If you haven’t already marked it on your calendars, the ninth annual Westside Wheel Up is this Saturday (Sept. 8). Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the race starts at 1 p.m.
Lester Claire, the founder of the Wheel Up, will be on hand to start the race. Claire was disabled last year while helping a friend with a construction product. The proceeds of last year’s race went towards his rehabilitation.
This year Claire and race organizer Phil Chew, a friend of Lester’s, a three-time Paralympian and the coach of the B.C. Disabled Ski Team, will donate the proceeds to the Disabled Ski Association of B.C.
The Wheel Up goes from the Lower Sproat trail, to Beaver Pass to Rebob, and finishes with A River Runs Through It. Local Matt Bodkin is the man to beat this year, having won the event for the past two years. Last year he accomplished this feat in one hour and eight minutes.
Over $3,000 in draw prizes are available, including a dual mountain ski pass from Whistler-Blackcomb.
The race registration and starting line is at the entrance to Function Junction on the old Millar Creek Road.
