Vid – 2012 BC Bike Race

Words Andreas Hestler

Photos Brad Holmes

Date Nov 16, 2011

Racers start what is quickly becoming the one of the favorite International stages, Day 6, Squamish BC.

BC Bike Race completed it’s 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.

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 and Mark Weir put the All-Mountain in Epic.

Swoops, berms and undulating trail describe much of the Squamish trail network.

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.

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.

“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.

A Rocky Mountain Bikes racer shreds some sweet trail high over the Whistler Village.

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 quit get the training they wanted, averaging about 30 km’s per day.

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.

Future BCBR participants.

Beginning in 2010 BC Bike Race created a kids race for ages <3 up to 13, lets 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 with tips and techniques to help get you ready for the 2012 BCBR