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Dean Payne
President
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Dean has always been an innovative entrepreneur and sports fanatic, always finding a way to combine his passions with his career...which in turn made his career his passion. An events director for 11 years prior to BC Bike Race, Dean was founder and director of first adventure race in Canada - Sea2Summit. At the height of the sport of adventure racing S2S was the biggest in the world for participation, and still holds that claim to this day. In 2007, Dean turned his passion for mountain biking and for the incredible natural environment in British Columbia into the BC Bike Race concept. What sets BC Bike Race apart from the other mountain bike stage races is Dean's vision to create the ultimate singletrack experience and his determination to bring racers only the very best of everything during their BCBR experience.
Sports and althetics have pervaded Dean's life - he played university-level field lacrosse and won 3 Canadian championships in box lacrosse; and his pure love of mountain biking has taken Dean from ripping Freeride and Cross Country trails in BC to the beautiful and arid trail of Cooper Canyon, Mexico, to his "left it all on the trail', life changing experience as a La Ruta finisher.
Being constantly immersed in his passions keeps Dean deeply connected to the BC Bike Race and its evolution. He brings his own racing and adventure experience to the table with every decision that is made. And, by Dean's design, the BC Bike Race continues to maintain the close family environment he'd envisioned from the start.
"My goal from the outset with the BCBR was to create the very best mountain bike stage race experience in the world - for racers, crew and sponsors. The best race course with the most singletrack, the most interesting journey celebrating all that is great about life on the coast of BC, the most value with the most swag in your Dakine bag, the tastiest and heartiest meals, a solid safety program, the best bike technical support and the most overall camping and support service in the base camp area after your ride. And for our sponsors and partners to have the most celebrated brand in mountain bike events world wide".
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Andreas Hestler
Director of Marketing 
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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. |
Tom Skinner
Director of Operations  |
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 his new role as General Manager. Tom would like to recognize BC Bike Race’s pioneering GM, Kevin Thomson, for paving the way for all of us and getting this race off the ground.
When Tom isn’t working on BC Bike Race, he’s organizing numerous other events around the Lower Mainland, including the recently renamed Mud Run Ride. Outside of the event world, he is preparing to be a paramedic with BC Ambulance. Tom’s athletic achievements include top finishes in the Knee Knacker and Seek the Peak, as well as in other not so conventional races such as the Beer Mile.
He’s excited to be given the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of people.
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Brooks Hogya
Director of Safety
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Brooks founded Slipstream Wilderness First Aid (1990) and Solid Medical and Safety Systems (2006), which have grown to be one of the most sought after resources in wilderness education programs and Medic services. As a Wilderness First Aid Instructor, Brooks has taught hundreds of 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 with BC Ambulance Service, he has amassed an incredible amount backcountry skills, experience and knowledge. We are thrilled to have Brooks’ extensive knowledge and training on our Team and we know that you are in great hands with Brooks at the helm as Director of Safety.
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Thomas Howard & John Crosby
Base Camp Co-Directors 
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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
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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.
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Beth Crowther
Marketing Communications
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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, has run several half and full marathons, and competed in the Whistler Sea2Summit along with other local trail running and adventure 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!”
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Kathy Lilyholm
Racer Relations Manager
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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 pedal across the finish line on Day 7!"
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Joanne Bragg
Racer Hosts Manager
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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 commitment 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 commitment to the BC Bike Race is to ensure that everyone - racer, staff, volunteers and spectators - fully enjoys the experience.
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Cindy Bonhage
Therapy Manager
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Cindy has been a Massage Therapist since 1999 and is very excited to be organizing the Therapy Team for BCBR through her new company, Catalyst Sports Massage Inc. 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.
Through Catalyst, Cindy is thrilled to bring a diverse team of experienced therapists who are committed to providing an exceptional level of sports massage and physiotherapy to BCBR racers.
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Jane Victoria King
Day 0 Logistics Manager
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Jane is passionate about cycling and would much rather ride a bicycle then drive a car. And, she's proud to be part of the 2009 BC Bike Race team. As a long-time advocate for cycling, Jane re-wrote all of Vancouver Island's Tourism publications to highlight cycling; volunteered as a member for the Cycle Tourism Advisory Committee; and started the first "Fresh-Air/Car-Free Day" in Victoria, closing off 2km of the scenic Dallas Rd waterfront drive to encourage non-motorized traffic for all. Her 17 year-old son, Kyle, is a junior racer on the "Pinkbike.com/Devinci DH" Team.
For Jane, BCBR is a wonderful way to showcase BC's incredible cycling networks, forests and unique coastal communities. During the first two BC Bike Races Jane worked as Manager, Sales and Community Relations for BC Ferries, liaising with the BCBR team on logistics as well as overseeing BC Ferries' sponsorship and return on investment.
Her advice to BCBR wanna be's and racers, "You won't regret it! Sit back and enjoy the ride, the scenery and the fresh air. BC Bike Race will give you a snippit of what BC has to offer. You'll just have to come back for more!"
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Team Endless Biking Darren Butler & Kelli Sherbinen
Day 1 Course Co-Managers
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Darren Butler and Kelli Sherbinin are co-owners of Endless Biking, specializing in mountain bike instruction (Camps, Lessons, Rentals & Tours) in the North Vancouver area, with a new location at the foot of the Day 1 race course. This gives them great perspective to help design a course to suit all participants. Team EB has come up with a Day 1 course that will challenge riders as well as be fun and is short enough for those who are in awe of the North Shore for the first time.
Team EB have been involved with the BC Bike race since the beginning. Guest riders for stage 5 on year 1, they were hooked on the fun. Endless Biking entered a team of of 4 for year 2 with Kelli racing the full pull and Darren helping out as team support due to an injury.
Kelli and Darren are taking it one step further this year. After orchestrating an exhilarating Day 1, they'll be joining their 4-person Endless Biking/Sports Insurance team on Day two for the rest of the race. Both Darren and Kelli are passionate riders and racers of all disciplines and have been both been in the industry since the early 90's.
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Sean Lunny
Day 2 Course Manager
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Sean has been involved with bikes and bike racing for over twenty years, first as a racer and now as co-owner of Oak Bay Bikes in Nanaimo. Sean has competed in numerous races like The Raid World Cup, Eco Challenge North America, Explore Sweden, TransRockies, Sea2Summit, as well as The Test of Metal.
Through Oak Bay Bikes Sean is now able to pass his passion for bikes on to other people and to help the sport/way of life continue to develop.
Taking part in the BC Bike Race will be an exciting challenge that he is really looking forward to.
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Jeremy Grasby
Day 3 Course Manager 
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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."
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Rod Camposano
Days 4 & 5 Course Manager 
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Rod has been a part of the mountain bike community on the Sunshine Coast for more than 16 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."
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Team Corsa - Dave Heisler & Sandra Brull
Day 6 Course Co-Managers
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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.
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Grant Lamont
Day 7 Course Manager 
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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!"
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Shawn Leclair
Guest Relations 
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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.
In year one, Shawn was the driving force behind the inspirational awards ceremonies that honoured racers every night. Last year, led the newly formed Community Relations role to help engage and partner with our host communities. This year Shawn will be working directly with VIPs and guests of BC Bike Race throughout race week.
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!
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Alison Liebel
Transportation & HR Manager
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Alison will be recruiting and leading our outstanding team of volunteers that will undoubtedly work as hard as the racers during the week to make this the best mountain bike race in the world. The chance to stare down seemingly daunting challenges, solve impossible problems, build team camaraderie and enjoy the pure adventure of it all is what makes this role the most exciting on this team.
What inspires Alison is the opportunity to be part of the racers’ experience. For many of our BC Bike Race participants, this is the hardest thing they have ever done and the goal they are most proud of. “It’s a real privilege to be part of someone’s biggest accomplishment in their life or the goal they worked the hardest to achieve. That’s why I’m involved – to get that inspiration from the racers and to be part – in whatever way – of that experience in someone’s life." |
Milo Rusimovic
Transportation
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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. |
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Dr Colin Wilson
Chiropractor & MASH Unit Rehab Lead
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Dr. Colin Wilson, our official Chiropractor and Rehab Lead for the MASH Unit, practices in our Day 3 stage of Cumberland, home to some of the best singletrack on Vancouver Island.
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Dr. Wilson has been involved in mountain biking since his first bike in 1984. Now working as a local advocate for trails and recreation, you will often find him out on his bike mapping the Comox Valley Trails or taking care of his mountain biking websites. In the winter you can find Colin up on the ski hills, or in the arena working on sports teams. As team chiropractor for the local junior hockey franchise, he has experience with sports related injuries including shoulders and hips. Dr. Wilson is currently applying for the Canadian Chiropractic Sports Residency Program, a natural step in his strong interest in sports chiropractic.
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Lance Fryling
Communications Manager
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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.
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Jeff Stromgren
Course Control Manager
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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.
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Dave Norona
Moto Team Manager 
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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 were some of Dave's favorites. And he was the series' most successful athlete, with 14 overall wins out of the 19 S2S races he competed in across Canada. |
Dave Silver
Photography
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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 2007 BC Bike Race. 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” |
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Chenoa Campbell
HR Assistant
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Chenoa spent the week of BCBR year one supporting a team of two. She enjoyed the atmosphere so much that she organized the awards ceremonies for year two. And now, with over 5 years experience in event management and community relations, she is excited to help manage BCBR's most valuable asset - our people!
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. |
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Monique Armstrong
Racer Relations Assistant
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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. In BC Bike Race year one, Monique ran the Bike Wash Station; in year two she was Support Teams Manager; and this year Monique is ecstatic to be working directly with the racers as Racer Relations Assistant.
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. |
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Drew Bragg
MC
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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.
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Tracy Davis
Start/Finish Line Manager
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You may remember Tracy as Housekeeping Manager from last year's BCBR. Tracy is thrilled to return to the BCBR this year in her new role as Start/Finish Line Manager. She is looking forward to the challenges of her new role and also the great exercise regimen that is required to execute this incredible race.
Tracy has a real passion for the outdoors and sports. She loves to camp, kayak, hike, ski and mountain bike. She has recently rekindled a love of trail riding and squeezes in a ride every other weekend, as she is a busy Mom of two teens, Jessica and Andrew.
In Tracy’s words, “The BCBR Management Team exudes positive energy and they have immense dedication to the spirit of the BCBR. I am delighted to be a part of this team and instrumental in making this amazing race happen! I will be there at the Finish Line to greet racers with a smile.” |
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Doug Doyle
Aid Stations Manager
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Doug has been associated with the BC Bike Race since its inception. He started out as as racer and after competing in the inaugural event he decided to forego the physical output of racing and work the race as a volunteer in the second annual BC Bike Race. As an unsuspecting vollie, he soon learned that the physical demands and 24/7 nature of running this event was all encompassing. Despite the seven long days and nights of operational commitment, he gained an appreciation for behind the scenes management of the race and shared the spirit and ingenuity of the BC Bike Race team of 2008 - so he signed on for the 2009 multi-day mountain bike adventure.
Anticipating racers' needs at the Aid Station level comes from the racer's perspective Doug gained in competing in team and solo endurance events around the world. He wants racers be properly fueled and hydrated as quickly as possible as they flow through the aid stations and will be encouraging each athlete to crank their pedals just that much faster towards the finish line.
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Peter Nicholas-Smyth
Tent Manager
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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 2009. 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!”
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Martin Ready
Bag Check Manager
Island Mountain Rides
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Martin comes to the BCBR with 10 years experience as a Production Manager/Project Manager in the entertainment industry Most recently though, he has followed his passion and has made the transition to mountain bike guiding. Martin is the currently the Owner/Lead Guide for Island Mountain Rides a mountain bike guiding company that showcases Vancouver Island's best trails.
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. Martin was a member of the 2008 BCBR team and is returning in 2009 for another fun-filled week.
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James Wilson
Bike Tech Support Manager 
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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."
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Nick DiPerno
Insurance Broker
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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
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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
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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."
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Kevin Pennock
Ride Guide Production Manager
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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!
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Bruce Robin
Timing Manager
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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. |
