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Management Team

Dean Payne *President*	Dean is founder and president of Sea2Summit, the first adventure race in Canada. With more than 11 years of experience of planning and executing one of the world's most successful adventure races, Dean now turns his expertise, and genuine passion for riding and adventure racing, to BC Bike Race.
Andreas Hestler *Director of Marketing*	Andreas is one of the most recognized athletes in the global endurance mountain biking scene and is a highly-respected ambassador of the sport and British Columbia. He has exploded in the epic stage race arena over the past few years and, for three years running, has won the TransRockies Challenge...each time with a different partner.
Kevin Thomson *Director of Operations*	Kevin has been organizing public and corporate events in BC since 1992. As president of Carpe Diem Adventures for 7 years, he has introduced many people to the pleasures of hiking, cycling, paddling, air sports and many bizarre things like underwater running with cinder blocks. He has produced some strange events like the Canadian Speed Golf Championships, some visionary events (Kokanee Cruel Dual off-road duathlon), and some standard stuff like the FILA Footrace Series, New Balance Fall Classic Run and the Grey Cup Festival. His thirst for adventure challenges led him to become the first person to run across Canada without a support team which turned out to be more of a logistical challenge than a physical one. Kevin also attempted to break the human-powered speed record for crossing Canada using aluminum "RoadBoat" powered by rowing strokes. Kevin's role in the BC Bike Race is to ensure that the event production team has all the tools they need to make this the Best Mountain Bike Race in the World.
Melissa Pace *Director of Tourism Relations*	Melissa has been involved in the local Tourism Industry for over 10 years and is currently the Director of Sales & Marketing for Prince of Whales Whale Watching Company. She was one of the pioneering women who began mountain bike racing in the mid 80's and has progressed into multi-sport adventure racing and ultra running. Melissa's passion has lead her to complete several 50kms+ races which include the Knee Knacker, Diez Vistas and Stormy as well as many Sea2Summits, both Whistler and Panorama. Melissa co-founded the Dirty Duo Adventure race and volunteered on the race committee for the Knee Knacker. Melissa is thrilled to be a part of this exciting new race!
Brooks Hogya Director of Safety	Brooks founded Slipstream Wilderness First Aid in 1990, which has grown to be one of the most sought after resources in wilderness education programs and outdoor vacations. As a Wilderness First Aid Instructor, Brooks has taught over 200 10-day Advanced Wilderness First Aid courses all over Western Canada to guides, outdoor adventurers, field scientists, park wardens, and the like. For 15 years, Brooks was a Backcountry Adventure Guide guiding wilderness trips from 5 to 25 days in length in Western Canadian places like the West Coast Trail to Stein Valley and Strathcona Park. Brooks and his lovely wife, Anne Marie, have 2 highly-energetic young sons, Austin and Oliver. In addition to being a Primary Care Paramedic, he has amassed an incredible amount backcountry survival skills, experience and knowledge. We are thrilled to have Brooks’ extensive knowledge and training on our Team and we know that your health and safety are in great hands with Brooks at the helm as Medical Director.
Thomas Howard & John Crosby *Base Camp Co-Directors*	Thomas and John share an extensive resume of 'on the ground' experience, with combined total of 300+ race events in which they have volunteered, worked, or participated. These guys have gained celebrity status with racers both at the finish line and on the course. Ultimately no one cares more about the racers' experience than this dynamic duo.
Mike Jacoby Senior Graphic Designer	Mike graduated from UBC with a Fine Art Degree and started adventure racing in 2004, at the tender age of 23. Prior to working with BC Bike Race Mike was the Senior Graphic Designer for 4 years for the biggest photography studio in British Columbia. He’s also currently the catalogue designer for a local athletic clothing company. Since his first sea2summit races – Whistler and Panorama – Mike’s competed in them religiously and has added 10 MOMARs, the 2005 TransRockies Challenge, the 2006 Cheakamus Challenge, and the 2007 Cape Epic to his list of accomplishments. In Mike’s own words, “I've really lucked out being able to combine my love of sports with my passion for design.” And we think you’ll agree that Mike’s found his niche.
Beth Crowther Marketing Communications	Beth has an extensive background in writing and editing for the high-tech industry and now runs her own communications business part-time while directing considerable energy and passion to her full-time career. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Beth can usually be found biking, running, snowshoeing, skiing or hiking the North Shore mountains and generally finding new ways to quench her thirst for adventure. She completed the 2007 BC Bike Race and has run several marathons and competed in the Whistler Sea2Summit along with other local races. Of her many passions in life, Beth is delighted to blend two together in handling BCBR Marketing Communications – outdoor adventure and writing. “My goal is to paint the irresistible story of BCBR with words…to stir up passion for this race in those who have not yet made the decision to participate…and to fuel the fire within those who have!”
Kathy Lilyholm Racer Relations Manager	Kathy loves to "play outside" and is an accomplished and disciplined athlete who in the last 10 years has completed Ironman Canada, several marathons & half marathons and dozens of adventure races. Her keen thirst for knowledge in health and wellness has inspired her to pursue running, mountain biking, rock climbing and weight training. She applies her excellent skills at motivating others by coaching a number of aspiring athletes and working with companies to help them bring wellness into their workplaces. Kathy is responsible for racer relations with BC Bike Race and with her natural leadership and problem solving skills she will be an amazing addition to the team. "As a racer I know that getting to the start line is half the battle. My goal is to make BC Bike Race your best race experience ever by taking care of you from the time you register until you peddle off on day one!"
Joanne Bragg *Racer Hosts Manager*	Joanne's passion for outdoor sports and life with a husband who works events has led her to help with many outdoor adventure races. She loves seeing the committment of racers which, in turn, inspires her to get out and ride, run, paddle, etc. Joanne is a secondary school teacher of Grade 11/12 Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and other business courses. Her committment to the BC Bike Race is to ensure that everyone - racer, staff, volunteers and spectators - fully enjoys the experience.
Cindy Bonhage *Therapy Manager*	Cindy has been a Massage Therapist since 1999 and is very excited to be organizing the Therapy Team for BCBR. Cindy developed her sports massage on soccer, bobsled and rugby athletes, and since discovering the world of mountain biking at TransRockies has been focusing on cyclists. She is thrilled to bring a diverse team of experienced therapists who are committed to providing an exceptional level of sports massage to BCBR racers. Cindy, a life-long soccer player, has discovered that living on the North Shore without a bike does lead to looks of dismay, shock and concern. She plans to get her hands on a cruiser bike this summer!
Kristina Gibbons *Personnel Manager*	Dedicated to the pursuit of being happy and laughing all the time, Kristina brings her special blend of organizational skills and off-beat humour to her role as Personnel Manager. Although new to the world of mountain biking, her enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors gives Kristina a great appreciation for the BC Bike Race event and the people who race it. Her goal as Personnel Manager is to make every volunteer experience exciting, memorable, and fun… and of course, to laugh a lot all the time.
Team SLS - Matthuw Ronald-Jones & Nigel Mayes *Days Zero and 1 Co-Managers*	Matthuw and Nigel have a combined two decades of experience in the field of alumni relations and student services. They are well versed in designing and implementing events for 400-1000 students and adults in urban and recreational sites in several BC locales. As avid outdoor enthusiasts with a special passion for mountain biking, Matthuw and Nigel are looking forward to introducing the BC Bike Race to their back yard. As employees of Shawnigan Lake School, they will ensure that Day Zero and Day 1 exceed all expectations.
Brent Chan *Day 2 Course Manager*	Another staff member who cut his teeth in the adventure racing world, Brent has been volunteering and working events since 1999. A veteran behind the scenes at adventure races from 6 hours to 6 days including Mind Over Mountain, Raid the North, Raid the North Extreme and the Eco Challenge Canadian Championships. Brent has also taken to racing himself in the last few years in sprint and weekend events. A regular participant in the Mind Over Mountain series he's also raced such events as Full Moon in June and Raid the North so he understands what it means to race with teammates over several hours and days. Last year Brent was the assistant course director to Bryan Tasaka for Days 1 and 2. This year with Bryan pursuing other interests, he steps up to take the reigns for Day 2. "There's no denying that Day 2 is a long day with some significant climbing in the second half, but last year's racers were rewarded with a long descent into Port Alberni and some great singletrack to finish the day. This year we'll be looking to see what we can do to make it even better."
Jeremy Grasby *Day 3 Course Manager*	Jeremy owns the Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland, BC, and is actively involved in mountain biking in his community. Among other things, Jeremy is the Cumberland Jump Park founder and committee leader, and on the Board of Directors for the Cumberland Community Forest Society and Tourism Comox Valley. An avid trail builder and maintainer, Jeremy's recent trails include Cup Cake, Hai Gai, Short and Curly, Soggy Biscuit, Shaker, Space Nugget, DC/DH, Broadway, Mine Spine, Litter Lane Loop. For Jeremy, the bike has always been an important aspect of his life - from delivering papers as a kid, a means of transportation as a teenager and a form of recreation as an adult. In 1993 he bought a used Specialized Rockhopper, marking the beginning of a true passion. Jeremy currently rides a Surly 1X1 and for DH, an Oryx DH02. A competitor in both DH and XC, Jeremy's races include the BC Cup, Island Cup, Twelve Hours of Cumberland, Rowbotham Lake Ramble, MOMAR, the official unofficial Canadian Single Speed Championships, World Single Speed Championships, Greenstone Mountain Challenge, Dirty Dozen 12 hour relay, 12 Phat hours of Fun, Test of Metal... and many more! Jeremy will be bringing his vast experience as a racer, trail builder, skills clinic host, race organizer, and technical director to Stage 3 of BC Bike Race: "You'll be finishing the day with some of the best single track in the world while taking in views of the Beaufort Range, Coast Range, Strathcona Provincial Park (the oldest park in British Columbia) and the Comox Glacier ending up in one of BC's oldest towns, Cumberland. Top this with a refreshing swim in Comox Lake."
Rod Camposano *Days 4 & 5 Course Manager*	Rod has been a part of the mountain bike community on the Sunshine Coast for more than 14 years. He's been heavily involved in the design, construction and maintenance of many of the mountain bike trails on the Coast, including Highways 103 and 102 and Red Barron, and knows them intimately. Rod set up the course for the original Brodie Rat Race which, for the length, had more single-track than most other races in the province without going over the same trails twice. Brodie Rat Race grew from 70 racers in year-one to 135 in the DH and over 300 in the X-C Marathon before Rod retired from the helm at the end of '07. Rod is also an enthusiastic competitor who has raced for at least 10 years, including multiple entries in the Test of Metal, Cheakamus Challenge, the BC cup series and the Winthrop race (as an end of year blow out along with as much riding his body could handle in 4 days.) Rod will be directing and organizing the course for Stages 4 & 5: "I want to be involved in BC Bike Race to show off the amazing trails we have to offer on the Sunshine Coast... and I think I must like all the mental pain that goes along with organizing a race like this! Many of our Rat Racers say that we have some of the best single-track trails anywhere, and on Day 5 we'll show you exactly what they're talking about. In Stage 5, BC Bike Race will showcase the best of the West."
Team Corsa - Dave Heisler & Sandra Brull *Day 6 Course Co-Managers*	Since taking over Corsa Cycles in Squamish in 1995, Dave, along with life and business partner Sandra, have been promoting the bike culture in their business, the race scene and the cycling experience for all ages and abilities. With Dave's passion for racing, from international road racing on a Belgian team to winning the local Cheakamus Challenge mountain bike race, and Sandra's long-time work on the executive of the Squamish Test of Metal, it is no surprise that Corsa Cycles focuses on cross-country mountain biking. But with a keen understanding of the full spectrum of the cycling world, the Corsa team also provides extensive products and expertise in freeride, downhill and road biking. The spirit and dedication that Dave Heisler and Sandra Brull bring to Corsa Cycles will be reflected in their management of Day 6 of the BC Bike Race.
Grant Lamont *Day 7 Course Manager*	Grant is one of the most experienced and visionary mountain bike organizers in Canada. He has been the cornerstone of the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association since 1989 and helped make it hugely successful with over 1100 members in a town of 10,000. Having participated in the TransRockies Challenge, Cactus Cup, Mercury Tour in Colorado, El Diablo Baja Challenge in Mexico, Outrigger Mountain Tour in Hawaii, Ironman Canada and the Western States 100, Grant has seen his share of solid mileage and logistics. And, as the Race Director of the Cheakamus Challenge for the past 18 years, Grant knows what works and what doesn't. Grant will be putting down the route and organization for day 7 which will feature the best trails that Whistler has to offer. Nobody knows the trails in and around Whistler like Grant and he is excited to craft a course that will challenge your fitness and bike-handling skills: "I am really looking forward to putting together a wicked day of racing in Whistler. If I wasn't working on the race I would be in it, as it's backed by a professional crew and the route is the best on the planet!"
Shawn Leclair Community Relations	Shawn has a background in event management & communications and has organized successful runs, walks, galas, adventure races, conferences and more. She is the associate event director for Suburban RUSH. Shawn is an avid outdoors person who loves mountain biking, running and traveling. Last year, Shawn was the driving force behind the inspirational awards ceremonies that honoured racers every night. This year, she is taking the lead on the newly formed Community Relations role to help engage and partner with our host communities. Shawn is thrilled to be part of the BC Bike Race management team again because it is made up of talented and passionate organizers and outdoor enthusiasts. Shawn is a huge advocate of mountain biking's fun factor and loves adventurous travel. Consequently, she believes that BC Bike Race is amazing because it offers participants the best of both worlds!
Alison Liebel Transportation Manager	Alison is our Transportation Manager and will ensure that everyone and everything BC Bike Race gets from Stage to Stage without a hitch. New to the sport of mountain biking, Alison purchased her first, real mountain bike last year and has enjoyed using it to explore some of Vancouver Island - especially the wineries around the Cowichan Valley…a highly recommend road trip!. “I’m excited that racers will be able to see beautiful sights from the trail, and some spectacular views from the water during the ferry crossings – including maybe even a whale or two!”
Milo Rusimovic Transportation	Milo has over 30 years of experience in transportation and logistics in the entertainment industry. Some of his clients included The Barenaked Ladies, The Tragically Hip, Bryan Adams, FIS World Cup Ski Tour, Broadway Musicals (such as Cats) and many more. He currently works in the film industry as a Teamster and is used to working long hours in demanding conditions. Boasting a long history in mountain bike racing, Milo founded the first mountain bike team in Whistler way back in the early eighties. He competed extensively and most recently raced in the Cheakamus Challenge. He is happy to be a part of this epic adventure and feels that providing a smooth transportation service to the competitors and race crew is a challenge that he can meet.
James Durand Supplies Manager	James has worked in the bike industry for the last 12 years as a skills instructor, purchaser, product manager and GM. James is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, skiing, snow boarding, surfing and any other sport you might suggest to him, but his true loves are speed and adrenalin; which lead him to mountain biking and rock climbing. He has climbed in Thailand and Mexico and raced the BC Cup DH series, Canada Cup DH races, 24 hours of Adrenalin and when he’s not playing in the rocks, snow or dirt you just might see him ripping up the Sea to Sky highway on his street bike. "After one of the best experiences of my life racing the BCBR in ’07, I am back this year strictly as staff. I will be looking after all supplies and making sure you all have what you need when you need it. And there is some great stuff this year! I am excited to be involved in the huge growth this race will undergo in ’08 and look forward to supporting all the new and returning racers during the week and helping to make this one of the best experiences of your life. Maybe I’ll even see you out there for one or two days this year."
Dr Andrew McLaren *Medical Manager*	When not flying about in an orange flame retardant suit seeking out scenes of chaos and carnage, Andrew can be found in the Intensive Care Unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital where he works as a Critical Care Medicine Specialist. His interests of prehospital care, trauma and resuscitation have taken him to London as a full time flight physician, Blackcomb Mountain ski patrol and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He also occupies the position of medical consultant for BC Ambulance on Vancouver Island. Andrew grew up on the shoulder of Burke Mountain in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver in the era of ‘the Sawblade’, so the sweet rainforest singletrack was never very far away. Once bitten by this bug, cross-country riding was in his blood for good. An avid mountain biker, skier, and snowboarder, Andrew raced in the TransRockies in 2007 (15th Open Men).
Lance Fryling *Communications Manager*	Lance’s profession is an electronics and shop teacher, building and maintaining a wide variety of projects. He is a sport enthusiast, participating and volunteering in many different races and events from boarder x and crosscountry skiing to DH and xc mountain biking. Though he's competent at many, Lance's favorite sports are mountain biking, ski/snowboarding, windsurfing, and hiking. Lance has been a part of the Canadian Ski Patrol for 13 years. He has fulfilled duties such as on-hill instructor and Patrol Leader, dealing with first aid and radio communications in the Mountains of Manning Park. Lance will keep the wheels of this finely tuned BC Bike Race team rolling, as the communication hub.
Clifton Cunningham Aid Stations Manager	From his beginnings working in a toothpick factory, Clif comes to us with a wide range of irrelevant experience. However, for the past six years he has been organizing Road Running events across Canada (and 3 in Barbados), raising alot of money for charities. With over 32 (and counting events) as Race Director, the events have had over 100,000 participants. Currently managing the Western events in the Canada Running Series, Clif bring lots of experience to the water table. Clif will be working to ensure that everyone has what they need on course, with two aid stations each day to provide fruit, junk food, water, energy drink and bars, snacks etc. - all the good stuff you crave along the way! "Plus, Kevin said I get to wear a sombrero all week!"
Jeff Stromgren *Course Safety*	Jeff Stromgren is a long time adventure race support worker. He is professionally employed as a high school PE and Geography teacher. In diverse roles he has participated in such events as the Sea 2 Summit Adventure Race, Raid the North, The Yeti Mountain Snowshoe Series, and The New Balance Fall Classic. Each of these roles has contributed to his awareness of on-course activity in events of this nature. Interests in the world of adventure include hiking, trail running, snow running, climbing, and adventure power sports on two and four wheels. Jeff’s passion for reading and understanding terrain and geographic features of the landscape are what make him relish his role in course safety for the BCBR. Look for him on-course smiling with two or four wheels beneath him as he works to keep the course secure and racers on track.
Dave Norona *Moto Team Manager*	Dave is a highly-accomplished multi-sport athlete who has traveled the world to challenge some of its toughest races. In the past 18 years Dave has cycled, run, kayaked, in-line skated, and cross-country skied throughout Greenland, Alaska, China, Africa, Europe, New Zealand and North and South America. Though the list is long, here are just of few of his accomplishments: 3 Eco Challenges, 4 Mild Sevens, Adventure Racing World Championships, the 30-day 3000km Mizone-Endurazone, and countless local races. The Sea2Summit races have been some of Dave's favorites. And he has been the series' most successful athlete, with 14 overall wins out of the 19 S2S races he's competed in across Canada.
Dave Silver Photography	Dave - born with a bike between his legs, camera in hand and skis strapped to his back - has been involved in the outdoor industry for most of his life. He has participated in bike, ski and adventure racing, worked as a bike mechanic, ski tech, ski instructor, and spent many hours of his free time building and maintaining trails. In 2003, after wrenching for over 10 years and creating photos as a hobby, Dave pursued a formal education in photography. He has since established Dave Silver Photography and is successfully running his own business. Dave has photographed several events, most recently the 2006 Sea2Summit adventure races in Panorama and Whistler. Dave’s impressive images can be found in various publications including British Columbia Magazine, Explore, Skier, BIKE, BIKE Germany and Mountain Biking. Dave is not the ‘in your face paparazzi photographer’. He prides himself on being unobtrusive while capturing the story of the event. Racers and clients have commented on how they were surprised to get an image they did not realize was being taken. Dave will be presenting his finest images from our event in slideshow(s) during the BCBR race week and the images will speak for themselves. “I am stoked to be a part of this event, looking forward to the challenge of getting around and exploring various locations on the course”
Chenoa Campbell *Awards & Results Manager*	Chenoa spent the week of BCBR last year supporting a team of two. She enjoyed the atmosphere so much that when she was approached this year to organize the awards ceremonies she jumped at the opportunity. With over 5 years experience in event management and community relations, she is excited to be involved in creating an energized and interesting awards ceremony each evening to keep you informed and entertained. Chenoa gets a kick out of mountain biking, riding her cruiser bike, snow shoeing and hiking and as a true blue BC girl she will take great pride in showing off her home province to all the crazy mountain bikers.
Monique Armstrong *Support Teams Manager*	Monique started working at events at the ripe old age of 14. Back then, though, she had no idea when signing up to serve food at a grad ceremony, that this was her passion. It triggered again about 8 years ago, when she volunteered at the Molson Indy. Since then, she's helped out at numerous events, including Bowl for Big Brothers, Sea2Summit, The Yeti, New Balance Fall Classic, Vancouver Marathon, Momar and the Knee Knacker to name a few. At last year's BC Bike Race Monique ran the Bike Wash Station and is ecstatic to be returning as Support Teams Manager for 2008. In her spare time, you can find Monique enjoying life on the North Shore - hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and simply appreciating the beauty of her environment. Hanging around mountain bikers and working at last year's race also inspired Monique to purchase her first 'real' mountain bike, so this year she'll be learning to ride.
Tom Skinner *Start & Finish Manager*	Tom has been organizing races since he was 16 and comes from an extensive running background, ranging from track to trail ultras. The former Event Director of Iron Lung Events, he is excited to be returning to the BCBR in 2008 to manage the Start/Finish lines and help with anything else he can get his hands in to. Although a last minute edition to 2007, he’s happy to be more involved in the planning this year and is stoked to have an inflatable finish line structure. When Tom isn’t working on a race, he’s selling fine wine and brewing beer or (slowly) making his way towards a degree at UBC. Tom’s athletic achievements include top finishes in the Knee Knacker and Seek the Peak, the underage age group record in the Beer Mile, and he can boast being one of the few people ever chased down by police on snowshoes (see picture to left). "Looking forward to a phenomenal week in 2008!"
Ken Cheung *Bike Security/Wash/Lube Manager*	Ken is a multi-sport enthusiast (known as the "King of Sports" to his family) and his passion for mountain biking and has led him to volunteer at various races. Ken recently purchased a full-suspension mountain bike and hopes to add a few races to his resume this year. In the meantime, Ken will be ensuring that BCBR 2008 racers' steeds are tucked in safe and sound at night and that the wash and lube stations are dialed in for daily pre- and post-race babying!
Drew Bragg MC	Drew has worked as an event announcer since the days of the U.C.I. World Cup races in Canmore (1999). Since then he has been involved with numerous and varied events including World Cup Alpine skiing, Adventure racing, 24 hour races, and is currently the voice of many mountian bike stage competitions. One of Drew's toughest assignments occured last year in Costa Rica when he spent 4 tension filled days at the La Ruta de los Conquistadores finish areas waiting for good friend and BCBR founder Dean Payne to get his butt across the line. Drew's tasks involve getting riders off the start line each morning, informing participants and spectators of what's happening on course, ensuring all riders have crossed the finish before he calls it a day, and presenting the awards each evening.
Peter Nicholas-Smyth *Tent Manager*	Peter N-S, who also answers to ‘Pete the Pistol’, is delighted to be returning to the hills and thrills of BCBR in his capacity as TENTMAN. Pete has mastered the tent set-up, tear-down and set-up again routine and looks forward to doing this laborious job again in 2008. Pete is a runner, a hockey player, canoer and fisherman when away from his job as a high school English teacher. His Master’s Degree in Theatre has well prepared him for après tent set-up antics in the Bear’s Den! Pistol rides a circa ’85 purple Nishiki and digs it. “Ride ON!”
Martin Ready *Bag Check Manager*	Martin brings 10 years of Production Management experience to the BC Bike Race Team. This experience was gained while managing Theaters and Ice Rinks (yes.... ice rinks!) on Cruise Ships. During this time Martin was fortunate to travel to many exotic destinations where he was able to pursue his passions which include cycling, running, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving and kayaking. Born and raised in Campbell River BC, Martin now lives in Cumberland and is absolutely stoked about its proximity to great mountain biking, snowboarding and many other outdoor activities. He is active in trail building/maintenance and also volunteers for various sporting and cultural events throughout the year. He is also known to have competed solo in the Dirty Dozen, Twelve Hours of Cumberland and has enjoyed other endurance tests like the Rowbotham Ramble and the Seven Summits of Hornby Island.
James Wilson Bike Tech Support Manager	James is the founder of Obsession: Bikes in North Vancouver and has 18 years under his belt in the bike trade. James has been racing for more than 20 years including: marathon running (2:37 PR) and biking (1992 BC Cup off-road champion, 1999 Silver medalist Canadian Masters Nationals). Obviously obsessed with bikes and racing, James has been a race organizer, sponsor, sponsored athlete, team manager, technical rep and coach. "Why am I excited to be involved in BCBR? As our business name suggests we are obsessed...with bikes. I believe that this event is the most complete of all the adventures I can think of. It is at the right time, on the right trails, in the best place and with the best people. I just want to add to this incredible undertaking with a bit of my Obsession: Bikes."
Nick DiPerno Insurance Broker	A native of Montreal, Nick attended Concordia University graduating with a bachelor of Commerce degree. Recognizing the growing need for liability and niche market products such as sports and special events, Nick successfully implemented an electronic commerce strategy, SportsInsurance.com, considered cutting edge and revolutionary in the insurance marketplace. An avid skier and outdoorsman, Nick has taken his expertise in the insurance industry, his time tested internet marketing and binding technology, and his passion for the outdoors to develop his own company, AdventureInsurance.ca. Holding exclusive contracts with the most prestigious tourism associations across Canada, Nick has developed a reputation as the premier Adventure Industry broker in Canada. "I am excited to be part of what will truly be one of the premiere Mountain Bike Races in the world!"
Dave Howells Media Relations Co-Manager	Dave has more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry - leading; supervising and managing programs; events and promotions. It is easy to babble on about a race career that is full of personal acheivments such as top 25 at the 24hours of Adrenaline Solo World Championships, Eco Challenge 7th Place team or qualifying for the Xterra World Championships. Results are results but what took place before the event is where the true acheivment lies. Training in the rain, building relationships, preparing mentally and physically is the component to success that is often over looked. Competitors push hard off the line for fulfilment, accomplishment, satisfaction, inspiration, acheivment or something else? Each and every one of us has a personal reason for racing - to discover something new or to confirm something we already knew. It’s your race, go hard, never give up and be a winner wherever you finish!
Simon Norris Mapping	Simon is a GIS consultant based out of Victoria BC. His company, Hillcrest Geographics, works with spatial data to help solve environmental, land use, and recreational problems. Simon is an active skiier, trail runner and cyclist - he has has ridden and raced his bikes through the Coast Mtns, Rockies, Andes and Himalayas. The Alps are next on the to-do list, but his favorite trails are still in the hills of the Cowichan Valley. In Simon's own words: "I'm the mapping dude. And I'm excited about BCBikeRace as a chance to mix work & pleasure, and maybe check out a few new routes around the island."
Kevin Pennock *Ride Guide Production Manager*	Kevin is the Owner/Executive Producer of Ride Guide TV, a freeski, freeride mountain travel TV Series, distributed into 60 million households throughout 60 countries in 12 languages. Over the past 12 years, Kevin has produced over 300 episodes of “Ride Guide”, as well as four editions of Trans Rockies and the 2007 BC Bike Race. Kevin looks forward to another exciting edition of the BCBR in 2008!
Bruce Robin *Timing Manager*	A self-professed “detail freak”, Bruce tracks fractions of seconds while the rest of us think in terms of hours. He first became involved in timing events as a volunteer with his own running club for their primary race event each year. Bruce has timed ITU World Cup Triathlon events, the Sea2Summit Adventure racing series, Five Peaks Trail Running Series and many local road races in Calgary, Alberta, where he now resides. In his spare time, Bruce is also a runner and musician.