SORCA WEEKLY EVENTS OVERVIEW & RACE ETIQUETTE
For those who are new to attending SORCA events, we are working to provide some insight as to what to expect at our weekly events.
History
Events have been a part of SORCA’s DNA for almost 30 years. Originally called ‘Loonie’ races, with a dozen or so enthusiastic riders challenging the best of Squamish’s trail network and reconvening in a backyard for a refreshing beverage and BBQ, these events have grown exponentially in popularity and diversity.
Overview
Today, SORCA offers XC and Enduro Cinco races open to everyone and Social rides for new to pro-level riders. Additionally, SORCA offers a broad spectrum of special events targeted at youth, women, run/mtb relay, gravel rides, and introductory races.
SORCA’s events do not end when you cross the line. Thanks to the admirable support of the local business community, your $5 is stretched even further as your event Apres hosts have a dinner and social event waiting for you. Kick back and banter over some tasty food and beverage. These are a highlight on your summer schedule for sure!
Social Rides
The Social rides are a logical gateway into our events as you can literally ride at your own pace on one of 4-5 pre-determined routes (varying from our introductory ‘chill’ routes all the way to our ‘thrill’ routes).
Cinco Races (XC+Enduro)
Our timed Cinco XC and Enduro community races are as competitive as you want to make them. If you want to take it easy, there are many other riders just out to enjoy the camaraderie, yet if you want to try and win, you will find plenty of competition.
XC
The original race series. A mass start to finish race on intermediate-level trails. These races will get your heart pumping, while you jockey for position. Don’t worry it’s not that serious, unless you bring your spandex. This is a great option to get in shape for longer XC races, or use it as a motivator to get fit with your friends!
45-90 minutes of mass start to finish racing
Intermediate trails
Points towards XC overall standings and KOM/QOM Standings
Enduro
The new kid on the block. Although we have held some one-off enduro-style events in the past, 2022 was our first year incorporating the Enduro into our full events roster. These races follow typical enduro racing parameters, for our weekly races we have 2-3 descent stages with liaisons/climbs required between.
2-3 timed descent stages – with non-timed liaison/climb segments between.
Intermediate and advanced trails
Points towards Enduro overall standings and KOM/QOM Standings
Cinco Race etiquette
It’s important to remember that our community races are all about building the mountain biking community and not about winning. Whether racing your first XC or Enduro Cinco or taking a break from the world cup calendar, there are things to know about what to do when passing or passing other riders on the course that will make for a safer riding experience for everyone. For riders new to racing this may be largely new information, for seasoned racers, this may be a refresher. Check out our intro race etiquette pamphlet!
Social Ride Info + Etiquette
So you want to attend a SORCA social ride but you aren’t sure about how to navigate riding with a big group of mountain bikers? We have you covered!
Things to remember:
This ride is supposed to be FUN and is NOT a race!
This is a great opportunity to chat with other riders and ride new trails
Your position in the pack is NOT a reflection of your riding ability!
Before the ride:
Look up the trail plan on trailforks. If you haven’t ridden these trails before, make sure you know where you are going and what the route is. Should you get separated from the group, it is important to know how to get to where you need to be
Make sure you have registered for the social through the SORCA website
Equipment check: helmet, glasses, pads, bike shoes, functioning bike, snacks, water, first aid, extra clothing.
Ride start:
All rides start at a common meeting point at a certain time. If you want to make sure you are in the right pack going to the right trails, show up at least 10 min early so you have time to figure out what group you are in. This is also a good time to strike up conversation with other SORCA members. Start to get to know eachother!
The ride will leave in a large group and will naturally filter out faster to slower riders. Again, your position in the pack isn’t a reflection of your riding ability but rather how you want to ride that day and who you want to ride with. It’s supposed to be fun so make sure you go at a comfortable pace!
During the ride:
Take breaks when you need to. If you are stopping on a climb trail to walk or take a break, let the riders behind you know and find a place off to the side to stop so you don’t hold up the whole group if others want to keep riding.
Drink water and eat your snacks as needed. Its not a race, so if you need some fuel- get into it
Riding at a pace where you can chat is common, if you want to go faster or pass, politely let the riders ahead of you know and give them some time to find a safe spot to pull over. Please see our riding communication etiquette for more information
Give riders in front of you space on the descent. No need to drop in right behind someone (unless you are friends) Give a bit of space so if a rider stops at a feature, you have enough time to respond safely and appropriately.
If you are stopping for a feature, let the rider behind you know so they can slow down safely.
SORCA Event FAQs
Q: How much do SORCA Cinco races and socials cost?
A: As a member, each Cinco and Social event costs $5 plus administration fees when pre-registering for the event. Same-day member pricing is $10 (plus admin fees). This price includes timing (for races, and F&B at the apres event).
Q: What is the Event season for SORCA?
A: SORCA Cinco and Socials loosely run each year from late April to mid-September. Most events are Wednesday evenings (roughly 6 pm) except the SuperCinco and Tour de Squamish (Season wrap-up event) on Saturdays.
Q: How do I sign up for an event?
A: Each event will be advertised about a week in advance, along with a link to register. Cinco’s and Socials will have approximately 175 pre-registration spots available and will be open until they sell out or end the day the Monday before the event.
Q: I have signed up but can’t make it any longer, can I get a refund?
A: Refunds will not be permitted after you register. You will be blessed with trail karma and thank you for your donation.
Q: Why do you close pre-registration on Monday if it has yet to sell out?
A: SORCA closes registration on Monday so that we can provide the Apres host with a relatively accurate count of participants coming for the dinner/ party.
Q: I don’t want to race, but I would love to be involved, do you need volunteers?
A: Fantastic question….we love that you asked! Yes, it takes an army of volunteers to pull off every event. We ask that you contact our events coordinator at dani@sorca.ca or sign up here for more information.
Q: What should I wear for the ride portion and Apres?
A: For XC Cincos we have a broad cross-section of dress from spandex race suits to ‘baggies’ and body armour. For Enduro Cincos, we strongly recommend body armour and full-face helmets. For our Social rides, we suggest riding wear and protective equipment that matches the level of ride you choose (Chill, Intermediate, Advanced, Thrill).
Q: How does the timing work for SORCA events?
A: For all Cinco XC and Enduro events, you must bring your race tag (these have been issued to you for life and do not expire). If you have an old race tag you can test it here. If you are new or have never done a timed event with SORCA, you will be issued a free tag for your first event. Replacement tags are $5 per tag. Once you have your tag it must be attached to your handlebars with the velcro provided (do not duct tape it to your bars as we can assure you its no faster and your time will not be recorded)
Q: How do I find my result after a race?
A: The result link will be updated within 48 hrs of the event here. We do not make a fuss about winners as you already know you are fast and don’t want it to go to your head!
Q: What are the categories for each Cinco?
A: Youth (U18 as of Dec 31 of the current riding year), Open 18-44 and Master 45+ for both women and men.
Q: I have a child who loves mountain biking; what events suit her/him?
A: We recommend following the below table as a general guideline.
Q: I have a friend in town that wants to participate, do you NEED to be a member?
A: All Cinco races (XC and Enduro) have a limited number of same-day spots open. These cost $10 for members and $40 ($30 for the same-day membership and $10 for registration) for non-members. Due to the limited number of same-day spots, it’s highly recommended to get to the registration area early.
Q: I don’t know the trails very well for the Social ride/ race. Will I get lost?
A: All races will have course arrows and flagging tape to follow. Social ride routes are not flagged and are self-led thus recommend you go with someone that rides at the same speed as you or notify the SORCA volunteer at the ride starting area, and they will help you find a riding partner (or twelve).
Q: Can I ride my e-bike / is there an e-bike category?
A: At this time, SORCA welcomes e-bikes on all trails however, e-bikes are not permitted at our events.
Q: I am new, do you have any other pro tips for me?
A: It is recommended that you have a change of clothes between the ride and the Apres party. Our surrounding mountains mean we lose the sun early, and even on the warmest of days, it’s easy to get cold after a ride. SORCA and our apres hosts also appreciate you bringing your own mug.
Q: Do all events rides have a sweep?
A: All XC and Enduro Cinco events have a minimum of one sweep. Social rides do not have a sweep and are instead self-led.
Q: Are there any awards for the full Cinco season for competitive riders?
A: SORCA recognizes the season’s top XC, Enduro and KOM/QOM (overall – top 4 Enduro Plus top 2 XC). This is for Youth, Open, and Masters (men and women). 1 point will be given to every rider finishing each Cinco. Bonus points will be awarded in each category: Junior (U18), Open (18-44), and Masters (45+). The top 80 men & women in each category will receive bonus points starting with 80 points for 1st, 79 points for 2nd, and so on.
