The BC Bike Race has been taking place in the far west of the Canadian province of British Columbia for almost two decades. The first stage of the inaugural race started in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Now the stage race is back on the legendary island, which has produced MTB greats such as Andreas Hestler and Ryder Hesjedal - both from Victoria on Vancouver Island - and Canadian pro riders such as Catharine Pendrel, Geoff Kabush and Max Plaxton.
The BC Bike Race has already organised races in 39 different communities in British Columbia (BC). The goal of the organiser and the race in the region is to create the "ultimate singletrack experience".
BC Bike Race 2024: The route of the MTB stage race
According to the organiser, British Columbia is said to have the largest stock of single trails in the world - after all, the legendary Whistler in the Rocky Mountains is also part of the federal state. The varied terrain in the partly untouched wilderness of Canada and the challenging trails are the setting for the BC Bike Race 2024. Let's take a look at where it's going.
Day 1 & 2: Victoria
Victoria hosted the first stage of the inaugural event in 2007. After almost two decades of route development under the direction of the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS), it's now back to the beginnings. There will be three base camps - the first of which is in Victoria.
From Victoria, the route leads via Hartland and Mount Work Park over the neighbouring Partridge Hills. Both areas are characterised by technically demanding uphill and downhill sections that should put the riders' skills to the test.
"We're over the moon to be able to showcase the incredible trails and land we get to call home here," says SIMBS President Brendon Earl. From technical descents to flowing singletrack, from coastal to rocky terrain, from gentle climbs with switchbacks to tricky hits - the athletes can really expect a lot of variety according to the organisers.
Day 3: Two mountains and a base camp
Day 3 is a double mountain finish. This requires muscle power and stamina. After around 47 kilometres, the first climb is up Maple Mountain...
Maple Mountain is notorious for its technical descents that require fast line choice and commitment. "Surviving" Maple Mountain was a highlight for the athletes last year.
Then it's up to Mount Tzouhalem. This mountain, on the other hand, offers fast, mountainous descents, such as on one of the main trails, the Double D.
After the riders reach the finish on day 3 after two challenging sections, the first base camp is set up in the small coastal community of Crofton. This offers time for regeneration and rest. Here they prepare for the Queen Stage - the longest and most challenging section of the race.
Day 4: Nanaimo
The base camp in Crofton is now behind the athletes and they continue northwards. Nanaimo is about an hour away. Shortly after the start, the participants will ride some of the locals' favourite routes.
Mount Benson in Nanaimo, which is maintained by the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, offers a diverse riding experience with some highlights - and apparently some climatic challenges: "I spoke to a rider last year who said he felt like he was riding in four different climate zones during this stage," says course director Jeff Stromgren.
After reaching the destination in Nanaimo, the last base camp lies further north in Cumberland.
Day 5: Cumberland - a mountain bike village
Day 5 will be the longer of the two Cumberland stages and will be ridden on more technical trails. The small village has earned a reputation for world-class trails.
It is home to a community that has welcomed the BC Bike Race since its inception and is passionate about the sport of MTB. The mountain bike culture is very present in this former mining town: there is a main street, three bike shops and bike-related businesses, such as the famous Riding Fool Accommodations, run by the unofficial mayor of Cumberland and, since 2007, by Jeremy Grasby, the local course director.
The United Riders of Cumberland maintain the community's 197 km trail network. On the final day 7, the BC Bike Race 2024 will return here once again.
Day 6: Campbell River
Campbell River is not the best-known area, but its trails meet the high standards set by the organisers of the BC Bike Race.
The more than 100 kilometres of single trails that lead through the forests of the Snowden Demonstration Forest and Elk Falls Provincial Park are impressive in nature - in the truest sense of the word...
The unique thing about this area is the continuous ride under the lush green canopy on brown clay. Although this stage is very long, 90 per cent of it consists of flowing single trails with moderate differences in altitude, which make for a lot of fun in the legs.
Day 7: The finale in Cumberland
The final stage of the BC Bike Race 2024 is a shorter route with some of the best descents Cumberland has to offer. Those who finish here have made it - and perhaps still have enough energy for the party afterwards. This year there will be a barbecue dinner.
Maik Schröder
Editor
