Hundreds of mountian bikers from BC, Yukon and Alberta descended on the Shuswap to inflict pain and suffering on themselves and to compete in the 7th annual Salty Dog 6 hour enduro race. A race course consisting of steep single-track and logging road climbs, rolling, loamy traverses and exhilarating, flowing downhills. While the Salty Dog solo and two-person team competitors were punishing themselves, almost 60 bike-crazed children aged 3 to 9 years went head to head in the annual Salty Pup 1 hour enduro, repeatedly lapping a 1 km course of Salmon Arm single track to see who could complete the most laps in one hour.

This year's attendence topped previous years' numbers as the race continues to grow. And, while Alberta and northern BC remain in the grip of winter, spring finallly put in an appearence here in the Shuswap to melt the last of the snow that had been covering the trails until just two weeks ago. The race, sponsored by Skookum Cycle & Ski ltd., ran smoothly due to in large pat to the efforts of over 40 race day volunteers. A recent volunteer work party to upgrade and maintain all of the trails in the South Canoe (Salmon Arm) area, including the race course made this year's loop the best yet according to rider feedback. "Rider and volunteer support of this great event is really inspirational and we just couldn't pull this thing off without the efforts and enthusiasm of all the volunteers and participants. I'd just like to say "thanks" to everyone involved, " said Tom Peasgood, Co-Owner of Skookum, and race director. Mr Peasgood also commented that the generosity of the City Of Salmon Arm and the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, through their donation of the use of the trails and parking area, allowed the event to continue to grow while reducing the impact on local residents and easing traffic congestion for the locals as well.

This year's participants ranged in age from 9 to 67 years and competed as soloists as well as on all male, all female and mixed teams. With competitors ranging from young and beginning cyclists to Canada Cup athletes, lap times varied from a new course-record 32 minuites, 15 seconds to over 2 hours as each comprtitor pursued his or her own goals.

Cheers to everyone on the great Day!

Greg Scharf, Co-Owner of Skookum Cycle & Ski ltd. & 7 time Salty Dogger

2008 Race results Overall

2008 Split times

2008 Salty Dog picture link  and go to event photos

Comments or suggestions, send to tom@skookumcycle.com