.mywhistler.com or contact the Whistler Activity Centre at 604-938-2769 or toll-free 1-800-944-7853.

The Whistler Summer Gravity Festival is a seven-day celebration of mountain biking, July 14-20, 2003 showcasing the downhill, freeride, cross-country and trials disciplines of the sport in a series of both competitive and participatory events. Featured events include the Tim Horton's Canadian National Mountain Bike Championships; Joyride Bikercross; the World's Largest Loonie Race; daily special athlete and industry events; camps and clinics.

Event information is available at www.mywhistler.com, www.whistlergravity.com and www.worldfreeride.com.