Northern California's Team Bigfoot has earned a reputation for fun, grass-roots events that give something back. The promotion company's last two events of 2005 raised money for the Shasta County Search and Rescue Team and for the Weaver Basin Trail System.
"There's more to putting on a mountain bike race than meets the eye," explains Vic Armijo, Team Bigfoot's chief executive Sasquatch. "One of the most important things for a promoter to provide is on-site emergency medical technicians as well as immediate emergency transportation if ever needed. That's why ever since we began five years ago, we've involved local Search & Rescue Teams with our events," he added.
At October's Whiskeytown Nine to Five, 8 hour endurance event the Shasta County Search & Rescue Team was on hand, ready to transport and treat any rider in need. "Most people don't realize that while search and rescue teams get some funding from the county, the members themselves are unpaid volunteers who pay for their own training and much of their equipment," Armijo explained. "So it's worked out well having them involved." Since there were no injuries at the 9 to 5, the team ended up having a nice day in the sun, while also getting better acquainted with the trail system at Whiskeytown Lake. "At the end of the day we presented the team's commander with a check for $700. In my book that was money well spent. They provided a vital service and I was happy to help them with their needs. I think they have the money designated for some new rope equipment for severe terrain rescue operations."
$700 FOR SPECTATING: The Shasta County Search & Rescue Team enjoyed an uneventful day of race watching at the Whiskeytown 9 to 5. "I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, growled Team Bigfoot's head honch.
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?
Also in October was the Lagrange Fall Classic, held in Weaverville, 40 miles east of Redding. "We hold that in the Weaverville Basin Trail System," Armijo related. "It's a fantastic network of singletrack trails, with many being the flume trails dug by hand during the gold rush days of the 1850's."
Unfortunately there is no government funding for maintaining those trails. "There's a core group of volunteers who keep them in good shape," Armijo continued, "But they have expenses too--signage, tools, gas for trucking up volunteers and equipment--so we always kick down some money toward their efforts. This year I was happy to donate $1000. I believe that some of that is going toward the cost of printing new maps of the trail system so that more people can come out and enjoy it."
Welcomed: Team Bigfoot's Armijo claws off a check for $1000 to the vice president of the Weaver Basin Trail System Committee. "Other users like hikers and equestrians welcome us to share the trails with them," Armijo commented.
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