2012 BC Bike Race

by BC Bike Race
Nov 10, 2011 at 10:26

Photos by Brad Holmes
Video by Connor Macleod
Words by Andreas Hestler

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes
Racers start what is quickly becoming one of the favorite stages, Day 6, Squamish BC.

BC Bike Race completed its 5th running on July 9th, 2011. It's hard to believe that this awesome event hasn't been around even longer; it seems like such a staple now for the cycling world. BC Bike Race the 'Ultimate Singletrack Experience' gave riders from over 22 countries a small or large taste (depending on who and where you are from) of what the riding in BC is like.

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes
An exhilarated racer nears the final finish line and the end of his journey, Day 7, Whistler BC.

For some of the participants it was quoted as the 'best week of my life', that's some high acclaim, but this is what the BC Bike Race is all about, 7 days of sweet trail. This year saw the likes of Brian Lopes, Katrina Strand and Mark Weir put the All-Mountain in Epic.

BC Bike Race Photo Brad Holmes
Left: Thomas Dietsch one of Europe’s best tackled this year’s event and was ‘blown away’! Right: Getting air isn’t mandatory, but it sure is fun.

2011 also marked the inaugural launch of the Race within the Race, enduro style timed sections that gave everyone a chance to shine over some unique never before seen courses, on a much smaller scale - all within the already existing event, just more fun to be had.

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes
A Rocky Mountain Bikes' racer shreds some sweet trail high over the Whistler Village.

“Bucket list’ is an overused term, but when we get down to the brass tacks it’s a perfect way to describe those big events that truly deliver ‘big’ experiences. The BC Bike Race has been moved to the top of the list for those that really want an all you can eat buffet of BC Singletrack, fully catered and fully supported – all you have to do is ride your bike.

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes
Swoops, berms and undulating trail describe much of the Squamish trail network.

There are two main events happening at the BC Bike Race; the Epic course, which includes full days of 50 km plus of trail and the Challenge course designed for those who didn’t quite get the training they wanted, averaging about 30 kms per day.

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes
The BCBR hits the best of the best for 7 days straight.

Participants can race as teams of 2, 3, 4 and 5 or choose to race Solo. BC Bike Race isn’t here to tell you how to enjoy your holiday just make sure you have the best time on a mountain bike possible.

2011 BCBR Photo Brad Holmes

Beginning in 2010 BC Bike Race created a kids race for ages 3 up to 13, let's not forget that there are little gaffers out there who love their bikes as well.

Stay tuned for the 2012 edition starting June 30 and finishing in Whistler on July 7th.

www.bcbikerace.com

Connor Macleod covered the last 2 stages of the 2011 BCBR in Squamish and Whistler. Check out the video for a taste of what’s in store for 2012. Stay tuned for more videos and get ready for the 2012 BCBR

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28 Comments

  • + 7
flag RowanH Plus (Nov 11, 2011 at 4:21)
 Yep, registration locked and loaded, me and my Remedy will be making the trek from Toronto. Don't really know what I'm getting myself in for other than sweet sweet BC singletrack Smile Hmmm, maybe I won't leave BC after that....
  • + 4
flag yeahbro (Nov 11, 2011 at 7:09)
 probably not a bad idea Smile
  • + 4
flag lmbngtracer7975 (Nov 11, 2011 at 17:53)
 making the trek. no pun intended Wink
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  • + 2
flag jcinkits (Nov 11, 2011 at 13:07)
 wow really want to do this race, even on my DH rig, but, way too much spandex going on for me - on the other hand, i guess as long as i don't have to ride too close 'behind'...:-) seriously, most of these lycra wearing, alien helmeted, two foot high seatpost riding daddy longleg guys would probably show me a thing or two about cardio racing and leave me and my attitude way in the back....sighhhh...c'mon guys what's wrong with loose cotton pants and hugging a tree after eating a bowl of granola.
  • + 1
flag scott-townes (Nov 12, 2011 at 16:07)
 Hahaha, do it! I want to see how far into the first day someone can make it on a dh rig before dying Wink
  • + 2
flag swearmouth (Nov 13, 2011 at 21:02)
 On that 29 lb session vital mtb built with a dropper seatpost and the suspension set up properly I bet they could do the whole thing.
  • + 1
flag scott-townes (Nov 14, 2011 at 7:20)
 It's not just the weight, but it's also the body positioning. I can imagine your back, among other things, would be feeling very painful by the end of day one. Sessions weren't built with prolonged times in the saddle in mind, I'm guessing.
  • + 1
flag swearmouth (Nov 14, 2011 at 16:00)
 No doubt, but on large enough bike with a long seatpost, and a steepened head angle using an angleset you could probably make it work.
  • + 1
flag scott-townes (Nov 14, 2011 at 21:00)
 SOMEONE DO IT
  • + 1
flag swearmouth (Nov 16, 2011 at 0:48)
 If someone would buy me that bike I`m so down, where do I sign up?
  • + 1
flag jcinkits (Nov 16, 2011 at 11:10)
 @ swearmouth - i am 68 yrs old and my DH rig is tricked out at 35.5 lbs [ light for a Dh bike ] but still heavy enough, and i will bet anyone $1000 i would finish that race - no biggy ! :-)
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  • + 1
flag katrina (Nov 13, 2011 at 12:09)
 Out of all the mountain bike events I've been to, and I've been to a lot, I'd have to slate the BC Bike Race as a top 5. The vibe is true to the west coast, laid back style while being super organized and supportive. And of course the riding was phenomenal. VERY highly recommended!
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  • + 1
flag kevinkimmett (Nov 14, 2011 at 10:31)
 All signed up for the 2012 BC Bike Race .. doing the Challenge Solo Course.

I've got a couple of questions:

1. I need all new components for my bike (headset, brakes, gears, chainrings, etc.) where is a good/reasonably priced place to get some new gear? I'm not looking for the best or the newest ... just some good stuff. I've got a 2006 Gary Fisher Cake 2. I considered buying a whole new bike but mine is still in really great condition - I've got it worked in real good. Smile

2. Tube or tubeless? I've never ridden tubeless but want to give it a try.

3. I'd consider myself moderately healthy - ride at least 60km a week, run 4-8km a day - don't do a lot of North Shore riding but have done a lot of DH in Whistler and rode the Don Valley Trails almost everyday for years during the Spring/Summer/Fall while living in Toronto. I'm trying to get my endurance up so I'm doing quiet a bit of road riding on my GF (riding up Cypress Mountain Road has been fun!) and have lost a whole bunch of weight with the fear of getting some ponds off so the ride is easier! - - - Any first timers want to get motivated together? Message me!

Kevin
  • + 1
flag kerfed (Dec 1, 2011 at 14:10)
 Tubeless, 100%. With stan's sealant. Stan save my race on day 2!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag crice666 (Nov 11, 2011 at 21:25)
 This race straight rocks. I did it last year and had a super good time. If any of you are planning on doing it I would highly recommend it and would be happy to give you some tips if you want them (bike setup, travel stuff, what to bring, whatever...). I did it more as a chance to ride wicked trails and not to race, a truly amazing experience.
  • + 1
flag TimPaw (Nov 13, 2011 at 22:02)
 So what bike would you suggest?
  • + 1
flag kevinkimmett (Nov 14, 2011 at 10:12)
 I've signing up for this years BC Bike Race ... ANY suggestions you have would be much appreciated!
  • + 1
flag crice666 (Nov 21, 2011 at 12:13)
 This is the bike setup I used: http://crice666.pinkbike.com/blog/BC-Bike-Race-Day-7-and-Bike-Setup-for-Race.html . I would really recommend a dropper post and bolt on grips that have ends that dont interfere with the outside of your hands. I also would not run super wide bars, some of the trails are pretty tight. Also ride a lot before this event, I was straight cooked after about day 3. My bike setup was good, I wish I had a little more travel because and a dropper post.
  • + 1
flag kevinkimmett (Nov 25, 2011 at 11:28)
 Thanks crice666!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag norona (Nov 12, 2011 at 13:28)
 That moto is me and I film the event, all though it is an excuse to rip up the trails on the zero x electric moto....great race with tons of fun people and spectacular scenery!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DBomberMan (Nov 11, 2011 at 14:03)
 wonder how that one guy managed to get a motorcycle in there. "nah guys i swear its a bicycle, i just havnt put the pedals on yet"
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  • + 3
flag SHARK555 Plus (Nov 11, 2011 at 0:09)
 This looks like so much fun, but my DH bike isn't the most efficient thing to pedal.
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  • + 1
flag viper741 (Nov 11, 2011 at 5:40)
 wish i had the funds to do something like this! my specialized pitch would be so at home on that singletrack! f*ck britain for having no sick events for the average joe!
  • + 3
flag wee-eck (Nov 11, 2011 at 11:55)
 viper I think you'll find there are loads of events for the average joe. You just need to get off your arse and look for them.

http://www.mtbtransuk.co.uk/
http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/

That took all of 30 seconds to find these 2.
  • + 1
flag RaleighVoid (Nov 11, 2011 at 17:18)
 exactly! join various local mtb groups on facebook and you will be kept informed. if youre at uni, join the cycling club page, they'll have all you need to know
  • + 1
flag cglasford (Nov 12, 2011 at 14:34)
 Or even better start talking to the guys in the local mtb club and bike shops and put one together yourself! I live in MN they are a bit behind on these types of things and I'm working with some people to put together a all mountain challege race!
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  • + 2
flag Mad-Duck Plus (Nov 11, 2011 at 10:19)
 I would love to do this one year.
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  • + 1
flag neverendingsingletrack (Nov 11, 2011 at 16:47)
 Already signed up and now the training is about to begin......can't wait.................bring the pain!
[Reply]

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