BC Bike Race
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Epic* or Challenge*
* Epic, [ep-ik] - impressive, great, of unusual size or extent (average 60km/37mi of ridiculously sweet BC singletrack each day)
* Challenge, [chal-inj] - a call or summons, a difficult job or undertaking that is ‘inspiring’ to engage in (average 30km/19mi of ridiculously sweet BC singletrack each day)
What is the BCBR Epic?
The Epic is the version of BC Bike Race that we've run very successfully since our inaugural race in 2007. The Epic is the full meal deal - all the singletrack that we offer each and every day for seven days. This averages out to 60km each day of sweet BC prime mountain biking!
What is the BCBR Challenge?
The Challenge is the newest offering in the BCBR quiver. It is the "lite" version of the Epic: Challenge riders experience, on average, 30km each day of sweet BC prime mountain biking. The Challenge is the same seven days as the Epic, visits the same towns, stays at the same Base Camps, enjoys all the same amenities, but rides half the distance.
"Oh my gosh, I am very excited to find out about the Challenge. My friend Laureen is riding solo this year, can't wait to hear about it. Hoping to ride with my husband there in 2012. Thanks so much for the option of the challenge and making it inclusive to those of us that can't commit the time to training for the Epic. It is a dream vacation!"
Amy Dorset, Future BC Bike Race Challenger
Can I register for the Challenge now?
YES! Simply register as usual and then contact BCBR Racer Relations racerrelations@bcbikerace.com or +1-778-846-5746 to advise us that you wish to be entered in the Challenge category. We will make it so. Automatic selection during the online registration process is coming soon; but for now, we do it the old school way!
Why did the Challenge come to be?
We at BC Bike Race have an inclusionary philosophy; we want everyone to be able to enjoy the ‘Ultimate Singletrack Experience’. Like half Ironmans and half marathons, we believe that the ‘Challenge’ will enable more people to participate in the BCBR and ultimately get out to the woods and ride their bikes. Epic or Challenge, 60km/day or 30km/day we are still 7 days of sweet mountain bike singletrack. Everyone should be able to reach their goals and achieve something great every year. We hope to see all of you, whether riding Epic or Challenge, at the start line of the 2010 BC Bike Race.
Is there a cap to the Challenge?
We have a total cap for the entire BC Bike Race in 2010 of 500 participants, inclusive of Epic and Challenge.
I'm already registered for 2010. Can I change from Epic to Challenge?
If you have already registered for BC Bike Race 2010, you are automatically placed in Epic, but you can change to the Challenge, absolutely. We will have a final date for any changes.
How far is each day of the Challenge?
Approximately 30km or 19 miles, these are rough estimates and each day will be different, some could be 40km others 20km, but the average will be about half of the Epic. 4 hours on the bike is 4 hours on the bike, it doesn’t really matter how far you traveled.
How will the Challenge start and finish look?
We will attempt to start each day just behind the Epic, there will be some adjusted timing so that we will all finish at approximately the same time through the same finish chute.
During the event can I change from Epic to Challenge, or Challenge to Epic?
Official times and medals will only be given to participants who finish their category. In other words, if you are a Challenge participant and you jump up to an Epic day, we cannot separate your longer time from your shorter, you will still receive a Challenge medal, but not an official time. With the Epic, to receive your Epic finish medal you must do all days in Epic; if you take a Challenge day you will receive a Challenge medal and no official time. If you take a day off you will receive a Participant medal.
What are the Challenge categories?
We will be offering Open Men, Open Women and Open Mixed, Solo Men and Solo Women. Each category must have 5 participants to be recognized, other categories will be considered based on participation numbers.
Can I miss a day in either Epic or Challenge?
Yes you can, this is always an option, but you will be recorded as NOR (not officially ranked), and may at medical discretion continue the next day.
