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Thursday, May 08, 2008
BCBR L2S Contest: And the Next Random Draw Winners Are....
There are just 10 days remaining to get those entries in for BCBR's "The Last 2 Spots" Contest and it's time to annouce the next lucky random draw winner. Our fantastic sponsors keep offering up incredible items for us to give away and, without further adieu, our next random draw winner is......Tim Farrar!
Tim and his riding buddy, Rob McDougal, have each won a Suarez custom BC Bike Race cycling outfit and a pair of Ryders sunglasses (their choice of style)!!
Enjoy your stylin' new kit, boys, and good luck in the rest of the Contest! Check out Tim's submission photo and story below:
"A few people asked what happened to me and Rob on our little ride last Tuesday. Following is a little summary. It's a little long but so was the ride! Little did Mirone know how lucky he was when his derailier hanger broke a quarter mile into the ride! As most of you know Robbie and I were a tad late getting to Mark's surprise b-day party last Tuesday night. Where were you all when we showed up?! Oh, before I forget - SURPRISE!! Mark!
After a late start on the road and a really long set-up for the car shuttle, we were finally riding at 11 am. Rob was in his new fuscia lycra and I was in my baggies and ratty t-shirt you know keepin' it real! After a short fire road we go onto some single track that got progressively more technical. Rob was eating it up - the nastier the better. I don't know if it is the 14" travel, 45lb. bike or all of the rad videos he watched this winter but something really improved his riding. Gone is the Rob that is afraid to let his wheels leave the ground. And, I only had to give him feedback a few times as I rode by him on some tricky sections where he had to dab because he was too focused on the trees at the expense of the forest. He's really coming along though!
I on the other hand had no reservations about letting my wheels leave the ground as I was practicing repeated dismounts - the first into a manzanita bush and the second onto a pile of granite that I could not quite negotiate, the third was a full ender onto some cushy duff. "Rats, darnit, shucks," I exclaimed as I rifled through my camelback to find my allen wrenches. I needed to adjust the pedals that I had just acquired from Matt. They were too tight and I couldn't get out of the %^&*%^$$# ing things! I didn't have the right wrench but, fortunately for me Rob carries a 35 lb. pack with everything you might need on a long ride.
I backed the tension off on the toe clips and was without that added challenge but also without a handy excuse for my marginal riding! As we rode along I told Rob that I was looking at a 21lb fully suspended disc brake bike to counter my fat ass and asked him if he ever regretted riding such a heavy bike. "No, never" came his reply. He also explained that his better half had offered her deluxe super cushy nomad for the day but he said he always breaks borrowed gear so stuck with his tried and true Sherman Tank.
We were cruising along, Rob in the lead me a bit behind when I saw Rob put the hammer down through a turn. Wow, Rob is full of piss and vinegar today, I thought. I started to pick it up a little when Rob started shouting "snake, snake!" Yup, there it was a 5 foot rattler who was pissed off that Rob had woken him from his nap and nearly run him over! Rob said it lashed at him and tried to strike him. I got off my bike and walked past with my bike between me and the snake. The green/brown pattern was really cool looking and allowed it to blend right in with its background until you were right on top of it - imagine that!
Heart rates extra elevated we continued on our way. The rock quarry that we had been riding (sort of) through gave way to some faster single track with some short climbing sections. I was now in front and was waiting for Rob when pop! went his chain. He fixed it in a couple of minutes and we were on our way again.
We came upon Spaulding lake and the most technical section of the ride - a 100' climb with lots of rocks, switchbacks and loose dirt. Rob told me that Steve had almost cleaned the entire thing last year. Rob and I got the first 20 feet!
We estimate that we are about 5 miles into our planned 40 mile ride. "Hmmmm...an hour and a half for the first 5 miles - we better keep moving," I think.
We continue on for the next hour or so just riding and BS-ing and come upon the pioneer trail. We ride it for a few miles looking for a fire road that will take us down to Washington - formerly the dope growing capital of Nevada county, I later learn that they have transitioned to a meth-based economy - gotta keep it humming along somehow!
We break for lunch at the top of a long climb. I eat three pieces of quiche (gotta make weight at downieville!) and rob has a peanut butter burrito. I remind him of our one visit to the bronco chutes this winter when he ate a can of tuna for lunch (gross! ...might as well save some money and bring a can of cat food!) and bonked on the way out. I hope out loud that the peanut butter gut bomb treats him better.
Eventually, we make what we hope is our fire road and drop off into the valley below. We ride on flat fire roads for a long time. So long that Rob sits down and encourages me to scout ahead. I return to tell him that it is more of the same. I am a little concerned that the peanut butter is not kicking in! We find the road to Washington and enjoy a ripping downhill into town complete with overheated, squeaky brakes. So far, each section of the ride has taken longer than anticipated. I see a pattern developing here!
We hit the local market for something cold to drink. I go inside while Rob chats up a couple of local kids who are admiring his bike. They barely glance at my wimpy 3" travel X-country bike but are clearly in awe of Rob's fine steed with the huge front fork, giant shock and bright orange wheels.
Inside I grab a couple of vitamin waters and wait in line to pay. The couple in front sets their 12 pack on the counter while heatedly debating whether or not they have enough smokes for the night. She says, "I have a full pack," to which he replies, "I only have 14." She says, "Well you better get another pack - cuz you ain't getting any of mine." He looks at me and I ask, "how's it goin?" Blank stare. Thinking my mouth was moving but my voice box somehow malfunctioned, I say again, "Hi, hows it goin?" Nada. They were both hammered.
Outside Rob has befriended the couple's 11-12 year old kid and gotten directions to the trail head. After asking their kid what the hell he is doing tonight, they get on their motorcycle and ride off. The next couple to exit the store have his and hers twelve packs. Smart! don't have to fight over the last one that way. They get in their pick up, crack a couple, light a couple smokes and take off. You gotta love small towns - so much local color!
Out of town and to the trailhead we go. We only have 21.6 miles to go. Piece of cake right? I ask Rob how long this stretch took him the last time and he said, "I don't know a couple hours or so." "No worries," I think, even though I do remember reading in the book that it typically takes 3-5 hours and the first 17 miles are totally remote with no outs if you get hurt or have trouble. A couple of miles in we realize it won't be a piece of cake because while overall the trail does drop in elevation, there is a ton of climbing in between. Then, pop goes Rob's chain again. He pushes it up to me with a stream of colorful words issuing from his mouth. He gets out his chain tool and the vampires set in. As he sets to work I get an 8 skeeter kill with one swat of my hand. I mention the skeeters coming out and Rob says, "Screw it I'll push it and fix it later." I suggest we get down near the water where there is more of a breeze to fix it. He agrees. I can tell he is getting worked mentally and physically!
So there we go - Rob pushing his bike up the hills with me grannying along, then we coast down. Climbing up one of the hills I am really sweaty and very itchy from the combination of skeeter bites, dust and, I am sure at this point poison oak. All of the plants look to me like they are oozing itchy oils in the afternoon sun and I think how nice it would be to be up on the nice cool rim trail!
Rob is entering full bonk mode. He rests at every opportunity and has developed a gnarly cough. Soon after I learn that it is not a cough but a sort of dry heave. We stop for a rest and Rob pukes two, no three, no wait, four, five, SIX times before his guts are fully purged! He takes it pretty well joking that this is a four, no wait five, no six puke ride! I laugh hysterically at/with him (what are friends for?!) So, it is now a poison oak, two broken chain, one rattle snake, 10,000 mosquito ride and we have 15+ miles to go! We are moving really slowly. At one point I ride ahead and walk back to push Rob's tank up the hill for him. He says, "I don't think I am cut out for an adventure race," and wonders how we did the PQ a few years ago. I tell him we just kept going!
The shadows are getting long, it is clear that we won't be making the party on time, and I am starting to think of what we have with us in case we need to bivy. I am sure Rob has a pup tent and a full kitchen set up in that pack of his, so we're good. Then, we see the mountain lions. I am riding behind Rob and he suddenly stops. I look up and see something large and dark brown dart up the hill about 100' in front of us. Rob says, "Did you see those lions?" I say, "I saw one but wasn't sure what it was." "Yep, two lions -probably a mom and her teenager" (it had tattoos and piercings).
Knowing we are being watched by two lions, we hustle through the next 300' of trail. Rob is again making strange noises. I think it is him trying to scare the lions away but wonder if he is getting ready to chowder again. He didn't tell me until after we passed that the lions went separate ways - one above the trail and one below. I think what would have happened had mom really wanted to reunite with her kid!
Down by the river Rob is fixing his chain and I am getting eaten by skeeters while consulting the book. We are soooo not close to being done with this ride - halfway at best. Rob's head drops when I tell him and we quietly press on. At least Rob can pedal now so we move a little quicker even though he is still pushing his bike up the climbs. He has a serious hitch in his get along and says his quad is seizing up. Up, down, up down, around drainages again and again. After another hour or two of this we make it to a campground. Rob tells me this is usually where he parks for this ride. The truck is still five miles away and the book says the last section of the ride is the most technical and exposed - a stretch we aren't too stoked on riding in the dark with wimpy headlamps and in our exhausted state.
The towel is thrown in. We see a house and Rob knocks on the door to ask for a ride to the truck. NO! ...shut down. But, the guy tells us we are almost there...sure. We ride down the hill to the next section of trail and there it is! 5 more miles on the sign.
A car is sitting there with some music thumping. We wonder if the driver is tweaking but decide that we are going to ask him for a ride. No tweak just smoking some pot and drinking beer. He said he will give us a ride but has to meet some buddies first. Down the road they come. They break out another joint to go with their beers and tell us how there are a lot of weird people around there. One points up the road to show us where he and his posse found a guy knifed to death in his car. Rob later tells me that it was a meth deal gone bad. The guys also tell us how they like to jump off the bridges into the river. I say, its pretty shallow this year, huh? He says, dood its always shallow, like 8 feet - you just gotta know how to jump. He says, the most I'll do is 50 feet but my buddy did a 70 footer last summer. He says, he ripped his shorts off, tore his scrotum and broke a few ribs. Weird people indeed.
Thoroughly anesthetized, our new friend is ready to drive Rob to the truck. Rob offers to let me go because I only have a thin wind shirt and it is getting chilly. I decline, glad to take my chances with meth heads with knives and the cold rather than getting into that car. But, when they leave I stash the bikes, cover Rob's lights with my helmet and go hunker below the bridge. I want to see at least see the crazed meth heads coming so I can either run or defend myself with my 3" leatherman juicy blade!
A few cars drive over the bridge - crazy, meth heads with knives I think as I doze. Finally, Rob comes down the hill and I come out of my hiding spot and help him load up the bikes. I think about telling Rob to watch out for my helmet which is strategically placed to cover his led lights (no switch) so as not to attract any knife-wielding crazy meth heads. Then Rob says, "oh sh*t I just knocked your helmet down the hill." I say, "screw it ill get another one." Rob insists on trying to get it so we scramble down the steep slope to the river in our bike shoes - just one more opportunity to make sure we have poison oak and/or get hurt! There it is, delicately perched on a rock above the river. We get it and say let's get the bleep out of here!
Just as we are getting in the truck, a car pulls up and the driver asks, "Are you Rob and Tim?" We look at each other and reply in unison, yeah. He is Suzy's rescue team. Apparently he lives nearby and she called him and asked him to come have a look for us! We thank him and hit the road. As we savor a hard-earned beer we wonder if we have poison oak and whether or not we will give it to Mirone's truck. Another 15 minutes and we have cell phone signals. We call our significant others (still at the party at 11 pm) to see if the scales were tipped more to the pissed or the worried. Our ever-understanding spouses are glad we are OK and on our way home but probably a little pissed!
So, beware if Robbie calls you and wants to do a long ride because he means it!
All told: 12 hours, 35 miles, a bunch of climbing and descending, one rattlesnake, three emergency dismounts by Tim with accompanying cuts and scrapes, sunburn, 10,000 skeeters, poison oak (Tim), six pukes, two mountain lions, a bunch of freaks, a lot of cussing, a lot of laughing - all-in-all - a great time!
Oh yeah, Rob saw a bear too!"
Tim Farrar / Rob McDougal
Don't forget, the submission deadline for the Last 2 Spots contest entries is May 18th!! As always, please be sure to read all contest requirements before submitting your entry!Posted by BC Bike Race at 8:54 PM Pacific time
Monday, April 21, 2008
Announcing BC Ferries as BC Bike Race PRESENTING SPONSOR!
The BC Bike Race has always been much more than a "bike race." It's a journey showcasing all that's great about life on the west coast of British Columbia, from a mountain biker's perspective. Sure we have the best mountain bike trail network in the world, but we also have a very unique way of life, people, outdoor adventure industry, geography...and we have the BC Ferries!
From the beginning, BC Ferries has been very receptive of our concept. It showcases a circle tour that people from around the world come to do. Traveling up Vancouver Island, over to the sunshine coast, back to the Vancouver Mainland, and then back across to Victoria on Vancouver Island is literally the perfect vacation for those that like to get out and see things.
With BC Ferries' commitment to community involvement, the BC Bike Race fit right into their goals to engage and work with the communities, stepping beyond the traditional view of the ferry service as transporting local people to their end destination.
With that in mind, I am extremely proud to announce that BC Ferries have taken their relationship with us to the next level for 2008...to become the BC Bike Race Presenting Sponsor!
"BC Ferries recognizes the exceptional expertise that the BC Bike Race organizers displayed in the inaugural year and we are pleased to be this year’s Presenting Sponsor. The BC Bike Race provides more than an opportunity to showcase the incredible mountain biking available in British Columbia; it gives the world a view of our coastal beauty and our unique communities and culture. Adventure tourism is a growing segment of the tourism market, and one BC Ferries is proud to be a part of.”
Jane King,
Manager, Sales & Community Relations,
BC Ferries Corporate Development Division
When I first started presenting the concept of a bike race from Victoria to Whistler people often cocked their head sideways and asked... "But what about having to deal with the Ferries?" My response has always been, "Exactly! Isn't that awesome?!" 
As an Ontario transplant myself, I'll never forget my first BC Ferry ride to Victoria in 1994. To this day, the novelty has not worn off. It is something very unique and cool about this part of the world. Crossing the Georgia Strait on a BC Ferry - especially on a sunny day - is something that people from around the world come to experience, and go home to tell all their friends and family.
To have a ferry crossing in the middle of our race - 3 of them to be exact, and 4 if you are going to the start in Victoria via Ferry - is truly unique.
BC Ferries have increased their involvement to add significant value to the BC Bike Race for 2008. Besides transporting our 450 athletes, 100+ crew and many vehicles, BC Ferries is sponsoring a new initiative called the Bear's Den. The BC Ferries Bear's Den is basically an athlete lounge and hub right at the finish line. It will service many needs of the event and provide that important glue to our finish line mobile village.
This is just one of the surprises of the second annual event that we will be bringing to you on race week. Athletes will also be treated to a famous breakfast on BC Ferries on the morning of Day 4 - feasting as we cross the Georgia Strait on the 6:30 sailing.
There is no other endurance race in the world that includes this type of experience....and we can't wait to share it with you!
Dean Payne
President & Founder,
BC Bike Race
Posted by Dean Payne at 6:51 PM Pacific time
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Ride Guide to Produce Full Episode of BCBR 2008
Very exciting news for BC Bike Race and our fans! 
You may already know that for the inaugural year of BC Bike Race, Ride Guide brought a 3-man crew along for the ride. The end result was some amazing footage of last year's event that Ride Guide turned into two segments in Ride Guide's Bike Episode #137. If you haven't seen that footage yet, check it out!
How are things different for 2008? Well, this year Kevin Pennock, Ride Guide Production Manager, and his crew will be back...but bigger and better! Ride Guide is expanding their crew to give waaay more coverage this year...and...it will all be filmed in HD!!! Not only that, but there will be one entire Ride Guide Bike episode focused entirely on BC Bike Race 2008!
Ride Guide folks are just as excited about this announcement as we are! Here are Kevin Pennock's thoughts:
"Over 12 years and 300 episodes, Ride Guide has seen the sport of mountain biking go full circle. From the early days of just a way to ride "off road", to the "freeride" revolution, and now back to the "soul" of all-mountain riding, Ride Guide has been through the whole evolution. Over this time, Ride Guide has also redefined itself to become a "mountain travel TV" series, travelling the world to showcase the greatest places to ride on the planet. It just so happens that we live in one of the best places in the world to ride a mountain bike, and showcasing an epic adventure in our own country is an episode that just had to happen. Ride Guide looks forward to bringing our worldwide viewers a full half hour from BC Bike Race 2008, all in High Definition."
The BCBR Management Team is pumped about BC Bike Race 2008...and having a full episode on Ride Guide in HD? Wow!
"Ride Guide has been exposing Mountain Biking for as long as I can remember, I think 12 years. They have been setting the bar for Television Production for Mountain Biking during the most formulative years. Having Ride Guide shoot the BC Bike Race is an honour for us and a privilege. The show's format blends, event, tourism and local flavour to truly bring an area and a story to life. We are very happy to announce our 2008 production of the BC Bike Race will be shot and produced by the Ride Guide crew and with their distribution network we'll reach in excess of 60 countries and 120 million viewers!"
Andreas Heslter, BCBR Marketing Director
Not only is this some huge exposure for BC Bike Race world-wide, it's also an awesome opportunity for the 400+ competitors to relive the race on screen.
For all you racers, keep your eyes peeled for Kevin and the Ride Guide crew...they'll be all over the course to capture all the "moments" they can!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 7:00 PM Pacific time
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
BCBR Team Meeting - Port Alberni Style!
The BCBR Management Team breather between monthly Team Meetings came to its end this past weekend with a wildly productive mind-meld in Port Alberni...
The last meeting was held in February at the fantastic Shawnigan Lake School - host of Days Zero and One for this year's race. Then we took March off to drive through the growing list of tasks and challenges. And last weekend we brought the team together once again and did a little scouting of the Day 2 venue - Port Alberni.
For many team members, a visit to Port Alberni (which is on Vancouver Island) means a trip across the Georgia Strait - which was generously provided by one of our key sponsors, BC Ferries.
For this 90 minute sailing, we got to experience the newest addition to the BC Ferries fleet...the Coastal Renaissance. This new Super C-Class vessel was built in Germany and sailed all the way to Vancouver to be officially put into service on the Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo route just last month!
Now this is one beautiful ship! It is "wrapped" with spectacular gigantic images and colours that represent the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as well as the beauty of BC. The 160m ferry holds 1650 passengers and crew plus 370 vehicles, which makes it one of the largest double-ended ferries in the world. Two more of these vessels are set to go into service for BC Ferries this summer.
With the Coastal Renaissance's state-of-the-art amenities, and sweeping views through expansive windows, our trip with BC Ferries was more enjoyable than ever.
Once we docked on the Island mid-morning, we made our way inland for our noon meeting in Port Alberni. Every time we visit this community, we are reminded of exactly how supportive and welcoming Port Alberni has been for BC Bike Race since its inception. Those of you who are joining us for this year's race will know exactly what we mean when you arrive there on Day 2.
We had our power meeting at the Port Alberni Multi-Plex and Dean Payne, BCBR President, got things rolling by modelling for us the BC Ferries ponchos that we were each to receive in case of rain (not that we're expecting any during the race!!)
Ron Paulson, the Multi-Plex Recreation Programmer, dropped by to extend a very warm welcome and then cheekily teased us to "get back to work!" Well, if this team can do anything, it's get to work. And work we did.
Despite the balmiest weather the West Coast has seen yet this year beaming outside our windows, we spent almost 6 hours powering together through a jam-packed agenda. We covered everything from Aid Stations to Base Camp; from Course Descriptions to Transportation Options; and from Newsletters to Program Guides. Once again, we learned that this team is tight!! There is some serious excitement building in the BCBR House about this year's event!
A quick team photo with the Port Alberni Bulldogs hockey team mascot statue outside the Multi-Plex led us into dinner, socializing, impromptu meetings and a little more socializing. Ah yes - the team that plays together stays together!
Sunday morning came awfully early as our own Wilderness First Aid Guru, Brooks Hogya, led our team-building exercise - which was cleverly disguised as wilderness first aid survival tips. From CPR to rapid patient assessment, we gained insights into being the best responders we can be should any first aid incidents occur while we're out in the wild.
Forget making silk purses from sow's ears - we made patient stretchers out of daypacks and tree limbs. Forget the moonwalk - we learned the caterpillar. And no, you likely won't find any of us pulling that one on the dance floor...unless we're a team of 6 in a nightclub bustin' a move while carrying a stretchered patient and come across a large object over which we have to manoeuver without dropping said stretcher/patient...as mentioned, not likely. Besides, you're probably thinking of the worm.
As always, Brooks' training was fun and effective. He seriously knows his stuff...and how to make it stick. You're the man, Brooks!!
With the 3pm ferry back to the Mainland looming for many team members, we packed up our gear, finalized our "to do" lists and went our separate ways until next month. Those of us that took the ferry were lucky enough to sail on the shiny new Coastal Renaissance once again. And once again the expansive windows served up incredible views of the journey home through the Georgia Strait.
As of Sunday there were only 76 days to go 'til the BCBR 2008 starting gun fires....and we say bring it on!!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 9:34 PM Pacific time
Friday, April 11, 2008
Second L2S Contest Random Draw Winner Announced!!
The entries for BCBR's "The Last 2 Spots" Contest keep rolling in and it's time to annouce the second lucky winner in our regularly scheduled random draw. As you may know, everyone who enters by the cutoff date is eligible to win great swag from our amazing sponsors. Our second lucky swag winner drawn from the submissions received so far is...
...Andrew Clayton!
Andrew and his riding buddy, Martin Bain Venn, have each won a WTB Silverado Team Saddle, one set of WTB ExiWolf 2.1 Tires, and one set of WTB Wolverine 2.1 Tires!!
Check out Andrew's submission photo and story below.
If you haven't already submitted an entry for your chance to win the Last 2 Spots, there's still time. Please be sure to read all contest requirements before submitting your entry!
Hope you enjoy pimping out your rides with the awesome swag from WTB, gents, and good luck in the rest of the Contest!
"Dec 2006 - I was fat and lazy - at 110kg's !!! ( Never been there before) I was drinking way too much and had been down in Australia visiting some South African buddies from back home. Christmas approached and I stuffed as much turkey down my throat as I could - I just got larger, it was crunch time !!! New Years resolution? No alcohol for 2007!!! Crazy???? - I think my last liquor free year was when I was 13yrs old!!! Not that I drank much at 13 but I mean no alcohol at all. (Any one from a boozing rugby crazy nation like South Africa would know how hard this is - you Canadians know how well a 2-4 goes down at Ice Hockey hey??)
I got back to London March 07 to find some mates training for and competing in the TransAlps. I met this crazy bear of a man - Marty! It is seldom you meet people that you just know you will remain mates with until the end of your 'dazes'. A crazy mountain biking man who was always fixing his bike and getting it right, never ordering any new equipment but always looking for bargains from eBay, the kind that always let you down at the race start with 1 min to go -- it all adds to the laughs and everyone knows this crazy guy Marty, he rode Cape Epic and TransAlps with a HUGE moustashe. He has now bought leopard skin long tights (off eBay of course - no lies) for BC and is forcing me to grow a mullet and get a pair of the tights to cement our team vibe!
Having never ridden a race before, never been out on a long mountain bike ride ever and getting roped into La Ruta (Costa Rica) as the inaugural race was something else!!! All of you who have ridden La Ruta (07) would certainly identify with the surprises I was in for. But this guy Marty just pulled me along like a tug boat, not that it was a team event at all - he fixed things and just kept me going. The many laughs along the way - the tears and sweet - the raw bum!!!!; the fact that he and his girlfriend even let me share their room (and no - no reading into that!) and bed when accommodation was tight in San Jose just went to show what this great sport can do to cement new friendships.
I am riding BC with Marty this year - I am addicted, and have registered for Iron Bike too -- I am down to 85kgs and although back on a few glasses of wine when out with my girlfriend, the diet is much better and I am feeling on top of the world. Riding is not just about riding, it is a way of life. And so if any team, albeit a very inexperienced team and not really going for gold, deserves a few breaks, it would be the 'Tough Men from South Africa' team!
Best wishes to all the riders in BC for 2008 - you will most definitely recognise us two ..... just look for the leopard skin tights!"
Andrew Clayton / Marty Bain Venn
Posted by BC Bike Race at 8:25 PM Pacific time
Sunday, March 16, 2008
L2S Contest: First Random Draw Winners Announced!
The response to BCBR's "The Last 2 Spots" Contest has been fantastic! As promised, along the way we're giving away some sweet swag from our amazing sponsors. We've randomly drawn our first lucky swag winner from the submissions received so far...
...and congratulations goes out to Brent Prokop - Brent and his riding buddy, Eric Malboeuf, have each won a 1 year subscription to BIKE magazine!! Check out Brent's submission photo and story below.
If you haven't already submitted an entry for your chance to win the Last 2 Spots, there's still time.
Hope you enjoy the inspiring reading in BIKE mag, boys, and good luck in the rest of the Contest!
"I met Eric while doing a COLD February 07 Kelowna climb. The dude had moved from Canmore - obsessive moutain biker. As we rode together with groups and just the two of us - I realized he was a downhiller / cross-country freak. He didn't discriminate either discipline. He even rides his downhill bike with SPD's. We rode 2007 HARD. Name a trail in Kelowna - we did it multiple multiple times. Vapour - Smith Creek - Posthill - Gillard - McDougall.....
I convinced Eric to ride the Cheakamus Challenge ( I have done it 5 times ) in September. We rode it - I shaved 40 minutes off my prior year's time - Eric kicked ass on what he thought he finish it. Tunnel Vision at 60 km mark - Eric TURNED around and re-rode it to do all of the fun stuff he missed the first time.
This year we have an almost full dance card. Salty Dog in Salmon Arm May. Test of Metal Squamish June. July was OPEN for the BC Bike Race. August is the Kelowna Triathalon. September is the Cheakamus Challenge.
We are stoked to plan a Seven Summit ride - plus a bunch up Williams Lake. But really we're gunning for the BC Bike race. Eric just started a new job - the funds weren't there for the BC Bike race commitment. I couldn't afford the 2 of us - or I would've entered last December.
Getting into this race would be the thrill of a lifetime. We're both HARD training right now. We've ridden right through the winter with our Niterider's on snow. Average is 3 days a week. Let me tell you it's flipping cold on a bike at 15 below. We're doing the gym thing at least 2 days a week as well. As it gets lighter - we're just ripping to get out there on the bikes.
When I went skiing with Eric 2 weeks ago - he was talking about doing some heli-biking for his birthday !! Even one day would rock - funds providing..
We've got a crew of family/friends that would be the perfect support crew. Eric worked as a tech at Bike Cafe Canmore - I know nobody better to facilitate boo boo's on the trail. He curses the s**t out of me on climbs - I reciprocate with his descents.
We would make the perfect team. Jokingly we've chatted about the worst-case scenario on a multi-day race. Would you carry me out if the worst happened ? I said yes if the beer was cold at the end of the trail. He said yes if the Jagermeister was a plenty apres the day.
We have the perfect team name - not disclosed now in case somebody poaches it.
Are we ready for the BC Bike race - HELL YES.
Will we be trained enough for the big week - HELL YES.
What is our 3 most important rules - HAVE FUN - HAVE FUN - dont fall if you can help it...
Eric has a saying that has been constant with our riding - IT'S ALL GOOD.
Pouring rain and real dog-s**t conditions - It's All Good....
Blistering heat on a s**tter climb - It's All Good....
Numbing cold in December / January - It's All Good....
We would LOVE to crack the 08 BC Bike Race !
IT"S ALL GOOD....."
Brent Prokop / Eric Malboeuf
Posted by BC Bike Race at 2:50 PM Pacific time
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Shawnigan Lake School - Day 0 & Day 1 - A Retreat!
What else could you call it but a retreat? Though we were working for 2 days straight, the feeling of peace and tranquility that was bestowed upon us at the Shawnigan Lake School was something magical and special. A combination of community relations, tourism, course recognizance and our monthly BCBR Management Team face-to-face was the multi-purpose focus of this trip.
Leaving early Friday morning I picked up Dean and we made our way to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, which was our launch point to Vancouver Island. Meeting up with Kevin and Shawn over a coffee and a sunshine breakfast gave us the opportunity to catch up, prepare for the Friday meeting and look at the overall agenda for Saturday. The early morning sun sparkled on the Howe Sound waters as we sipped our coffee amidst good humoured banter and serious planning. Really this is how most of our meetings are; serious at the core, but if you leave an opening you can be sure someone will take a swipe at you.
(Aside) It's funny that I am on my way home, writing this in the BC Ferry Schwartz Bay terminal, and just got a call from a buddy of mine. We have planned to meet in the Pacific buffet on board and I am again reminded of how small the world is and how fortunate we all are to have cell phones and computers.
Friday, our early arriving crew of Dean (President), Kevin (GM), Shawn (Community Relations) and myself (Marketing) was set to meet with the powers that be that represent the Cowichan Valley, the Shawnigan Lake School, the Shawnigan Lake District, the local businesses, RCMP and local politicians...all the people that would be Day 0 and Day 1.
Upon arrival at the School we were met by Matthuw and Nigel (our Shawnigan School Reps and Days 0 & 1 Managers), shown to the meeting room and without further ado the meeting began. Introductions all around and it was really nice to see representatives arriving from the local logging companies - without their assistance we wouldn't be putting on this race or accessing any of the trails in British Columbia.
The meeting was an interesting exchange of positive ideas and optimism. For many of us in the room seeing BC and Vancouver Island begin to work towards a focus of Sport/Destination Tourism was titillating; I don't know how to describe it any other way. One of the local bike stores was represented by Hans Kumbruch, my very first sponsor in 1990 and one of my true mentors in the bike world. Twenty years after I began competing as a punk kid, here I am sitting in a boardroom with a diverse array of people pitching a mountain bike event, and espousing on the merits of tourism economy. It was surreal. We like to say in the cycling world that things come 'full circle', yes they do.
Friday's community meeting was a great success and a shout out to Shawn, Matthuw and Nigel for making it all happen. We hit the trails right behind the school for a few twilight hours and got a little course action in, two birds (or is it ten birds?) with one stone. 
Saturday morning arrived as most mornings do, way too early and way too fast, at least for me. But today's start was nothing compared to the 20 other team members who had taken a very early morning Harbour Air flight from Vancouver to the Island. They left at 8am and touched down onto Shawnigan Lake at 9am, on a crystal clear, bluebell morning. Two Harbour Air Planes taxied to the dock on which Kevin, Dean, Shawn, Brent, Jeremy and I stood. We grinned to ourselves one and all enjoying the moment, knowing that the next 24 hours would be indoors and full of paper shuffling whilst outside the sun shone brilliantly. The team unloaded and we all watched the planes take off; they would be back 24 hours later to take everyone home. 
It was time to hit the books, our agenda was set, Kevin led us through our paces and much was accomplished. Hours of hard work we did, but with the crew of people we are working with, the pleasure was all mine. We broke for lunch mid afternoon and ate in the Great Hall. I think this is going to be amazing, and we couldn't help drawing a parallel to Harry Potter and his school of Hogwarts.
After Lunch we hit the Lake for some team building exercises. Rowing is a very technical sport, and Shawnigan Lake has been producing some of the world's best rowers for many years. Their on-lake facilities are world-class and for our crew to be privileged to have an hour of coaching was too much. 
We divided into two boats of 8; that means we had one oar apiece, four to a side. Rowing is, as I mentioned, a technical sport so putting a bunch of rookies into a $50 000 boat and not expecting to get wet was out of the question. Given the coaching we had, the beautiful conditions (perfect, flat and sunny) and the amazing athletic talent of the BCBR team, no one got wet, except Cliff, but that was voluntary. We even amazed ourselves with what you can do and learn in a short period of time.
Back to the boardroom for breakout meetings and troubleshooting, we worked until dinner. Having accomplished all and more than our goals, we retired to our digs for an evening of social entertainment. Of note: the facility that we stayed in, Lecky House, has been used by Rugby Canada and Rowing Canada as a base for National Team camps. It offers amazing accommodations!
Sunday rolled around with some grumbling and some disenchantment as another end to another weekend; they all go by so fast. Down to the rowing docks on the lake and it was time to see the crew off: “The Plane Boss, the Plane!” Go on, say it. The Harbour Air Planes rolled in and landed. Like Cinderella and the Pumpkin, our ride had arrived, off to the ball or back to the real world we must go, seems there were a few glass slippers left behind as well...who's not a romantic! 
Though I was sorry to see the majority of the crew go, it allowed a small number of us to get on with one of our favorite pastimes - mountain biking. So it was with a heavy heart we said goodbye and a light step that we mounted our bikes and headed into what I will simply say is some amazing singletrack, right out the back door of the Shawnigan Lake School.
As the BC Bike Race draws near and our meetings heat up with pressure and intensity, I can't help but be grateful for the Team that we have assembled. I can't imagine doing it any other way and with this many people so focused on making BCBR “the Best Bike Race in the World” you can rest assured it will be. As for the magic of Harry Potter and Hogwarts...you just wait and see, I promise.
Dre
Posted by Andreas Hestler at 9:03 PM Pacific time
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Spring Training Camp with Dre in Mexico's Copper Canyon
This just in!
Big Mountain Bike Adventures has teamed up with Andreas Hestler, our very own Marketing Director and one of North America’s most celebrated cross-country mountain bikers, on a spring training camp in Mexico’s Copper Canyon region.
During the 7-day adventure participants will pedal with the 5-time Canadian National Champion and former Olympian, who will uncover his training and riding secrets.
This is an opportunity for endurance mountain bike competitors to prepare for the season. While the BC Bike Race from June 28 to July 4, 2008, will be the particular focus of this training camp, all epic, multi-day racers can benefit greatly from this training opportunity. Here's Dre's take:
“Spring training camps are one of the best ways to concentrate your efforts in that last push to start the season. All cyclists can benefit from experiencing a training camp that prepares you for your upcoming season. Like the pro’s, getting together to build base, discuss seasonal logistics and share knowledge, training camps should be worked into every ones program.”
The riding in this region is perfect for training with an endless network of buffed singletrack in an arid Sedona Arizona-like landscape. While getting fit with Dre, riders will explore a constantly changing landscape and jaw-dropping views that rival the Grand Canyon while cycling amongst the indigenous Tarahumara people, some of the most primitive in North America.
Further, Dre will be joined by local guides and riding pioneers who have an intimate knowledge of the area and its people and who can truly unlock the magic of the region.
Trip dates: Saturday, May 3 to Friday, May 9, 2008
Cost: $1975 Canadian
Founded in 2002, Big Mountain Bike Adventures is an innovative company that offers all-mountain, XC and downhill mountain bike trips around the globe.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:32 PM Pacific time
Sunday, February 24, 2008
BCBR Base Camp Scouting Trip - Port Alberni
Any road trip to Vancouver Island includes a ferry ride with BC Ferries and anytime you head out early in the morning you get to have an “All Aboard” Breakfast. This is how the day started for Dean Payne (BCBR President), Shawn Leclair (Community Relations), Thomas Howard and me, John Crosby, (Base Camp Directors) on our trip to Day 2’s Base Camp – Port Alberni.
Port Alberni is approximately 75 minutes northwest of Nanaimo. The drive showcases Vancouver Island's beauty with a highway that takes you along the island coastline and then through Cathedral Park/McMillan Provincial Park (those are some really big trees) before descending into Alberni Valley.
Our meeting that day was at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, home of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey team and the home for all our racers and staff on Day 2. Last year the people of Port Alberni were great hosts to the BC Bike Race and were very excited to talk about our return in year 2.
The BCBR team met up with Ron Doetzel, Manager of Recreation Services, Ron Paulson, Recreation Programmer and Kenn Whiteman, Community Development, Councillor, Board Member Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce.
John, Ron, Kenn, Dean & Thomas
We started the meeting with a sneak peak to the upcoming Ride Guide episode featuring BCBR and then we started working on making Base Camp in Port Alberni one that racers will remember long after the race is finished. The strong commitment from the community and the people of Port Alberni helped establish the benchmark for all our Base Camps. Some of the great ideas were – no wait! You'll just have to see them on your 2nd day at the BC Bike Race…
After the meeting, Thomas and I headed back to the mainland to work for a great snowshoe race series - the Yeti - the following morning. Dean and Shawn stayed in Port Alberni and met up with Kenn to catch the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey team beat the visiting Penticton Vees.
This would also be a great time to introduce Shawn Leclair. Though not new to the BCBR team, Shawn's role in Community Relations is. This position was created to forge a strong connection between the event and the host towns we get to experience on our 7 days of racing through British Columbia. In 2007, Shawn's role as Awards Director showcased her commitment to racers and local communities. Now Shawn gets to work with the local communities to help make your experience at each Stage start/finish as memorable as the singletrack you'll have ridden during the day.
The momentum is picking up and excitement is building for the BCBR Managment Team! See you in June!
John
John Crosby, BCBR Base Camp Co-Director
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:47 PM Pacific time
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Whistler Roundhouse Lodge to Host BCBR 2008 Awards Gala!
The 2008 BC Bike Race Final Awards Banquest & Gala will be held on top of the world - at the Whistler Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain.
The Roundhouse Lodge is located at a spectacular 6,069ft/1,850m above sea level and 4,000ft/1250m above Whistler Village. Accessed via the Whistler Village Gondola on Whistler Mountain, the ride is approximately 25 minutes providing great views for guests riding to the top for the BC Bike Race awards dinner.
Once you arrive at the top you will be greeted by the Whistler Blackcomb Catering Department, offering you food and bar service for the evening. Guests of racers are welcome to upload before dinner to take advantage of the spectacular panoramic views from Whistler Mountain.
What a memorable way to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the 2008 BC Bike Race competitors!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:47 AM Pacific time
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
BCBR 2007: An Insider's Perspective
James Durand is not only the Director of Supplies for BC Bike Race, he's also an accomplished finisher of the inaugural race! James and his race partner, Gary Jackson, also known as team Twin Sin, put in long, hard hours of training that paid off with a 10th place finish overall in their category. Nice work guys!!
No stranger to two wheels, James is a notorious long time downhiller. Before taking on BCBR, cross-country? Not so much! James has creatively captured the essence of his journey, both physical and mental from training to the finish line.
So, if you're wondering what to expect or whether you're up for the challenge, check out James' story...he'll be the first to tell you that if he can do it, you can too! It's all about what you put into it along the way.
Happy reading!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 8:07 PM Pacific time
Sunday, January 27, 2008
BCBR Official Travel Partner: Flight Centre Active!
We are proud and excited to announce that Flight Centre, with its specialist sport travel business Flight Centre Active, is the Official Travel Partner for the BC Bike Race. Flight Centre is one of the world's largest travel retailers with 10,000 staff and 1,700 shops in more than 50 nations.
Many racers have been anxious to make travel arrangements and this is the reason we've been recommending they hold off! Now racers can simply access the BC Bike Race Featured Event Page on the Flight Centre Active website and take care of all flights and accommodations through the people who know us best.
As the BCBR in-house travel agent, Flight Centre has worked closely with us to ensure that racers - and their travelling companions (moral support crew!) - get unbeatable rates at the best hotels with ideal proximity to the daily start/finish line in each of the communities along the way. And, they'll ensure that travel to, during and after the race is simple and seamless. Racers are just one click away from booking flights and hotels from anywhere in the world!
With Flight Centre Active handling their travel plans, racers can focus on what they're coming to BC to do - ride some seriously sweet BC singletrack!
Visit our Accommodations or Transportation pages for more details.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:02 AM Pacific time
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
BCBR Team Meeting Kicks Off 2008
Just as BC Bike Race is growing to accommodate twice the participants in 2008, so is the Management Team growing to manage the growth! (whew)
And last weekend we organized the bulk of our 2008 team, including new members and veterans, for a one-day power session in beautiful North Vancouver. Bright and early on Saturday morning we gathered together for introductions, excitement building, team building, and insightful discussions about the new challenge of managing double the participants and building and refining from year one.
Mid-afternoon, we piled on the layers and went up to Mt Seymour for some outdoor team building fun! Some of us skied and some snowboarded, while others kicked it in snowshoes during a perfect snowy, winter's day. The highlight of our adventure was the "Amazing Snowshoe Race" where we split into 2 teams with a focus on team building through a series of challenges on snowshoes. Our guides were fantastic and duly impressed with how well our respective teams worked together. Apparantly a crew from IKEA had done one of the same challenges and ended up in a fistfight! Wow! We hucked a few snowballs at each other, and maybe had some snow tackles, but that was between challenges...just for kicks!
In all it was a great day - productive, informative, and fun! If your organization is looking to do some unique team building, we highly recommend the awesome crew at Mt Seymour - they will work with any size group and leave you with great experiences to share! It's a great venue...a true winter wonderland...right on the doorstep of Vancouver.
Many thanks to Mike Cann at Mt Seymour for accommodating us and showing the BC Bike Race team an awesome time!!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 7:42 PM Pacific time
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Another Amazing Conquistador Among Us!
BC Bike Race Technical Director, James Wilson, joined Dean Payne (BCBR President), and Andreas Hestler (BCBR Spokesman and Marketing Director) on the adventure of a lifetime at the 2007 La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica.
James, an avid long-time mountain biker and owner of North Vancouver bike shop, Obsession: Bikes, went down to Costa Rica in search of something to satisfy his cravings for adrenaline and adventure on two wheels. And it sounds like La Ruta served up more than James ever anticipated.
In his insightful story, Blanca y Negra, James shares the physical and mental trials, tribulations and triumphs that only a race like La Ruta can bring.
With one read of James' perspective, we're sure you'll be inspired to take on a two-wheeled challenge of your own...maybe La Ruta, or maybe with us this summer at BCBR.
In James' own words, "Go have the ride of your life!"
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:32 PM Pacific time
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hot News! BCBR Welcomes DAKINE as Gold Sponsor!
We are thrilled to announce that Dakine has come on board as the official supplier of the 2008 BC Bike Race gear bag. Racers are going to be treated to the best quality race bag out there - bar none!
Dakine is renowned for manufacturing high-quality, super-durable, amazingly functional gear and we've chosen the ideal bag from their product line to hold everything you'll need for the 7 days of BCBR. Not only will you love it for the race, you'll keep on loving it for all the trips to take after!
We keep upping the ante on the best Racer Package out there...and Dakine's put us over the top!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 8:03 PM Pacific time
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
BCBR's Andreas Hestler is a La Ruta 2007 Conquistador!
BC Bike Race was proud to have 3 of its finest challenge the 2007 La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica this past November. Among the contenders were Dean Payne (BCBR President), James Wilson (BCBR Technical Director), and Andreas Hestler (BCBR Spokesman and Marketing Director).
Dean has spent considerable time reflecting on his "life alerting experience" in Costa Rica and is in the process of putting his recollections in print. Meanwhile, Andreas has, as usual, captured the essence of his race experience and highlighted others' in a great read, which we've posted here for your enjoyment and inspiration.
Congratulations to our BCBR boys and to all 400+ challengers of the 2007 La Ruta...what an amazing accomplishment!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 11:15 AM Pacific time
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
BCBR Registration 86% SOLD OUT!!
This just in: BC Bike Race 2008 registration is 86% sold out and fast approaching 90%!
So if you're still thinking about joining us for some incredible single track riding out here in beautiful British Columbia, don't delay...spots are going fast!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 7:54 PM Pacific time
Thursday, December 27, 2007
BCBR 2008 is 76% SOLD OUT!!
It's time to reflect on accomplishments of the year gone by and set new goals for the year to come.
And, if one of your goals for 2008 is to finish the BC Bike Race, then don't miss out!!
Registration has been rolling along, and we have teams now from all over the globe...including Switzerland, Mexico, Hong Kong, St Maarten, Guadeloupe, England, Mexico, Scotland, Germany, Norway, South Africa and heaps of places in the US and Canada.
So don't delay, with less than 25% space remaining, sign up today to secure your spot in the 2008 event!!
Best of the season to you from all of us at BC Bike Race...here's to an amazing 2008!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:34 AM Pacific time
Friday, November 30, 2007
Obsession: Bikes and Bikes for Tykes 2007 - Light Up A Kid's Christmas!
You know that amazing, crazy, giddy feeling you get that seems to bubble and rise from the soles of your feet, wraps around your racing heart, splashes the biggest grin of your life all over your face and then flies out your mouth in the form of a "Yeeeeeaaaaah!!!!!" when you rip down your favourite trail? Well, how about introducing that feeling to a kid this Christmas?
For those of you who raced with us this year, you undoubtedly encountered our grand-poobah-zen-wrench-guru, James Wilson, orchestrating the magic in the Technical Services Tent. James is BCBR's Technical Services Director and the owner of one of North Vancouver's best bike shops, Obsession: Bikes.
Every year, around this time, visions of bottom brackets, brake pads and shifter cable begin to dance in James' head. Well, actually, he's always got that stuff on his mind (and anything else bike-related), but when the Christmas season rolls around, James starts to think about how he can help less-privileged kids fill their dreams of having a bike to call their own.
Three years ago, James started running a Bikes for Tykes program out of his bike shop. James takes in old, unused or unwanted bikes (and bike parts), breathes new life into them, and sends them out to land in the grateful hands of less-privileged children at Christmas. The original program started in Naples, Florida in 1987 and has grown exponentially since then.
With a December 10th cut-off for accepting donations, James and the Obsession: Bikes mechanics live amid a flurry of wrenches and grease as they fix, tweak and polish the bikes for a Christmas delivery that could change a kid's life.
Now that the program is well-underway, James is looking for all the bikes he can get:
"As you may know we run a Christmas program called Bikes for Tykes. In December we pull in used kids' bikes, fix them and give them out to underpriveledged kids in North and West Vancouver. In spite of the obvious prosperity of our neighborhood we have placed over 200 bikes in the last 2 years. If you have or know of anyone who has bikes or bike parts which are no longer being used please drop them off at Obsession: Bikes.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this and have a Merry Christmas!"
Okay, so take a moment to conjure up again that giddy, full-body feeling of pure elation that flying through the trails on your bike can bring.
Feel that smile coming across your face?
Well, hold onto that thought while you have a peek in the shed or the storage room or the garage and hunt down that formerly loved ride that just doesn't see any action anymore. Feel the warm memories of watching your own kids share that feeling when they once rode this little steed (or maybe it was your ride!).
Now, give that ride a new life. Drop it off at Obsession: Bikes for the Bikes for Tykes program, and help share the biking love this Christmas!
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:08 PM Pacific time
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Two Friends of BCBR Deeply Missed and Fondly Remembered
BC Bike Race joins countless others in mourning the loss of two incredible contributors to the adventure racing and mountain biking community.
On Sunday, October 7th, North Vancouverites Denis Fontaine and Richard Juryn set out on a multi-sport training day as part of a group of 8 adventure athletes. The group was to kayak from Porteau Cove to Anvil Island, run to the peak on Anvil Island, kayak back to Porteau Cove, mountain bike 80km up to Whistler, run halfway up Whistler mountain and back down again to finish in a local pub for hard-earned food and drink.
Sadly, Mother Nature had a different plan. While the group summited the peak on Anvil Island, a squall whipped up in Howe Sound which brought 2m (7') high waves and 85kmh (53mph) winds. The group decided to press on. Not long after they paddled around the south end of Anvil Island, Denis' racing kayak, which he shared with longtime girlfriend Cheryl Beatty, capsized in the cross-wind. Both were tossed into the violent waters where hypothermia became an immediate threat.
One kayak in the group towed Cheryl back to safety on Anvil Island. Another headed for Porteau Cove to call for help. The third kayak, paddled by Richard Juryn and Graham Tutti, attempted to rescue Denis. Unfortunately, their kayak capsized with the instability of Denis on board. Despite their most heroic efforts to survive, Denis and Richard were eventually found floating limp in Howe Sound and later died in hospital. It was an incredibly tragic ending to an otherwise typical training day for these unbelievably fit athletes.
Read more about the incident here.
Denis and Richard were pillars in the North Vancouver athletic community and many members of the BC Bike Race team have been deeply affected by their loss. As a tribute to these incredible personalities, we'd like to share a bit about them with you.
DENIS FONTAINE
Denis had a passion for life that drove him to squeeze the most out of every last second. From biking to running to kayaking to snowshoeing to, well, virtually ANY outdoor pursuit, Denis was found charging at the head of the pack. A dedicated athlete, Denis relished challenge and was at the core of the adventure racing community. He gave every ounce in all his endeavors and was unquestionably the life of the after-party. If you knew Denis - well, even if you didn't know Denis - you always knew exactly where he was in the room...just follow the gregarious laughter/chatter until you reached the guy who'd greet you with open arms...or a prank... With Denis you just never knew.
Like a select few in this world, Denis had the ability to make anyone feel welcome. Never at a loss for words, he was no stranger to the mic or camera or podium at countless local races - including BCBR, MOMAR, Sea2Summit, the Yeti, and so many others. Denis also had a very reflective side to him, and could be serious, believe it or not. He was a very sensitive person who deeply cared about everyone around him in his life. Denis' family of friends and fellow racers is vast and each of us has felt the loss of this passionate, exuberant guy who was truly larger than life.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Cheryl and all of Denis' family and friends.
A personal message from BCBR President, Dean Payne:
"The BC Bike Race meant a lot to Denis. He was invited to the original advisory committee meeting to give us his valuable 2 cents. His encouragement from the get go, and his words of wisdom from a racer's perspective were invaluable. He also called me every day for a month leading up to the race to get the low-down. He was so excited, he was going to explode at any moment! It was great to have him along for the inaugural ride - as I have always said, the first year racers of any event are a special breed. We 'upped the anti' so to speak with an ambassador like Denis on the start line. He will be missed at all the various start lines he was a part of. He would break the ice with other nervous racers just before the gun went off. Good times.....we are going to miss this guy Denis."
Thanks to Jeff Stromgren for providing this montage that he compiled as a personal tribute to Denis. It genuinely captures Denis, as we remember him...while this only represents one of Denis’ many circles of friends, it’s truly representative of the larger than life character that he was....
RICHARD JURYN
The West Coast biking community has been hit so very hard with the loss of Richard. An outstanding, diverse athlete and passionate rider, Richard quit his high-tech job several years ago in order to pursue a career doing what he loved most...mountain biking. He was instrumental in shaping the direction of biking on the West Coast - from organizing countless mountain biking events through his home-based 
Shore Events company, to pioneering the World Mountain Bike Conference, Rich was a leader and pillar in the community. He had his hand in huge Whistler events like Crankworx and the Whistler Mountain Bike Festival and produced the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference, which created an unprecedented opportunity for trailbuilders, mountain biking advocates, land managers and members of the bike industry to plan and collaborate together for the future of mountain biking and trail access. Always forward-looking, Rich incorporated events for kids, like the North Shore Mountain Bike Festival Kid's Day, whenever he could.
An inspiringly fit 50-year old, Richard was not only a driving force behind the scenes but a force to be reckoned with on the trails as well. Though he relished xc races, Richard challenged adventure races and bike races of all descriptions with true grit and class and was always a top finisher.
Those who knew Richard will undoubtedly miss his optimism, passion for life and magnanimous nature. He leaves behind his wife, Jill, and their two teenaged children, Tahnee and Parker.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Richard's family and his extensive network of friends and colleagues.
In your spirit, we ride on...
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:38 PM Pacific time
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tommy's Catering Cambodian Orphans Appeal Fundraiser - Oct 5th!
BC Bike Race is a proud supporter of the SAVE THE CHILDREN CAMBODIA FOR DEVELOPMENT Fundraiser taking place on Friday, October 5th at Jaycee Hall, North Vancouver, BC. BCBR has donated a 2008 BC Bike Race entry for the silent auction. If you're in town, come down and support the event - bids for the BCBR entry to start at $10000CDN! 
SAVE THE CHILDREN CAMBODIA FOR DEVELOPMENT is a Cambodian NGO charity set-up in 2005 to build and run a new orphanage on the outskirts of the capital city Phnom Penh. The founder of the charity Mr. Chan Norn is a Cambodian native who was a Buddhist monk for ten years. He was compelled by the immediate need and left his monastic life seven years ago to work with orphans and teach them English.
In 2005, Mr Chan Norn made contact with a kind business man from New York who donated the first funds enabling the project to move forward. A small plot of land a simple dining hall-classroom was built along with simple dormitories to house the children. Chan Norn’s dream is to expand and facilitate at least 100 children by the end of the year “the need is overwhelming and critical”, states Norn.
The fundraiser is fervently supported by local caterers/restauranteurs Rick Slowski and Tricia Sibson of Tommy's Catering and Cafe. We'll be welcoming Tommy's as one of our BC Bike Race 2008 caterers!
Tricia and Rick had the opportunity to spend a week at the facility and witness first hand the education, life skills and loving peaceful environment which these children were previously denied due to circumstance of extreme poverty, loss of parents and family support, AIDS and victims of landmines.
According to Rick, "It is without a doubt a very special place for us and we have made a commitment to help the chidren of the orphanage have a fighting chance at becoming productive healthy contributors to society - without our help they can expect a miserable existance and most certainly be dragged down along with the rest of the desperate. We were completely ambushed by our feelings of compassion for these children, their situation and the fact that even small donations make a huge impact on their lives.”
BC Bike Race is commited to making a difference wherever we can. Please consider doing what you can too.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:35 PM Pacific time
Thursday, October 04, 2007
BC Bike Race Featured Episode on Ride Guide!!
Ride Guide TV joined BC Bike Race 2007 from the inaugural launch in Victoria to the celebratory finish in Whistler and captured amazing footage of the story that unfolded along the way. Ride Guide crew, Kevin Pennock and Mike Benedek, shot all 7 stages and have have put together a teaser of the episode (BIKE 137) that will feature BC Bike Race as part of the “Ride Guide BIKE 2007” Series. BC Bike Race will be featured in two segments within Ride Guide’s “BC” episode, to air across Canada, Europe and Australia this Fall.
Check out the BCBR preview and story today!
Based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, "Ride Guide” started in 1996, and over the past 11 years, Ride Guide has grown into one of the most watched, mountain bike, freeski and freeride television programs, distributed into 60 countries and 60 million households. Ride Guide is aired throughout Canada on Global TV, CH, X-Treme Sports and Men TV, throughout Europe on the Extreme Sports Channel, and into Australia on Fox Fuel TV.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:35 PM Pacific time
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Team H2V - Halifax to Vancouver Cycling Challenge
Team H2V members Matt Young, Richard Alm, Willie Cromack, Keith Nicoll, Kyle Balagno and support rider Bryan Kely are cycling across Canada in an incredible 9 days in order to raise $600,000 in research funds toward finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes (Type One). 
The local North Shore riders trained hard for months in order to achieve their goal.
The ride began on Friday, September 14th when Team H2V dipped their tires in the Halifax Harbour. Since then, the five H2V riders have been riding continuously toward their final destination: Stanley Park, Vancouver BC. Each rider rides three-hour shifts on a continuous rotation, with an estimated average speed of 28 km/hr and estimated total trans-Canada time of nine days.
It's a very personal quest for team member Kyle Balagno, whose daughter, Taylor, has Type One Juvenile Diabetes. In Kyle's own words, the inspiration for this event, "I want the general public to understand the true cost of living with the disease, but mostly, I just want to keep my promise to my daughter: A cure for Juvenile Diabetes by the time she finishes high school in six years. I want to run a marathon with her. Sail around the world with her. I want her to be healthy, not just to have the appearance of health."
It's an amazing journey, an incredibly worthwhile cause, and something we hope you'll support. Find out more and follow the riders on the remainder of their journey on the Team H2V website.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:15 PM Pacific time
Sunday, September 09, 2007
2007 BC Bike Race Trek Bike Winner
If you raced the 2007 event but haven't picked up the latest issue of BIKE magazine to see the 2-page BC Bike Race ad, then you are probably sitting on pins and needles wondering who won the draw for the awesome 2008 Trek Fuel Ex 9 mountain bike! Well, wonder no more...the lucky winner is Diane Faber of Ann Arbor Michigan! Congratulations Diane - we know you're going to love this sweet new ride and maybe we'll see you testing it out on the BCBR trails in 2008!
Diane and her husband Jo, comprising Team Faber, completed the seven stages of BCBR after driving all the way from Michigan to the west coast. And Jo was one of a select few talented racers who challenged BCBR on a single speed bike. At least since Jo's an avid single speeder, he won't be arm-wrestling Diane for her new EX 9!
A multitude of thanks to everyone who completed the post-race survey in order to qualify for the Trek bike draw. We've read every word of your feedback and have taken it to heart. You'll undoubtedly see the results of your input reflected in the exciting changes coming for the 2008 BC Bike Race event. Hope to see you there!!
As a quick reminder, and to stir up a little bike envy for Diane, here are the specs on the all-new Trek Fuel Ex 9 that Diane has won:
Trek Fuel EX 9
$3000 MSRP 
Suspend conventional thought. After you ride the all-new Fuel EX, you’ll never think of full suspension the same way again. Using Trek’s patent-pending technologies Active Braking Pivot (ABP) and Full Floater, the Fuel EX is the most versatile bike around. Combine these new technologies with a one-piece EVO Link Rocker Link and you have the foundation of Trek’s R1i suspension platform. More control, better braking, less skidding, unmatched abilities.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 5:38 PM Pacific time
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Cheakamus Challenge Fall Classic Mountain Bike Race
Saturday, September 22nd, 2007
Point-to-Point Marathon (70 km) 
This 23rd edition of the Cheakamus Challenge Fall Classic is quickly approaching and the registration is starting to heat up. This year also marks the 18th year that Race Director Grant Lamont has been putting his stamp on this classic event.
Why come to this year's “Celebration of Pain”?
Because it is the best point A-B mountain bike race on the planet!
The course is a true challenge in its character with tough climbs, fast flats and some incredible singletrack that will blow you away. There is also a new section of trail that we have added this year which cuts off a dirt road climb and alters it to 3.5 km of new trail beside the Cheakamus River.
If that's not enough for you, just think of trails such as Trash, Ridge, Riverside, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Far Side, High Trail, Tunnel-vision and Big Timber as the last 20 km and you get the picture! This is not a Loonie Race; this is a big bad Lumberjack of a race that has incredible views, solid aid stations and enough treats from the IGA to make you drool.
We also finish at Whistler Creekside which has tons of free parking, a grocery store, a liquor store and tons of places to eat and hang out with Alpha Lake Park's fabulous beach for the rest of the gang.
So hit the web-site and sign up! Book your stay at www.whistlerbikeguide.com
Come on up and challenge yourself... After you have passed the Test, this is Final Exam.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 10:28 PM Pacific time
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
More MTB Adventures Await this Fall!
Summer is coming to a close and all our hard fought cycling fitness will once again be translated onto skis, fields and gyms. But isn't there's still one more adventure waiting just around the corner? 
Every year I pray for an Indian Summer, an extra long hot spell that runs into late October and even early November - when the nights are cool, but the days are perfect for riding.
Last year the rain came early and worse still it was cold here in Vancouver. I was racing cyclo-cross and trying to put some mileage in for La Ruta de los Conquistadores but the weather was just horrible and it killed my motivation.
So this year when Chris with Ride Big invited me to co-guide a mountain bike trip to Mexico October 20-28th called the Lady of the Desert, I was psyched! Drag my fitness out for another month, travel to an awesome place and rip it up!! 
So that's what is going on for me next month and then it's La Ruta again in November. This year they have stretched their event out to 4 days and it runs from Nov 14-17. It really is one of the hardest races ever, but crossing Central America on a bicycle, dipping one toe in the pacific and, 4 days later, dipping another toe in the Caribbean is pretty amazing.
So take your energy, your fitness and your last remaining holidays and get out there. The adventures await; it's up to you to get motivated. Summer’s not over yet..not until you say so!
PS - We'll talk about the serious training plan when I get back from La Ruta.
Hasta la vista, amigos!
Dre
Posted by Andreas Hestler at 11:37 PM Pacific time
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The New BC Bike Race Forum is Live!
We are deighted to announce the opening of our brand new BC Bike Race Forum! Now past racers, future racers, and everyone between can log into the BCBR Forum to post questions about the race, look for future teammates, seek training partners, talk tech, reconnect with a racer from the 2007 event, and even buy/sell gear!
The forum is set up in an easy to use format and will be closely monitored by BC Bike Race. We hope that you enjoy this new communication tool and that it helps to keep the BC Bike Race passion flowing strong!
See you out there...
Posted by BC Bike Race at 3:30 AM Pacific time
Saturday, July 07, 2007
BCBR Stage 7: Whistler Time Trial
...by Jason Sumner for BC Bike RaceOn yet another glorious sun-splashed day in British Columbia, the inaugural BC Bike Race - The Pacific Traverse came to an end on July 7, 2007.
Once again top stage honors went to the Trek-Volkswagen duo of Chris Eatough and Jeff Schalk, who after zipping along at 100kph on a Skyline cable ride, zipped around the singletrack-laden Whistler time trial course in 1:29:51.
It was their seventh straight stage win, giving the pair of American east coasters a clean sweep in this race that started a week ago in Sooke on Vancouver Island, and finished Saturday in the shadows of the towering Coastal Mountain Range.
Hot on their heels was Rocky Mountain-Haywood Securities (Andreas Hestler and Kevin Calhoun), who clocked a 1:37:29 on the course that featured famed technical Whistler cross-country trails such as Kill Me Thrill Me, North Secret and Comfortably Numb.
Third place on the day went to Jason First and Manuel Prado (La Ruta de los Conquistadores), who crossed the line in 1:39:44.
The order of results were the same in the men’s overall standings, with Trek posting a cumulative time of 25:02:50, Rocky Mountain carding a 25:45:03, and La Ruta rolling home in 26:28:52.
“If we had all been racing solo, maybe it would have been different,” said Hestler, who did double duty all week, racing and filling his role as race spokesperson. “But that’s not what this race is about. It’s a team event and it will always be a team event.”
In the women’s two-person category, Team North Shore Girls Don’t Cry (Cynthia Young and Michelle Newton) scored their sixth stage win, stopping the clock in 2:32:33. The North Shore Girls also won the overall title, with a cumulative time of 35:19:15.
“We thought we could get on the podium, but we didn’t come here thinking about winning,” said Newton, a homeopath and mother of three. “We spent 55 minutes on the side of the trail with a mechanical on stage 5, but came back and only ended up losing 17 minutes. Just to finish all seven days is an amazing accomplishment.”
Second place overall in the women’s category was locked down by the two Jenns, Keefer and Sawrenko (The Jennerators) who finished with a cumulative mark of 36:31:03. Team Tunnel Vision (Emma Smith and Sarah O’Byrne) were third overall, in 37:52:26. Smith and O’Byrne met last summer in Whistler, the same time they both started mountain biking.
“It took us a few stages to learn how to work together,” admitted O’Byrne. “But we figured it out. We were constantly just asking each other, ‘You good?’ and if the other person didn’t answer you knew there was a problem. Thankfully that didn’t happen very often.”
Stage 7’s mixed category win went to Team BC’s Lesley Clements and Matt Bodkin, who wound their way around the technical Grant Lamont-designed course in 2:11:45.
In the mixed overall there was a big shake-up at the top, after the previously unbeaten duo of David Harris and Lynda Wallenfels had to drop out when Harris tumbled off a bridge, smacked his head and injured his ankle. Harris was briefly knocked unconscious, and was taken off the course on a backboard as a precautionary measure.
But later in the day, the Durango, Colorado rider was spotted at the Meadow Park Base Camp, and outside of an unexpected ambulance bill, he said he was feeling okay and would definitely live to ride another day.
Harris’ mishap opened the door for Team Crystal Mountain Hotels (Hillary Harrison and Ryan Watts) who jumped from first to second overall, posting a seven-day time of 32:16:20. Second place went to Clements and Bodkin (33:50:36), with San Diego Trek’s Greg Norombaba and Lisa Riehl in third (35:14:01).
In the veterans 80-plus category it was Rod Dagneau and Mike Charuk (West Coast Racing to Team Whistler) taking the stage in 1:48:56. The pair of locals was second overall (29:14:25), with first going to Randy Richmond and Sandy Mitchell (Gerick-Nelson) who covered the 500-plus kilometer trek in 28:38:35. Third in the 80-plus was Team Spike Shooter (David Overstreet and Mark Thompson) in 29:57:05.
The final stage win went to the dominant duo of Doug Nottebrock and Con Diamond (Kootenay-Okanagan Cooperative) who finished the Whistler TT in 2:35:11, and had a seven-day time of 34:53:55. Second in the stage and overall went to the only other official 100-plus finishers, Clive Rubens and Leo Groenewoud (Geopsyclos). Their cumulative time was 45:09:32.
Overall, 69 two-person teams completed all seven stages of the first BC Bike Race. There were also two four-person squads that made it all the way to Whistler, plus six solo finishers who lost teammates to injuries or illness somewhere along the way.
Possibly the most impressive feat of all was turned in by the husband and wife duo of Jochen and Diane Faber. The couple drove more than 2000 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, then battled hard everyday on their way to an honorable seven-day total of 50:13:36. It was the slowest mark of any official finisher — and more than double Trek-VW’s time — but maybe that means they had twice the fun.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 6:53 PM Pacific time
Friday, July 06, 2007
BCBR Stage 6: Squamish to Whistler
...by Jason Sumner for BC Bike Race
In every stage race there is a defining day that stands above the rest. In the inaugural BC Bike Race - The Pacific Traverse that day came Friday during the arduous 72-kilometer journey from Squamish to Whistler.
The sheer amount of climbing — over 2500 meters — was daunting enough. But when you added in an extensive menu of technical trails and black diamond descending, it was enough to make some of the event’s 160 hardened riders cry — literally.
For others it was all smiles and laughter, relishing the chance to ride some of the amazing trails that have made Whistler a Mecca-like destination in the mountain biking world.
But no matter what emotions were elicited by Stage 6 of this seven-day, 500-plus kilometer race, racers could rest easy at Base Camp in Meadow Park, knowing they were just one day from making history. Each finisher of this daunting test of courage will forever be part of an exclusive class that finished the first BC Bike Race.
“It’s definitely something I’ll proud of — if I get through tomorrow,” said Rod Dagneau, a 47-year-old environmental technician from North Vancouver, who along with his partner Mike Charuk took the stage win in veterans 80-plus category. “I suffered all week. But I’ve gotten a little stronger each day and persevered. I’ve always dreamt about doing something like this here in this place I love, and now it’s almost reality.”
The rest of the stage winners roll call from day 6 included Jeff Schalk and Chris Eatough (Trek-Volkswagen) in open men, Cynthia Young and Michelle Newton (Shore Girls Don’t Cry) in open women, Davis Harris and Lynda Wallenfels (Team Desert Cyclery/HealthFX) in open mixed, and Doug Nottebrock and Con Diamond (Kootenay-Okanagan Cooperative) in veterans 100-plus.
In the overall standings with one stage to go, Trek-VW leads the Rocky Mountain-Haywood Securities duo of Andreas Hestler and Kevin Calhoun by more than half an hour. The Shore Girls and Desert Cyclery also have commanding leads in their respective categories, while it’s Randy Richmond and Sandy Mitchell (Gerick-Nelson) on top of the veterans 80-plus category. Nottebrock and Diamond are the only 100-plus team remaining.
Seventy-five percent of the Grant Lamont-designed course was run on the Cheakamus Challenge route. The day kicked off under clear blue skies at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre in Squamish, as riders enjoyed an easy 12km neutral start through Brackendale, Cheekeye and Paradise Valley.
From there it was climb time, as the field made their way up the stunning Cheakamus Canyon trail, which snakes along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and the raging Cheakamus River. A quick 2.5km run on the highway was next, before the course headed back onto dirt at the Chance Creek Bridge.
A little more highway ensued, and then the meat of the day unfolded with Lava Flow trails and singletrack leading up to the Cal Cheak Suspension Bridge. Soon after came the famed Trash trail, a tricky rolling ride that rewarded skilled riders and punished the meek.
Cardiac Hill, Lower Sproat and a River Runs Through came next, then it was time for the British Columbia version of Alpe d’Huez, a climb Lamont joking called “Yelp d’Huez” during his pre-race course description the night before the event’s queen stage.
Depending on who you ask, the climb has somewhere between 27 and 32 switchbacks. No one — including the pros — cleared the whole climb, and many of the mid-pack riders spent sustained time pushing their bikes.
The reward at the top was the Billy Epic trail, which is rated double black diamond in the local trail guide, and had even the likes of Eatough impressed with its difficulty.
“That was tough. You might as well have had a full face helmet on for that,” said the six-time 24 hour solo world champion. “But that’s the beauty of this race. If it was less technical it would be just another TransRockies or TransAlps. Trails like that are what separates this event from all the others, and that’s what riding in British Columbia is all about.”
Things won’t get any easier on the final day of the race. After a heart-pumping 100kph cable line ride at Skyline at Cougar Mountain, the Stage 7 Whistler-to-Whistler time trial will send riders on a 25km trip over trails such as Kill Me Thrill Me, North Secret and Comfortably Numb. They call them cross-country trails around here, but as anyone who’s ever ridden in Whistler knows, when it comes to mountain biking, everything is just a little tougher in B.C.
Posted by BC Bike Race at 12:03 AM Pacific time
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Sombrio-Dakine Bavarian Betties Race Blog #2
Our third day started in Port Alberni where we would ride 88km and end in Cumberland. The day was a little rainy, but perfect temperature for the "monster hill" that awaited us at the last part of the ride. We were stoked to have our sweet pink Oakley Radar shades for the long fire roads and muddy conditions as mud was easily washed off the lenses. By now we were more efficient at working to get on a pack and staying with them to work through the flatter sections and logging roads. Constantly reminding each other to eat every half hour, drink as much as possible and slip an Advil in there to numb the aches. By the first aid station we were flying, but we knew there was more in store at the second aid station. We were not dissapointed as a climb that was steeper than day two's was about to start. We stopped at the aid station to ask where we could load our bikes on the chairlift or where we could catch the next shuttle up but life played a cruel trick on us. Hike-a-Bike was the name of the game for the next 2 hours! Slow and steady Betty, that's how we got 'er done. The Betty Goats came out to play... with horns! We had lots of time to play games, like, what rhymes with Man 'o war? Saddle sore!!! Hahahaha!!!! Finally finally FINALLY... we got to the top, and cruised into the down hill with 20km to go. Day three done, a little more pale (what rhymes with Jasper? Casper!!! Hahahaha!!!) at the finish but still in good spirits and looking forward to the ferry tomorrow to Earl's Cove. Special thanks to Mr.Wigs for keeping it all together for the Bettys.Posted by BC Bike Race at 11:00 PM Pacific time
Thursday, July 05, 2007
BCBR Stage 5: Sechelt to Langdale Ferry Terminal
...by Jason Sumner for BC Bike RaceTrek-Volkswagen’s Jeff Schalk summed up the feelings of nearly every rider who took the start line for stage 5 of the BC Bike Race — The Pacific Traverse with this simple assessment of the 58-kilometer fun ride from Sechelt to the Langdale Ferry Terminal.
“It was honestly one of the first times I’ve totally forgotten about the race and just enjoyed the ride,” said Schalk, who along with teammate Chris Eatough won their fifth straight stage and maintained a commanding lead in the overall standings ahead of the Rocky Mountain duo of Andreas Hestler and Kevin Calhoun. “It was just me and a friend bombing through the woods. That’s never happened to me before, so it really says a lot about the course.”
Indeed, big grins, hoots, hollers and uncontrollable giggling were in ample supply Thursday, as the seven-day stage race made a southern run along the Sunshine Coast. The impetus for all this fun was the Rod Camposano-designed course that included some of the best trails in B.C. — and the entire world for that matter. The area is known as the Rat Race Trail System, but it’s humans that have all the fun on these buff and fast rainforest trails.
“This was the best day so far,” said Jennifer Keefer, who along with partner Jen Sawrenko, took the stage win in the women’s race, stopping the four-day unbeaten streak of Team Shore Girls Don’t Cry. “There was so much fun, ripping singletrack. We ride the North Shore all the time so we were in our element.”
The previously unbeaten Shore Girls Don’t Cry duo of Cynthia Young and Michelle Newton had a tough day, with Newton battling mechanical issues that kept them off the podium all together. Fortunately for the Shore Girls, they came into the day with an hour and 25 minute lead, and were able to hold the top spot in the overall standings.
There was also a new winner in the 80-plus veterans category, with Rod Dagneau and Mike Charuk of Team Whistler breaking through for the stage victory. It was no coincidence that these local boys stepped to the top of the podium. Thursday’s stage definitely favored the seasoned B.C. riders who were adept at technical singletrack with the occasional narrow bridge mixed in.
In the overall standings Randy Richmond and Sandy Mitchell (Gerick-Nelson) retained their lead. The same went for David Harris and Lynda Wallenfels (Team Desert Cyclery/HealthFX) in open mixed, and Doug Nottebrock and Con Diamond (Kootenay-Okanagan Cooperative) in veterans 100-plus. Both those later teams remain unbeaten in this seven-day stage race that finishes in Whistler on Saturday.
Racing Wednesday kicked off at 8 a.m. as the 160-plus riders — including Vancouver Canucks great Trevor Linden — rolled away from the Stage 4 Base Camp and wound their way along the water, and then up and out of Sechelt.
Linden and a few friends showed up at the BC Bike Race Wednesday night, sitting down for dinner and then taking in an authentic native dance performance at the Sechelt Indian Band Longhouse. Linden is an avid mountain biker, who’s racing in this year’s TransAlps stage race. At the BC Bike Race he was looking to get a few miles in and check out his home province race. Word on the course was that the iconic Canucks centre had some skills, but also took a few licks — and spills — and needed a little medical attention when he crossed the finish line at the ferry terminal in Langdale.
Linden wasn’t alone in the bumps and bruises department, but for the majority of riders simply had the time of their lives before rolling across the finish and onto a waiting BC Ferry that brought the race caravan back to the mainland for good when it entered the docks at Horseshoe Bay. From there it was a quick bus ride up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish. Stage 6 starts there on Friday, as racers take on the toughest stage yet, climbing all the way to Whistler. Ouch…
Posted by BC Bike Race at 11:05 PM Pacific time
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
BCBR Stage 4: Earls Cove to Sechelt
...by Jason Sumner for BC Bike Race
...photo credit Jason Sumner
Getting out of bed at 5 a.m. is never easy, but the prospect of two spectacular ferry rides made the task a little easier for the riders and staff of the BC Bike Race - The Pacific Traverse.
After finishing Stage 3 with a thrill ride down the technical trails outside Cumberland, then spending a restful night on the soft patch of grass between the town's water park and BMX track, Stage 4 kicked off at dawn Wednesday, with the entire BC Bike Race entourage loading up for the short drive to the BC Ferries terminal at Little River.
Once aboard it was chow time, with the friendly ferry staff dishing out bagels, egg sandwiches and lots and lots of fresh coffee. The partnership between the race and BC Ferries was one of the keys to pulling off the year's inaugural event, bridging the watery divide between Vancouver Island and the beaming Sunshine Coast, where Stage 4 was contested.
After breakfast, everyone involved in the race headed topside to smile for the photographer and videographer who were perched several hundred feet above the boat in the helicopter owned by Harbour Air Seaplanes boss Greg McDougall.
McDougall's seaplane operation is the race's top sponsor, but he wasn't flying his commuter craft on this day. Instead McDougall was there among the BC Ferries crowd, readying for day four of the seven-day race that will finish in Whistler on Saturday. Turns out McDougall is an endurance race junkie himself, with finishes at Cape Epic and La Ruta de los Conquistadores on his impressive race resume.
With the group photo in the books, it was time for a quick transfer from the landing at Powell River over to the second ferry ride, which disembarked at Saltery Bay. By then light morning clouds had burned off, giving way to clear blue skies, a crescent moon and panoramic views of the western flanks of mainland British Columbia. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bike race transfer in the entire cycling world.
When the second ferry pushed into its dock at quaint Earl's Cove it was game time, as riders readied for the 11:15 a.m. start that sent the field on an undulating, 58.5-kilometer run south to the tourist town of Sechelt. The Rod Camposano-designed course was a balanced mix of logging road, doubletrack
and famed Sunshine Coast singletrack. There was also one nasty uphill that had most riders on and off their bikes most of the way up the steep, singletrack climb. 
The action at the front of the race was a near repeat of Stage 1, with the Trek-Volkswagen duo of Jeff Schalk and Chris Eatough taking their fourth stage win in as many days, while maintaining their commanding lead in the overall standings. Hot on the American¹s heels were B.C. natives Andreas
Hestler and Kevin Calhoun (Rocky Mountain-Haywood Securities), who ceded just 35 seconds and remained entrenched in second place overall. Third place on the stage went to Manuel Prado and Jason First (La Ruta de los Conquistadores), who rode with the front four for most of the day, before losing touch in the final section of singletrack.
The names remained the same at the top of the standings in the other two-rider categories, where teammates must stay within two minutes of each other or be hit with a one-hour time penalty. That team aspect is unique to events such as the BC Bike Race, fostering a bond of camaraderie and
support between riders that's lacking in traditional mountain bike events.
Cynthia Young and Michelle Newton (Shore Girls Don't Cry) took their fourth stage win and continue to lead the women's overall. David Harris and Lynda Wallenfels (Team Desert Cyclery/HealthFX) in open mixed; Randy Richmond and Sandy Mitchell (Gerick-Nelson) in veterans 80-plus; and Doug Nottebrock and Con Diamond (Kootenay-Okanagan Cooperative) in veterans 100-plus also all own commanding G.C. leads in their respective categories.
There was one new stage winner on Wednesday, as the Spike Shooter duo of David Overstreet and Mark Thompson broke through in the veterans 80-