“The Haulback’s sentiment captures the town’s pride in its biking heritage. This isn’t a big moneymaker or a corporate spectacle; it’s a homegrown celebration of sport. “
Race details:
• Date: June 21, 2025
• Location: Squamish, BC
• Distance: ~34 km
• Elevation Gain: ~1,269 m
• Registration: Register Here
• Categories:Open Men and Women, Junior (Under-19) Men and Women, 50+ Men and Women
The Course
Spanning approximately 34 km with an elevation gain of 1,269 meters, the course is designed to challenge riders’ endurance and technical skills. Starting on Jack’s trail, participants will navigate a series of climbs and descents, including a classic – “Angry M”, which features a timed descent segment sponsored by OneUp Components.
Race Hub
The race hub at Hop Creek Farms offers a picturesque setting for both participants and spectators, complete with ample parking and facilities .
Post-race festivities are set to be a highlight, featuring live music from Papa Josh, local food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of Squamish’s biking community.
From Test of Metal to The Haulback – Origins of a Legacy
For 21 years, the legendary Test of Metal race brought thousands of mountain bikers to Squamish, B.C., helping establish the town as a premier riding destination. When that series ended in 2016, it left a void in the community. In 2024, local rider-turned-coach Greg Day stepped up to fill that gap with a new marathon XC event: The Haulback. Day, a 3-time BC Bike Race champ, teamed up with Sea-to-Sky veterans – Terry Evans (NIMBY Fifty organizer) and Quinn Moberg (winner of the final Test of Metal) – to create something that paid tribute to Squamish’s racing roots. The crossed-pickaxe logo and custom axe trophies say it all.
Moberg, who grew up watching and eventually winning Squamish’s classic races, calls The Haulback a way to pass that legacy to the next generation. The vision? A proper test of fitness, skill, and community spirit.
The Course – A Greatest Hits of Squamish Trails
The Haulback is a point-to-point, mass-start XC marathon that winds through Squamish’s most iconic terrain. Last year’s route featured 34 km and 1,269 m of climbing, blending grueling climbs with grin-inducing descents. Riders ripped through trails like Rupert, Man Boobs, and Powerhouse Plunge – the latter a nod to Test of Metal’s most famous segment.
In 2025, racers will battle for bragging rights on a OneUp Components Timed Descent down the steep and rowdy “Angry Midget”. The full route is chip-timed, fully marked, and promises a mix of tech and flow you won’t find in gravel events.
Pedal Hard. Party Harder.
With its unofficial motto of #pedalhardpartyharder, The Haulback brings Squamish’s culture to life. A 7mesh-sponsored heckle zone keeps energy high on the gnarliest trails, while the post-race party is set to be even bigger this year. The 2025 festival moves to the scenic Hop Creek Farms, with food trucks, live music, and DJs transforming the finish line into a full-blown celebration.
Community-Powered Racing
This race thrives on local stoke. Volunteers, sponsors, and landowners have come together to make it happen. In its first year, the race sold out quickly and brought hundreds into Squamish – boosting local businesses and showcasing the town’s trail magic. Sponsors include homegrown brands like OneUp and 7mesh, along with a mix of local pros and up-and-comers lining up for glory. Past winners include Olympic medalists and everyday shredders alike.
More Than a Race – A Movement
Now in year two, The Haulback is growing intentionally. Registration is capped around 300 to keep the quality high. The organizers – Day, Evans, and Moberg – are building something sustainable, grassroots, and full of heart. As Mayor Hurford put it, this isn’t just a race. It’s part of Squamish’s social fabric.
So if you’re looking for a real-deal XC test in one of North America’s best riding towns, get to the line. Because The Haulback isn’t just next up – it’s here to stay.
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