I’ve lost count of how many King of the Canyon events have run - I’d guess six? - but the big day is happening again. This year it’s on Saturday, September 19, 2009.

King of the Canyon (KOC) is the Yukon’s only honest-to-goodness epic mountain bike race and is also the territory’s XC championship, wrapping back, forth and around nearly all of Whitehorse’s local trails. Two courses are available - the longer 50 km version and a shorter 25 km.

Start location is the boat launch area at Schwatka Lake Recreational Area. Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. and the race starts at noon.

Cost per rider is $20 for the 50 km course and $15 for the 25 km. This fee includes everything: aid stations, draw prizes and a huge BBQ at the finish. Speaking from experience, the aid stations are amazing. Nothing makes the misery of a 50 km slog go away faster than stumbling upon a glorious spread of fruit, chocolate and energy drinks in the middle of the forest, hosted by a smiling group of volunteers.

Participants must be Cycling Association Yukon members, or if you’re not from the Yukon, have insurance from your own club that covers you while traveling.