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DB Riders on the “Test of Metal” Mountain Bike Race

Posted: Jun 27 2011 in We Ride

Tell us About Your Test of Metal Experience!

Have you done the Test of Metal Before?

AH: Andrew Handford; Category: Male 45-49




BS: Brad Samis; Category: Male 40-44




DB: Dave Berkowitz; Category: Male 40-44




FV: Frances Vice (with husband Martin Roos); Category: Female 40-44




LF: Lisa Floe; Category: Female 40-44




MP: Michael Pruner; Category: Pro/Elite




SM: Sam Morris; Category: Male 14-19

AH: Yes, I believe this was my 10th time doing the Test of Metal. The first was in 1997 and boy did I still have a lot to learn back then. Each time was unique and all were learning experiences for sure. It is a tough race to perfect!

BS: Once before in 2001; on a Devince Moonracer hard tail. Thought is was time to test myself again and it was part of training for the High Cascade 100.

DB: Yes, 5th year. I signed up because the Test of Metal is the heart of the racing season – that and I still had room for improvement over previous years.

FV: I did it in 2010 as part of my preparation for BC Bike Race. Why again? It’s a challenging XC race that both motivates me to get out and start training in the spring, and sets me up physically for a summer of great riding.

LF: No, this was my first year racing the Test.

MP: This was my tenth Test of Metal. I won the race in 1997, and it has always been my favorite race of the season. Some years the Test is my friend, and some years we don't get along too well. 2011 would fall into the latter description. Looking forward to a fresh start in 2012.

SM: I did it once before in 2009 because I got a free entry from the Orecrusher. That’s why I did it this year because I got another free entry from the Orecrusher.

What bike did you choose to ride and why?

AH: I have always wanted to try the Test on a single-speed. Friends and family have done that and it seemed a good new challenge for my 10th version. So I rode a 2010 Rocky Mountain Vertex RSL, converted to single speed with a White Industries eccentric rear hub. Gear choice for those SS geeks out there was 32x18 on 26” wheels. I’m sure there were at least 4 times on the course when that was exactly the right gear!

BS: Rocky Mountain Altitude 90 – because I love it; best xc bike for BC single track

DB: Rocky Element 70 MSL with Maxxis Ikons. Bike and tires were perfect for the course.

FV: I ride a Rocky Mountain Element 50. It’s a light, nimble bike capable of tackling (almost!) any XC riding I have discovered to date.  It handles the Powerhouse Plunge as confidently as it climbs 9 mile hill.   It was also a perfect choice for  BC Bike Race.  I’m waiting to see if they bring out a 29 inch wheel version in my size next year!

LF: Rocky Mountain Element; Great XC Bike, suited to the terrain in the TOM Race.

MP: I was lucky to be able to ride the new Rocky MSL 70 for the race. It is light and stiff enough for the climbs, but super plush and forgiving on the downhills. Especially for long races like the test, I appreciate the extra cushion in the saddle for the bumpy pedaling portions.

SM: I rode a 2009 Rocky Mountain Element 90. The reason why is because it is my only bike but of course it is a very good cross country race bike. It is light and good for going uphill, and it’s suspension is very nice for going down.

Is there any specific warm up routine that you go through before a race such as the Test?

AH: I race fairly regularly and have some usual patterns around eating and day-of preparation but no real warm up routine. At the test I go for a good 10 minute spin about half an hour before, get the heart rate up a few times and then just relax before the start. It is a start that gives you a few minutes of natural warm up on the highway plus with the big start chute it is hard to warm up well just before. So relaxing and enjoying the show of 800 people getting ready to roll is best I find.

BS: Yes  - No beer the night before and a stop at the Tim Horton’s in Squamish

DB: Yes. I rested most of the week before (due to injury) and did a 1 hour ride the day before with 10 second bursts.  When I woke up the morning of the race (and decided to go for it), I had a simple breakfast, zipped up to Squamish, 10 minute warmup on the bike, hit the start-line and go go go.

FV: I wish I could say there was…

LF: Just spin the legs with a couple pick-ups

MP: The start of the test is fantastic. It's a nice gentle cruise along the city streets before a lung burning climb to the first trail. It affords plenty of time to sort things out and slowly increase the heartrate, so I don't feel a need to get a huge warmup in. I usually spin for 15 minutes and climb a couple of small hills before finding my place in the start line.

SM: I did not have a specific one. But I warmed up on Loggers Lane slowly speeding up as I went along to loosen the legs then I just spun around the parking lot to keep my heart rate up so I was ready for the start.

Did you prepare specifically for this race? If so How?

AH: I don’t train specifically for the ToM. In fact this year I only rode my single speed bike twice before the Test (both times the week before). This race is usually just a part of my training plan for other multi day races like BC Bike Race. I ride regularly for most of the year and ramp it up in the spring so usually ride 10-12 hours a week for a couple months leading up to this time of year.

BS: This race was the fourth I have done this year. It is part of my training for my first 100 miler. Best way to be prepared for a mountain bike race is to ride your MTB bike a lot. I ride 5 days a week (trail/road/commute).

DB: I enrolled in Endless Biking’s Enduro Class which was focussed on prepping for the Test. Highly recommended for first time racers.

FV: No tailored approach this year. I started with a fairly strong cardio base from backcountry and nordic skiing at Whistler and Cypress Mountains and I think that has carried over into mountain biking. Since April I have been trying to get out riding 3 times/week on average (sometimes a challenge with 2 kids and part time job). The one major change this year is spending more time riding in Squamish; it’s worth the drive to find such a broad array of well-maintained, true XC-style trails. Having fun is a mandatory element of my riding!

LF: I was doing the race for the enjoyment of riding some incredible terrain, trained by riding the North Shore mountains as well as everything we could get to in Squamish

MP: I find the best way to prepare for this race is to race. The test always has a few races earlier in the calendar that I use to help build my fitness. Of course, I always throw some good long hill climbs into the training a few weeks prior. Climbing up to the top of Grouse is a lot like the 9 mile climb - good practice.

SM: Not specifically. I did a long five hour ride a weekend before, as well as some shorter rides before and after the long one.

What advice would you give someone considering doing the Test of Metal for the first time?

AH: Relax and expect the unexpected. I have had flats, broken chains, bonks etc over the years. The race seldom goes the way you expect or plan. Ride as regularly as you can, do lots of climbing as training. Make sure you ride the whole course at least once in advance – knowing what to expect helps a lot. Don’t forget to look around and enjoy the awesome community spirit in Squamish and the energy and hard work of the volunteers. It is a unique event, don’t miss it for the racing!

BS: Train in Squamish as much as possible, make sure you get a good start in the race, have a positive attitude and have fun.

DB: Aside from general fitness and mountain bike training, pre-ride the course a few times. Ride the first half. Ride the second half. Ride the Plunge a couple times.  Mentally parsing the course into smaller bits helps. Other than one small section that is easily walked, it is a very non-technical race; perfect for first time mountain bike racers.

FV: Learn to eat: A little bit, frequently. Figure out what fuel works for your body and then include “refuelling” as a component to your training in all of your training rides- short or long. Do include some long rides in your program, but also leave room for some “fun” rides- whether it’s challenging yourself on Mt. Fromme or riding for a day with your friends who have no interest in racing whatsoever.

LF: Be prepared for anything, the weather can really change the course as well as the number of people you’re sharing the race with.

MP: Don't set your expectations too high. Go out there to have fun. It's pretty intense racing in trails with hundreds of other cyclists around you bumping and yelling. Don't be the "bumper," don't be the "yeller." Bring food, spare tube, pump, and patch kit. And if it's at all possible, pre-ride the course.

SM: I would recommend training a lot by just getting out on the mountain bike or road bike and getting the miles in. You need to be accustomed to riding for 3 hours or more. You must take lots of food with you and probably have someone doing aid for you up Bonk Hill, handing you bottles. I would say take energy gels and maybe some fruit that’s pre cut up. And of course take a tube and the essentials in case you flat.

What do you like best about the Test?

AH: I really enjoy the community atmosphere. Both the local Squamish support and the cycling community vibe. It is a race but people are there to have some fun and challenge themselves. The course is no longer even close to the best trails in Squamish, but it is about more than that – it is an iconic event, one that it seems meaningful to be a part of. Just hang around the finish area after the race – happy people, who met their personal challenge, trading stories, tired and dirty but smiling and feeling great no matter how it went. Long Live the Test.

BS: Course is fast and not as technical as other races - good test of fitness. Race is super well organized fans are great. Mass start of 800+ riders is pretty cool

DB: Squamish community spirit. The amazing spectators cheer you on whether you’re gunning for the podium or just trying to complete the race in five hours.

FV: I like the fact that it’s enough of a challenge to attract high level/world class racers as well as inspire moms like me to get out there and push themselves on a bicycle like never before.

LF: The support and terrain

MP: I like climbing the big epic hills under the hot summer sun.  It's also such a unique race with the amount of crowds and community support - this really adds to the experience.

SM: Besides the finish probably going up the Aid hill and having everyone cheer for you, it lifts your spirits quite a bit.

Are you planning on doing the Test in 2012?

AH: Probably! Hard to break the habit! But I think I will go back to gears next time...

BS: Not sure yet maybe in another 10 years …..

DB: Oh yeah.

FV: Here’s hoping!  If I can manage to get myself registered again…

LF: Quite likely!

MP: Definitely.

SM: Yes. If I sign up in time.