BC Bike Race - the ultimate single-track experience

Day 1

29 June - North Shore | 35 km | 1,380 m elevation gain
The first climb of the day takes us up to Seymore Mountain, through the neighborhood and as we turn onto the single track it quickly becomes apparent what lies ahead. The North Shore lives up to its reputation and the trails are steep, technical and challenging. It has been four years since the race has been held on the North Shore, and only now with the new, easier flowing style of evolved trail building is it possible to bring 'the Shore' to more riders. With a record-breaking number of racers entered, the ultimate single-track experience kicked off in style.

My downhill racing background helps and I feel right at home on the steep, rocky and rooty trails. For others, it is an eye-popping experience. The second loop of the day takes us up Fromme Mountain for a long climb before we reach the first enduro stage down the renowned Espresso trail.

Having the right equipment for this race does make your life better. I opted for my Cannondale Jekyll, a full suspension rig that offers on-the-fly adjustability between 90 mm and 150 mm of travel. Adjusting the travel also changes the head angle on the bike, making it more manageable on the descents or keeping the power to the floor on the climbs. I would, however, also recommend a dropper seat post for this race, not commonly used in South Africa as our trials are just not of this standard. I also opted for 2.3 tyres, paying a small price on the climbs for all the fun I was having on the way down. After all we are here for a good time and I cross the line with a big smile. Here the festivities continued with the boys from Rocky Mountain bicycles handing out free beer and food to all the racers.

An aspect that sets this race apart from others is soon revealed itself to us, as we are loaded onto busses to make the journey to the town of Cumberland, the start of day two. From the busses we board the BC Ferries, which take us across the ocean to Vancouver Island. Chilling on the ferry, we are treated to sensational views of coast, mountains, ocean and forests. We arrived in Cumberland, a small town originally built as a coal-mining town in 1888. The town, also referred to as Dodge City, offers some great little coffee shops and restaurants for the post-ride recovery meal.

Day 2

30 June: Cumberland | 48 km | 1,137 m elevation gain
The new 48 km course never used in the BCBR before is split in two loops. The first starts with a long, steady 15 km climb, but we are soon rewarded with more awesomeness in the form of trails such as Further Burger and Bear Buns. And for the enduro section, Teapot Blasting by the start village for the second loop, with another big climb and amazingly enough, more mind-blowing trails back to the village.

The afternoon was spent relaxing in the sun and doing Yoga before boarding the BC Ferries for our transfer to Powell River. While lazing about on the ferry deck, we spotted a group of killer whales passing by. A sight that has escaped the BCBR and many locals for years.

Arriving in Powell River, we receive a warm welcome by jubilant locals lining the pier. Powell River is a historic logging town on the Sunshine Coast and only accessible by ferry. Our campsite for the next two nights is set on the beach, overlooking the bay and the mountains of Vancouver Island in the distance.

Day 3

1 July - Powell River | 49 km | 886 m elevation gain
Today we tackle 49 km of century-old logging trails combined with new-style single tracks built by retired loggers, hikers and mountain bikers alike. Although the stage is a flat one, it still provides loads of scenic and exciting single tracks. We find our way across many streams and there are panoramic views of lakes and forest all around. The day's enduro section was aptly named Death Rattle, a lively and rooty trail. Riders celebrated another day of great riding by swimming in the bay and enjoying ice cold drinks at the local restaurants.