Mountain bikers from around the Okanagan Valley and beyond competed in the seventh annual Test of Humanity race in Summerland on Sunday.
“The day was perfect mountain biking weather,” said Nic Seaton, one of the event organizers.
The weather was cool and calm, and earlier concerns about the risk of fires and dry conditions had been alleviated.
The fundraising event drew a total of 227 riders this year.
While the number of participants is lower than last year’s 248 riders and the record of 278 competitors, the event raised more money than in previous years.
The drop in participants this year may be a result of the fire season this summer. Because of the dry conditions and the high fire risk, there were concerns earlier that the event might have to be cancelled.
The race included categories for riders of all ages. In the adult categories, riders worked to complete as many laps as possible in the four-hour time limit.
This year, Sonya Looney completed seven laps in the elite female 16 to 39 category. This is the first time a woman has done this many laps in the competition.
However, Seaton said the most impressive record from this year’s event was the fundraising. More than $45,000 had been pledged before the race began, and with the money from registration fees, he expects this year’s ride will set a new fundraising record.
During the first six years of the Test of Humanity, more than $270,000 has been raised.
Money raised at the Test of Humanity goes to Canadian Humanitarian’s projects in Ethiopia.