In 2007, the BC Bikerace was the Canadian answer to the BIKE Transalp: more, or rather: many more trails and less focus on stopwatches and results lists. Nevertheless, the teams of two had to complete the 7 stages through the wilderness of British Columbia. A single trail course like this is a lot more fun, but it's hard to get into a good rhythm with all the bends, waves, drops and roots. That's why concentration and body tension have to last until the finish line of the BCBR every day if you don't want to be eliminated prematurely.
Many a marathon expert from Europe first had to learn this when they once again had a Canadian single trail enthusiast who didn't look sporty at all stuck to their rear wheel. But at the end of the race week, all participants agreed: this race on almost 100 per cent singletrack is cult.
Also because of the parties that were held every day after the stage. At the end, the finishers didn't receive medals that are gathering dust on a shelf somewhere, but a much-coveted belt buckle that is still worn with pride today. So much for the cult of this race - now for the aforementioned bad news:
The BC Bike Race is cancelled after 20 years
We can only speculate about the reasons for this decision by the organisers. However, it is probably simply due to the arrival of e-MTBs. The sales figures for mountain bikes without motors are falling sharply and with them the number of ambitious hobby racers. Race and marathon organisers all over the world are feeling the effects of this - including in Canada.
The hobby racing scene therefore needs to fundamentally rethink its approach, namely in e-MTB formats. Transporting e-bikes by plane is problematic or even impossible due to the batteries and the sheer weight. Hobby races with an international field of participants - which is often the spirit of a race - may no longer exist. But who knows, it will be interesting to see what ideas the organisers come up with in the coming years.
But there is also good news and that is that it's not quite over in Canada yet!
The BCBR still takes place twice
For this year, however, you have to be quick with your registration: The 2025 BCBR will take place on Vancouver Island from 30 July to 6 August. Anyone who has secured a race number by 12 May can take part in a free 6-week online training programme from Mad Endurance.
If that's too short notice for this summer, you can also register for 2026, the 20th and final edition of the BCBR, from 5 May 2025. The stages will then not be limited to Vancouver Island, but will once again take in the trails of the Canadian west coast by ferry crossing. In addition to fitness and riding technique, this anniversary event will definitely also require the ability to drink. The organiser is already promising: "One heck of a party at the end."
Date: 23-29 May 2026
All information and registration: bcbikerace.com
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
