BC Bike Race
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The Route
BC Bike Race is much more than the challenge of the ride...it's about everything experienced along the way - spectacular scenery, fascinating culture, interesting people, and tantalizing tastes. The stages of BC Bike Race wind through nine beautiful west coast communities, each showcasing unique qualities and elements that make British Columbia a world-class destination for athletes, adventurers and tourists alike.
Stage One
Shawnigan Lake - Cowichan Lake District
Shawnigan Lake is the starting point for your epic journey in BC Bike Race 2008. Just 40km north of Victoria, Shawnigan Lake is ideally situated in close proximity to the world-renowned flower gardens, spectacular scenery, historic character buildings, and infusion of west coast native art in Victoria.
Head northwest to experience the lush, rolling valleys of the Cowichan Lake District. The backdrop of the majestic Vancouver Island Mountains, old-growth Douglas fir trees, playful rivers, and freshwater Cowichan Lake. The friendly town of Lake Cowichan is your host at the end of Day One. The Canada Day celebrations continue!
Stage Two
Cowichan Lake District - Port Alberni
From Lake Cowichan, make your way north to Port Alberni. With its deep-sea port, incredible scenery and proximity to the Pacific Rim, Port Alberni is truly the gateway to BC's west coast. Situated in the Alberni Valley at the top of the island's longest inlet, this is a history-rich town. Relax in the natural wonder of the nearby parks, or sample some culinary delights at Alberni Harbour Quay.
Stage Three
Port Alberni - Cumberland
From Port Alberni, work your way over to the east coast of the island, into the Comox Valley, the recreational capital of Vancouver Island.
Here you'll find diverse terrain including rich forests, rolling foothills, raging rivers, and beautiful pacific beaches. And, an amazing network of inspiring single track trails awaits you. The sister cities of Comox and Courtenay are nestled in the valley, along with Cumberland. As arts and culture thrive in this region, there is every opportunity to stimulate your senses with gourmet food, creative crafts, and music, museums, theatre and festivals. Recharge and revitalize!
Stage Four
Comox Valley - Powell River - Earls Cove - Sechelt
A 6:30am ferry ride directly across the Straight of Georgia from Courtenay/Comox brings you to the warm, friendly community of Powell River on the Upper Sunshine Coast.
Accessible only by sea or air, BC's spectacular Sunshine Coast is an outdoor enthusiast's delight. Experience the creations of local artisans and unique heritage of First Nations peoples, soak up the spectacular scenery and bask in the mildest climate in Canada.
Your first 30kms from Powell River to the second ferry of the day will be on buses. Kick back and enjoy the scenery then we’ll get you to your second ferry crossing. Then it’s race time with roughly 60km of road and trail which bring you to the community of Sechelt, your Stage Four host, teeming with arts and culture.
Stage Five
Sechelt - Gibsons (to Langdale Ferry)
Wake up to some of the most polished, elaborate single track trail networks on the coast! Pass through beautiful Roberts Creek as you ride from Sechelt to Gibsons and on to the Langdale Ferry Terminal.
The seaside village of Gibsons lies southeast of Sechelt and is home to a delightful, bustling harbour. Much like its Sunshine Coast siblings, Gibsons has the best of west coast scenery, with sweeping sea-to-summit views. Explore the working harbour, wander through the village, and discover the restaurants and artist studios.
Depending on your finish time in Langdale, you'll be on one of three ferry sailings to Horseshoe Bay. Regardless of which ferry you catch, you will enjoy a bus ride from Horseshoe Bay up the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, the recreation capital of BC, and your rest stop for the next two nights.
Stage Six
The Best of Squamish
Situated at the head of Howe Sound and surrounded by mountains, scenic Squamish is quickly gaining the reputation as Canada's Outdoor Playground. Hikers, climbers, paddlers, bikers and surfers galore flock to Squamish for its vast array of activities. This stage starts and finishes in this beautiful community and offers up the best trails of two legendary singletrack races combined - the Test of Metal and Gear Jammer. This one will not disappoint!!!
Stage Seven
Whistler - All Classic Singletrack
The final day of BC Bike Race is a significant change from last year. The course begins at Creekside and climbs up Whistler Highlands to the doubletrack climb for close to 300m of vertical underneath the Creekside Gondola. Thus begins your epic journey through some of Whistler's first and original singletrack trails. You'll see many of the best and put in some serious climbing efforts to boot!
A world-renowned destination for first-class skiing and mountain biking, Whistler Village is tucked at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Whistler is a vibrant year-round destination that draws people from across the globe. Amazing restaurants, thriving nightlife, and quaint shops tempt you when you're not taking advantage of the spectacular terrain in the area. What a finish to 7 epic days!
