Charlie’s Angels

Tony Horn is legendary in the Sea-to-Sky corridor for organizing such races as the Four Jacks, the Four Queens, and this year’s Four Kings to name only a few. As those races draw the fastest racers and tend to have a competitive vibe, Tony decided to organize an all-women’s race last year – Betty vs. Veronica. The sequel to that race is Charlie’s Angels, and it will go down on July 27th and 28th, 2012. I caught up with Tony to get a bit more info, and to dig up a photo of Paul Stevens wearing only a sock.

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NSMB: What’s the premise of Charlie’s Angels?

Tony Horn: Charlie’s Angels is a two day All-Women All-Mountain Mountain Bike Adventure. Taking place July 27th and 28th, the event will be comprised of two events: a DH in the Whistler Bike Park and a 20km XC mini-epic around Whistler. Like Betty vs. Veronica before it, this will be a fun filled, team oriented event that for the gals that like to get dirty.

  NSMB Team rider Paul Stevens helped out as a course marshal for Betty vs. Veronica, and did his best to encourage the ladies by donning merely a sock over his dingleberries. Photo ~ Todd Hellinga

What’s the history behind it? 

After seeing women’s participation in the Four Jacks/Queens dip compared to the Samurai events I felt like an all-women’s race that was similar to the stage race but a bit easier was in order. Riders like Sylvie Allen, Rena Worden, Candace Shadley and many more have really inspired me over the years. And women’s riding has really exploded in the last few years so the event is really a celebration of that. It was also a good charity to raise money for: the Howe Sound Women’s Center!

  It would be hard to take this race too seriously when the volunteers are forced to dress in drag… and those particular queens are none other than Todd Hellinga and Four Queens winner, of the The Nomads, Dylan Wolsky.

What can racers expect from this race? Pain and suffering, a whole lot of fun, or both? 

I was recently told that the events I have organized are the most fun you can have while suffering on your bike… hopefully it’s not that bad! The general goal is to have an event that challenges the best riders but are also doable for your intermediate rider as well.

For those riders that find it on the hard side we’ll try and distract how they are feeling with various “Fun Factors”. Last year we had firemen hosing down riders, popscicles on course, men in drag, men sort of naked, The Tunnel of Love sponge bath parlour… the list goes on.

By making it fun and not insanely competitve but still challenging hopefully the event can take on something of substance for the riders. My best memories riding are when I have challenged myself for an epic with a group of friends and that is how I try and base my events. I’m tired at the end… but I’ve also laughed alot and done something really memorable!

  Sylvie Allen sported plate #1 in last year’s race, placed 3rd overall, and will this year be running training camps for both XC and DH for a lucky 6 women… Photo ~ Todd Hellinga

Who should race it? 

Last year in Betty vs. Veronica we had a bunch of first year riders taking part. So really it is open to anyone. There are sections of the course that some people may have to walk a bit. But there is nothing super gnarly or high risk. Just lots of sweet trails! You must either be a WORCA member or purchase a 1 day Event membership to take part.  

  Who wouldn’t want to get a face full of blue pow from a fireman? Photo ~ Andrew Mitchell

Registration for Charlie’s Angels opens Saturday May, 12, at noon at worca.com, with 240 spots available. For more info on the structure of the races, costs, and so on, check out the WORCA event page HERE.

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If last year’s event was any indication, Charlie’s Angels should be a hell of a lot of fun for the ladies. It will sell out, and it will sell out early, so if you’re interested, get in there! Do you have any stories from last year’s race, or perhaps a casual encounter with Paul Stevens in the woods? Do tell…