Volunteer Spotlight - Q&A with Gary McDonald

Gary McDonald, long time SORCA volunteer, out riding

If you have competed in an event in Squamish, you have definitely seen Gary volunteering. Dani and Steph sat down with Gary McDonald, a long-time SORCA volunteer, to chat about what the volunteer experience has been like for him.

Gary’s history with volunteering in sport started in North Vancouver with ball sports while his kids were growing up, where he held a coordinator position for a long time. Because his family participated in Downhill racing, he also spent significant time around the DH tracks and became a familiar face in that scene.

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Q: How long has Gary been part of the Squamish community?

Gary has lived in Squamish for 19 years, but he was visiting long before he moved here. He already knew many people in Squamish and Whistler and even had clients who worked in Squamish back in the 50s and 60s.

Q: What was his first introduction to SORCA, and what made him want to sign up for that very first volunteer shift?

"I don’t build trails." For him, the draw was a way to give back to the community, and the social aspect that event volunteering provides. While he often rides by himself, he found that volunteering is a great way to get to know people from all different ages and backgrounds.

Q: Over the years, how has he seen SORCA events evolve from the early days to what they are now?

He has seen a lot of growth. He remembers when Socials consisted of 20 people showing up to a parking lot to decide which trails to ride. Now, those same events can have an apres of 300 people. Gary notes that "it takes a lot of management" to pull that off, gesturing toward Dani.

Q: He has helped out at a huge variety of events. Does he have a favorite volunteer role or one he gravitates toward?

He genuinely does not have a favorite role and is happy to help wherever there is a need. He has seen the holes that needed to be filled and wanted to give back to help fill them. Dani often puts Gary on as a start timer because riders love seeing him on the trail. It provides a great emotional boost for athletes right before they start a race stage.

Q: What is the most memorable moment he has had while standing on the side of a trail or at a finish line?

A highlight for him was during the 2024 Squamish Enduro. He was at the bottom of Deliverance with a group of men in their 40s and 50s, including his eldest son. They watched as the youth flew down the spectator corner. Gary thought it was a cool scene to witness the youth thriving in the sport of mountain biking, and seeing the older generation in awe of the up and coming athletes.

Q: Is there a specific event on the calendar every year that he looks forward to volunteering for the most?

He does not play favourites with the events. Dani mentions that "Gary is just as committed at the weekly SORCA events as the big events." His main concern is always asking the team, "What do you need?"

Q: Between volunteering and his own time on the bike, how does he balance his commitment to the network?

During his career as a broker, Gary’s workdays started at 6:30 am and finished by 1:00 pm. Because his days started so early, volunteering in the evenings or on weekends did not feel like he was giving up his time; it felt like an addition to his day. He considers Squamish a riding paradise and is a "spur of the moment" rider who enjoys getting out by himself, knowing he will likely run into people he knows on the trails.

Q: When he isn't wearing a volunteer vest, what are his favourite trails to ride or hike in the network?

Gary rides everything in the network and does not narrow it down to just one favourite. He enjoys the variety available right in our backyard.

Q: For someone who is on the fence about volunteering for the first time, what would he tell them about the experience?

He believes that if you are a rider, volunteering is how you truly get to know your peers. You meet people who give you riding tips and insider info on which trails are running well. He says that through volunteering, your rides are constantly extended because you run into so many friends. He describes it as a sub-community within the mountain bike community. “Don’t be shy, as it’s the new vollies that are the strength of any organization and you’ll be appreciated.”

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SORCA’s incredible volunteers, like Gary, make our events run smoother and feel more welcoming for everyone involved. Their dedication ensures that our community can continue to connect and share the trails we all love.

A huge thank you to Gary for his many years of dedicated volunteering and for being such a pillar of the SORCA community. We are incredibly grateful for the time and energy he has invested into our trails and our riders. We wish him the best of luck on his next adventure and hope to see him back in the network for a ride or event again soon!