The Test of Humanity mountain bike race is set for Summerland Sunday, Sept. 23.
This annual second annual event has been designed for mountain bikers with beginner to expert abilities and for family fun. It is expected to draw about 250 riders, mostly from British Columbia and Alberta and a few from the United States.
There will be individual categories and courses for all ages and abilities. For children there will be a one-kilometre loop course. Juniors 11 to 15 will have a two hour test. Riders 16 and over will use a four hour, 10 kilometre track and complete as any loops as possible. The course is on Cartwright Mountain. Steve King, the legendary voice of Ironman Canada, will be the race announcer.
The intention of the race is to raise money for Canadian Humanitarian and provide assistance to the South Okanagan Food Bank. All financial proceeds from the race will be used to support Canadian Humanitarian and its projects in Ethiopia., Canadian Humanitarian is a non-religious, non-profit organization that provides orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia with access to health care, education, vocational training and the basic necessities of life such as nutrition and shelter.
Food collections at registration will support the South Okanagan Food Bank, a local organization that provides monthly food hampers to those people requiring assistance. At present there are 9,000 people in the South Okanagan who use support from the local food bank.
Last year the Test of Humanity races raised $40,000 for Canadian Humanitarian’s projects in Ethiopia, including construction of a new school in Gindo Town and a new community based garden.
Participants raising pledges and volunteers are welcome. www.testofhumanity.com