THE RILEY SUHAN BACKCOUNTRY RACE: TAKING THE ‘I’ OUT OF SNOWMOBILE RACING
GOLDEN, BC’S UNQIUE MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE EVENT
When you think "Snowmobile Race," naturally, you think of Hillclimb Racing, Snocross, Oval Track, or even Watercross - forms of racing that all have one thing in common - an individual pursuit. When you factor in adrenaline and horsepower and add it to one's personal drive for the podium, snowmobile racing can become seemingly competitive and intimidating. The Riley Suhan Backcountry Race, however, hosts a different objective that has produced the development of raw fun while putting even the best backcountry riders to the test!
On April 1st, 2023, The Golden Snowmobile Club, Riley Suhan and his wife Anissa hosted the 4th Annual Riley Suhan Backcountry Race - And it was a definite success! Being one of the most unique events in Mountain Snowmobiling, you will only find an event of its kind in Golden, BC!
What is the Riley Suhan Backcountry Race?
The idea of the race is relatively straightforward— it's a randomized team event geared towards riders of all skill levels who want to come out, meet new people and, most importantly, have fun!
Give Me The Details!
Riders gather at Mountain Motorsports in Golden the night before the race for a Riders Meeting - this is where waivers are signed, safety is discussed, good times are had, and teams are created! And, what better way to select teams than with a good ol' fashion hat draw! Drawn by pre-selected Team Captains, groups of 4 are constructed - truly emphasizing the social characteristics of the event!
The following morning all volunteers, racers, and spectators make their way to the Quartz Creek Snowmobile Staging Area - about 30 minutes West of Golden, just off the Trans Canada HWY. Everyone unloads and heads up a short 14.4 Km trail to the Quartz Creek Cabin - making this event easily accessible for any snowmobiler!
Once at the cabin, all racers sign in and navigate through the crowd of sleds with race numbers to locate their teammates - a fantastic, friendly way to meet new people! After sign-in is completed, a "Sight Lap" gets underway in a single-file manner, allowing all competitors to view the course!
The Race Is On!
Conducted in relay format, each participant is timed around a proper backcountry course consisting of everything the typical "Mountain Rider" would be subjected to; tree lines, hills, meadows, big ruts, deep whoops, jumps and a few possible marked surprises! The team with the best overall time wins!
What Can I Race?!
A favourite factor that separates this race from others is the "Run Whatcha Brung" rule - meaning you ride what you bring to the race, whether it be an old 440, a 9R or an 850 Turbo - there is no class division for this event - The 670s race with the 850s, and the women race with the men!
Where My Girls At?
The female presence is growing in the snowmobiling industry, and its certainly recognized. This year, there were several women lined up to compete, even more cheering on from the sidelines and a great few volunteering! Not only did these ladies stand out for their authentic smiles and honest laughter, but also for the great camaraderie each displayed. From sharing advice and words of encouragement to hyping each other up and cheering one another on, it was apparent that all these ladies showed up for a good time, even if there was a little nervousness booting around.
While waiting in the "round-up pen," some final words were shared amongst the women: "I just want to finish... In one piece. " said Melissa Walper. Morgann Lynn said she had not raced before but planned to take it easy and go fast safely. Jessie Schedlosky said she had run before, but she was still nervous. Her advice to new lady racers was to go pee first (the raw truth)! Our most significant advice was, "Don't think. Just do!" Accept your nerves - that's just your body preparing for the adrenaline! You know how to ride, so get out on the course and give it your best shot!
Comments like these make one realize that the ladies competing have the same goal - to complete the race - taking away any thoughts of spite, aggression or intense competitiveness. For myself - Savanna, I am pretty competitive by nature, so showing up unknowingly with the oldest sled and, of course, my 1-year-old son was the answer to making this event nothing but fun for me. A non-functioning rewind and no electric start made things challenging throughout, but a few clutch starts, a positive attitude and the willingness to try kept me going. On the flip side, if you enjoy a bit of competition, there was an award for the fastest female lap presented to Melissa Walper of the Sicamous Snowmobile Club!
Females are blossoming in this industry, from changes in gear and sled design to showing up to a race like this! Being surrounded by ladies who came out to have fun, get involved and push themselves was a vibe any lady rider could get behind! It was nothing less than inspiring to see so many women participating in what most would consider a male-dominated event - never mind a male-dominated sport.
See You Next Time!
Next spring, instead of putting your sled away, come be a part of a rad affair full of incredible sledders, good people, friendly competition and a course that will test your backcountry riding skills! And hey, if you're not into competing, that's ok - this event boasts a beautiful cabin, fantastic scenery and a great crowd. It's a lovely way to spend the day with people who thoroughly enjoy the sport! Whether you're into spectating, volunteering or racing, this event is for you, and we can't wait to see you there!
Words and Photos: Savanna Rennie and Samantha Stutzke
Savanna Rennie is a rider and writer from Enderby BC. She was introduced to snowmobiling 10 years ago and has been deeply passionate about it since!
Samantha Stutzke was a small-town prairie girl whos passion for sledding was ignited when her dad took her out for her first sled ride in 2017. Why travel around the world when we have the best backcountry right out our back door?!
