Volunteering–and Racing–the Inaugural Spakwus 50

Thanks to examples set by my parents, a pattern of behaviour became so ingrained that today it’s automatic. Volunteering, it’s just the right thing to do. My father dedicated sixty years of his life volunteering with both the Royal Naval Reserves and Royal Canadian Naval Reserves. A lifetime of community commitments earned my mother both official accolades as well as the most sincere personal expressions of gratitude. Last weekend–due to my procrastination–the opportunity to give back to the community whose trails I’ve been enjoying the past couple months presented itself. Saturday, June 17th, was the inaugural Sp’akw’us 50 cross country mountain bike race held here in Squamish, BC and yours truly suddenly found himself both volunteering and racing.

Despite pre-riding the 50km course twice in the weeks leading up to the race, I had neglected to register. When I went to do so, it was too late; “sold out” said the website. With it already in my head that I would be participating that Saturday, I clicked on the “volunteer” button and submitted my name to help with registration Saturday morning.

The night before race day, it dawned on me; if someone doesn’t show up to collect their race kit, perhaps I can take their spot? Just in case, I drove to race HQ with my bike packed in the van ready to ride. At 6am I presented myself at registration, ready for duty. By 7am, Louise had myself and six others all squared away, pens, number plates and waivers at the ready. We sat and we waited. 7:15, no-one. 7:30, 1 sleepy-eyed registrant. Only about 150 had come by registration the night before. Everyone else had to come see us by 10am, the race starting at 11am. 7:45, still just that one guy. At 8am, we were worried, we knew the onslaught would be mighty. By 8:15am we had a line twenty-five deep.

The next two hours flew by in such a flurry I barely remember it even happening. In that time, we processed about 300 happy cyclists. It was crazy, organized chaos. The pace was furious but we were all smiles and had a great time. At 10:05 the dust had settled, the last registrant walking towards the start line. Knowing that I had intended on racing that day, Louise asked if I was still interested in racing. “Absolutely!” Quickly, Louise wrote down my name, handed me number plate 621 and hurried me out the door so I could get changed.  I’m racing woohoo!

The race itself was a tough 50kms that included many of Squamptom’s best known trails, several tough climbs and one ugly hike-a-bike. The aid stations were well staffed by more friendly volunteers, there was that guy on the Legacy climbing trail with the bagpipes and I reunited with several racers I had met on course at the recent Nimby 50 mtb race in Pemberton. Pushing hard all day, I felt the twinge of a cramp in my right calf with about an hour to ride. I worked through it and kept on trucking. Heading towards Rupert, I knew the climbing was done for the day, all I had to do was stay upright and crank out those last few kilometres.

The wed, muddy conditions finally let me have it as I crashed going around a tight corner while descending Rupert. Quickly back on the bike, I kept on hammering towards the finish line, ignoring the returning cramp. Crossing the finish line at 3hrs 55mins I was elated, breaking my ultimate goal of four hours!

Relaxing on the lawn with tasty food, a hoppy beverage and hundreds of other happy, dirty cyclists, I thought back to my time spent at registration that morning. If that’s all I had done that day, I would have been satisfied. Giving back to one’s community, helping folks do what they love; the sense of reward was real and immediate.
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Racing is all about “me”, it’s about pushing yourself to triumph. Volunteering, however, is all about “you”, it’s about giving of oneself so others may triumph. Looking at all those smiling mud-splattered faces, I felt a tinge of pride knowing I had helped with their victories in some small way. And really, that feeling is greater than any personal victory I could ever enjoy.

So do yourself–and the world around you–a favour; get out there and volunteer. Maybe at a local mtb race or a marathon. Maybe with your local fire department or search and rescue agency. Maybe delivering meals to seniors who live way out in the boonies. Maybe just holding the door for other people. The sense of satisfaction seeing others enjoy a brighter day because of your small action is worth more than any podium finish. And heck, you never know how it may play out. Someone may even hand you a number plate and send you off on a race you thought you’d missed.