All 24 Hours of Adrenalin riders must carry bear spray or face disqualification, according to a new rule for the 2013 event this Saturday.
The decision follows discussions between event organizers, conservation officers and Canmore Nordic Centre staff, who decided the call is in the best interest of public safety.
Organizers have decided to take a hard line on the issue, as those caught without bear spray will be disqualified from the event.
Race organizer Stuart Dorland said the decision was an easy one to make, as it increases athlete safety.
“Since the inception of 24 Hours of Adrenalin, it’s been the goal to have a fun event and a fair event, but it’s got to be a safe event,” Dorland said. “Everything we can do to keep participants safe is the way to go.”
Some riders have complained about the decision, stating it adds extra weight to their ride. A can of bear spray weighs 227 grams. Dorland said saving lives is more important than adding a few grams to the bike and likens the decision to seat belts.
Trail Sports has ordered extra bear spray to accommodate the anticipated demand and other retailers in town regularly stock the pepper spray product. A can of bear spray can range from $25 to $36.
In the past, riders have had wildlife encounters during 24 Hours of Adrenalin in Canmore, however, there have been no injuries to date. Canmore Nordic Centre events manager Jamie Carpenter said the move is a preventative measure, and similar mandates could hit other races in the future.
“This is a precautionary move. The race has over 1,000 participants and often they are alone at night with limited vision. At this point, we felt it was important to implement,” Carpenter said.
There has been no increase in bear activity at the Nordic Centre this year, although sightings have been reported. Conservation officers will be on site to monitor usage. Volunteers on course will also have to carry bear spray.
“Participants will have to show their can of bear spray to the conservation officer, and then wear it in the open. They can’t have it in their backpack,” Carpenter said. “We have had a few negative responses. Some riders who are not used to wearing bear spray or don’t ride here often have expressed their displeasure, but those messages are few and far between.”
Carpenter said bear spray is only one deterrent, and riders are also encouraged to make lots of noise on the trail.
“We will be in touch with other event organizers,” Carpenter said. “Carrying bear spray has become common practice throughout the Rockies and we want to keep encouraging that behaviour.”
Several trails in Banff National Park have similar seasonal rules.
The 2013 event is sold out again this year, with more than 1,600 riders taking part in what will be the 17th annual event. This year’s event is even more important, given the recent flood disaster across the province.
“We feel extremely grateful to be able to host this event given what’s taken place. Our client base comes from all over Alberta and British Columbia. The Nordic Centre was hit far less than other areas, so we’re very fortunate. It’s important to say Canmore, the town and the Bow Valley is open for business. One of the things we can do to help the region is bring in the 6,000 people driving to the valley for this event,” Dorland said.
There are some changes this year. Volunteers will get their own VIP lounge, and new sponsors Planet Food and The Bike Shop/Outside Bike and Ski are now on board. A youth tour for riders aged 12 to 17 will open up for those too young to ride, but too old for the kids’ race.
A new timing system is also ready, which will offer realtime updates on riders. The new system is compliments of MS1 Timing from Quebec. A trail guardian plan will also be up and running this year, as volunteers will tour the course to help fix markers, help with flat tires and monitor the race from the course.
Marathon man Martin Parnell will also speak at the event on behalf of Right to Play, and Olympian Cristina Groves will also be on hand for the kid’s races. She’ll be one of several Olympians taking part in the event this year.
