Sylvie Paillard
[email protected]
Test of Metal organizers are extending an invitation to all residents to participate in the community's largest annual event. The Test of Metal's increasing popularity means organizers need more "test pilots", those key people who look after certain aspects of the race, coordinate with other test pilots and direct volunteers on race day.
"The test pilot came about in after the 1997 event when we, the handful of race organizers, realized how big this event had gotten," said the race's founder Cliff Miller.
When the Test first happened in 1996, there were approximately 15 key people and about 100 volunteers for 450 racers. The personnel went up to 20 key people and 150 volunteers for 600 racers in 1997, and in 1998 40 key people were named the test pilots thanks to organizer Brad Walkey.
"The test pilots bring a wealth of personal experience to the table," said Miller. "But as we have gotten things tweaked to the point we are now at, only a couple of more test pilots have been added. Some of the 40 test pilots are still at it from 10 years ago, and are starting to get burned out or are moving out of the area with all the changes we are experiencing." The openings for test pilots is a good opportunity for newcomers - especially commuters - to become involved in the community in which they live and play, said Miller. Benefits include a sense of accomplishment and pride in being part of the team, a t-shirt and "beer, beer and a couple of parties." More local involvement can also be beneficial to Squamish by lessening the trend toward becoming a bedroom community.
"My fear is that this trend is going to continue and getting people involved in any events is going to be harder and harder as we grow," said Miller. "By getting involved you can make a difference."
Organizers need five to 10 more test pilots to take on jobs varying from logistics to marketing management. Individuals with team spirit and a willingness to be a part of "the best group of race organizers in the world" who take pride in a job well done and are willing to think outside of the box are invited to contact Cliff Miller by email at [email protected].
