Megavolt 2025

Mega what?

Back when I used to race cross country, (badly) my favourite part was when the race was over. The anticipation wasn't great, I always completely buried myself (to little effect in the results) and it was mostly just hard and stressful. I did it enough that I obviously got something out of it, but at best it was type 2 fun, even on rare occasions when I didn't shit the bed.

Megavolt is none of that. It takes the best parts of racing, the laughs and camaraderie, great trails, and the excitement, and multiplies them. Then it jettisons the stress, aggressiveness and attitude. For us, all of this makes Megavolt one of our favourite weekends of the year. Add in great trails, a spectacular location in B.C.'s wine country, and you've got yourself an unforgettable time, which explains why so many riders do it every year.

I cornered Andreas Hestler, one of the organizers of Megavolt and a Canadian Olympian, and asked him about this year's event, which will be held May 30th to June 1st, in beautiful Naramata B.C.

Cam McRae - You run both the B.C. Bike Race and Megavolt every year. Can you tell me about the differences in the people who sign up for each event, the vibe etc?

Andreas Hestler - Well, I think the vibe is pretty similar, but Megavolt is a Festival, and the BC Bike Race is a RACE. Both are focused on celebrating singletrack and camaraderie, both on and off the bike. Whoops and hollers are optional. 

There are some undercurrents of stress with the BCBR, as it’s a pretty challenging undertaking, and most people are training for a year or so to prepare physically and mentally. The MV shares a smaller version of BCBR, but with much less stress as you are riding an eMTB, so fitness is less of a concern, and most of the events are posed as Challenges not outright Races. I think they are more different by the number of days, said volume of commitment taking up more physical/mental focus and demand. The terrain for both is excellent BC singletrack.

I think the people that sign up for MV may have done their racing in the past and are just looking for a get-together, perhaps some laughs with friends and less of Challenge. While BCBR people are looking for a BIG goal, something to feed the soul, something that takes courage, commitment and preparation – but it could be anyone, just at a different phase of life, or in a different moment.

What is your elevator pitch to someone who rides eMTB but has never heard of Megavolt before?

Andreas Hestler - It's North America’s only eMTB festival. It’s like the Sturgis Rally for motorbike riders, or a BMW rally on the Sea to Sky It’s a gathering of like-minded people, Comicon, LalaPalooza, any place you see a commonality in a community gathering.

Can you tell me about the schedule and the events, including what's new this year?

Andreas - The Mega Volt is starting to really find its pace. This is year 5 and we’ve had lots of feedback, and we listen. So while the overall schedule is about the same as 2024, we have tweaked a few things. There is an increased focus on Beginner Group Rides, allowing new consumers to ease into this sport and we are focused on making a positive experience. The Hill climb challenge is looking to be sized up from Medium possible to the Impossible and we'll have a few different challenges. Let's have more fun watching/heckling/being astonished at the ability of both these bikes and the riders who can do incredible things, while we have fun exploring our own abilities. This Hill Climb is following our New social welcome ride called the Shake-Out. Friday is everyone arriving, saying hello, so we want to get out, stretch our legs and get to know each other and maybe demo a bike. There will be more demos from several manufacturers and participants can sign up for those ahead of the event weekend.

Saturday was a pretty satisfying format, but we have switched out the morning ride, the eXC for eFONDO, a technicality or a nuance you might say, but we feel it fits the format and vibe more. Maybe the Bacon Station will have more uptake ☺. In the afternoon, everyone will undertake the Trailforks Challenge, a scavenger hunt, done in groups. It was a huge hit for the inaugural run last year, and I’m stoked to get back out there in the Three Blind Mice network to explore.

Sunday, and by now we’re starting to get tired like the BC Bike Race participants, but heck we only have an eENDURO to do on Sunday, and the BCBR racers have 4 more days to do. That’s a big difference!

So we’re all warmed up to the flavour of the area and the terrain and it’s time to brrraappp braaapp and get into a party train with your buddies. Everything is taken at the rider's own discretion. Most riders at the Megavolt aren't vying for titles, just for a great weekend of fun riding.

Do you need to have race experience? What if you aren't a competitive sort of person?

Andrea - Have you been to a Metallica concert lately? Have you seen the audience? Well that is why we chose the hair themed logo. We’re giving er hard during the day, but packing it in by 10:30 pm. The vibe is meant to discourage too much race, and encourage fun, but heck if you set up timing and a start/finish – we can re live some of the old glory days – something for everyone and Enduro is Fun.

Having attended two MegaVolts I can say that the atmosphere is unlike any bike event I've been to. Everyone mingles with everyone else, there is very little attitude, and it's truly about fun. What are the ingredients that have created this festival that feels like a party?

It starts with a logo, an attitude and a team of like-minded people. We’re baking a cake and curating an experience, while setting the tone. I think people pick up on that and play ball. If you're going to Burning Man or a Grateful Dead concert you know what you’re getting into. Maybe it’s back to that analogy of a modern Def Leopard concert but lakeside in B.C. wine country. A juxtaposition of ideas that’s just wild and challenging enough to be a great weekend getaway for you, your friends and your eMTB.

Will there be some new trails involved this year? Or some that haven't been used in previous years? And can you tell me about some of your favourite trails in the 3 Blind Mice network?

Our course guys (two passionate mountain bikers with local knowledge) are building a totally new Friday, a similar Saturday morning, and 5 new check points for the afternoon. Sunday will be all new as well, so yes lots of changes. 

For me getting to know the area, it’s about the variety of flowy, rocky, roots, slabs and incredible views. The Three Blind Mice trail network could take years to learn and longer to be a trail boss there. I think Ponderosa to Black Bear is incredible as you drop through about 3 climatic zones, pass through a bunch epic Ponderosas, then wind along to a sick view of Penticton. If you continue down Southern Dancer it changes again into the classic Okanagan desert. A bit of everything. Rainbow, High Pony, Slabs, Bronco and one heck of an amazing Climber that meanders up the mountain, sheesh way to much, I’m getting excited just talking about it. Don’t forget a swim in the lake at the beach when you finish each day!

What would you say is the ideal eMTB for an event like this in terms of battery, motor, travel and overall capability? What about protective equipment and gear that should be brought along in general?

With the arrival and growth in popularity of the Lite or SL bikes, we now have a choice, but for me so far, I’m committed to the Big Dawg; a 720wh full-powered Rocky Mountain Altitude Poweplay. Last year Jeff Kendal-Weed (Legend) brought his test unit, an SL with a 500wh battery and had a blast. We’ll have different categories for each if you are competitive. Otherwise, we’re just riding bikes together exploring, and having fun.

For travel, while you can get away with 140mm. It’s a bumpy area and we are aiming to ride 3 days in a row, so 150+ is even better. All Mountain style! And to complement that, the usual uniform, knee pads, jersey, shorts probably a bag or fanny pack to carry your snacks and equipment. There is a lot of riding and for most, a new area to explore, so you don’t know what’s around the next corner.

Last year there were charging stations set up in the Festival grounds. Will that be the case this year as well?

What we found last year was that most people had time to go home on Saturday to recharge before round two, change their outfits, have lunch and prep for the afternoon. There will be limited charging on site and most wil be back at the riders' accommodation.

What sort of skill and fitness level is recommended for participants?

With the increased attention to the Beginner Group Rides, and the fact that the TBM network has a bit of everything, but nothing really beyond a black diamond, the routes we build will have a variety of flavours. Taken at the correct speed for each individual, it will be an awesome experience for any eMountain biker who isn’t a raw beginner. I say anyone can attend have fun and enjoy themselves.

As for fitness, mmmmm, depends how fast and how far you want to ride – I think it’s sort of matched up to the skill levels – but the courses are meant to enable everyone to get through and home on 1 battery – 720wh. Those with SL or 500wh battery can shuttle to the KVR or higher to start (we’ll have maps) and save what they need for the good stuff – the Singletrack and the hoots and hollers.

In previous years there have been quite a few celebrity riders at Megavolt. Why do you think so many of them like to come out for the event? Who are you expecting this year?

The growth of the eMTB market has all sorts of notables showcasing their sponsor's latest wares. That’s what it seems like until we go a little deeper and see that there is real joy in riding these units. Let's remember that we are a passion-driven group and those at the pointy end may be even more passionate. Once you taste a good thing, it’s hard to take it away. I simply believe they know a good thing. They are harbingers of good times’ and the MV is a good time factory.

This year we are still building and recruiting, I hear that the FreeRiders are having a get together Wade, Tippie, Richie, we might see some Devinci Riders, Georgia Astle, Specialized is signed up (they have amazing athletes). BOSCH is in attendance, Gully with Orbea, 'Transition is coming with Thomas Vanderham, Pivot's own Elladee Brown, the legend and our inaugural winner, Betty Birrell has whispered about coming back, Fox is back with Ryder Knoll and company. Sylvie Allan had so much fun last year she is back for more. NOBL wheels, Swagman Racks, NinetyK saddles, Trailforks, OneUp, Godfathers Garage – each of these brands have awesome people and amazing riders.

Speaking of the Local Area, we’d like to acknowledge that We recognize, honour, and respect the Syilx/Okanagan lands upon which we live, work, and recreate. Plus a big shout out to PACA (Penticton Area Cycling Assoc.)

What is the cost to participate?

Come have a look – as Mastercard says – ‘Priceless’ ☺

Knowing that most people ride in groups we’ve changed our strategy around pricing:

Solo - 600 CAD/430 USD

Duo. - 450 CAD/325 USD each (all reg. at some time, 1 lead trail boss)

4-Pack - 425 CAD/310 USD (all reg. at same time, 1 lead trail boss)

6-Pack - 400 CAD/290 USD (all reg. at same time, 1 lead trail boss)
*USD is approximate. Actual cost will depend on the exchange rate at the time of purchase.

theMegavolt.com