The British Columbia Bike Race is now into the fourth day of this year’s race, which will be the event’s tenth anniversary in the beautiful Canadian province. Here’s a catch-up of day two, three and four action.
Day 2 Powell River Presented by Lululemon Athletica
- 52km / 32 miles, average time: 3:44
- 1096m / 3596 ft Climbing
Words: Harlan Price
Photos: Dave Silver, Erik Peterson, Todd Weselake, Margus Riga
Cool breezes and overcast skies greeted the BCBR riding caravan as they awoke on the shores of the Georgia Strait in Powell River. This small isolated village on the Sunshine Coast has turned with the tides and embraced mountain biking as the timber industry has slowly receded. At one time these forests of tall timbers would be harvested for paper, but now they are charged with providing safe harbor for miles of singletrack that are the region’s newest hot commodity.
The Featured Trails of today’s Lululemon Athletica sponsored stage were the classic Death Rattle connecting into Sweet Water which plunged down from the highest point of the day. The elevation profile showed no huge climbs or descents, but the continuously undulating terrain and moist hero dirt quickly lulled the riders into a dreamworld of pumping roots and mossy rollers. The Powell River course was more pump and flow on loam and moss than the previous day’s abundant root and rock drops. Riders who could time their rise and fall through the woods were rewarded with a magic carpet flow that dipped and weaved through an unreal rainforest while ferns tickled their chins. These trails and the community that builds them are the reason the BC Bike Race spends two days camping on the shore. Tonight fires will burn on the beach and a beer will easily be within reach for those able to stay awake after two amazing days of trails.
The Race, The Community
The community of Powell River never fails to arrive in force to cheer on this yearly invasion of foreign riders on their local trails. From the ferry exit to the various trail access points, the locals don’t hold back in their welcome of these strangers from foreign lands. From the tiki bar at the Aloha Bridge to the ‘50s dance party at the top of the ‘51 Dodge trail, the community keeps it fun and light for the riders at key points along the Powell River course. German rider Andreas Hartmann didn’t have the best day due to a small crash, but it was the crowds that pulled him through the adversity. “Today the atmosphere was great! A lot of people were out in the woods cheering!”
Women’s Open
Kelli Emmett (Juliana/Sram) started her day keeping the pace slightly slower after breaking a few too many eggs the day before. Despite the adjusted effort she still managed another win with a 7 minute gap over second place finisher Sammi Runnels (Ride Biker Alliance), a former cross country specialist. Several years ago the enduro format renewed her love of mountain biking, but the change in discipline has her out of touch with her cross country pacing. A regular contender in the Enduro World Series, Emmett has redefined herself as a racer. But the knowledge gained from a previous racing life hasn’t been completely lost. Nine years ago Emmett did the second edition of the BC Bike Race, and she sees a stark comparison to just how much the event has changed in a decade. “Stage racing was just starting. The trails are a little less raw, now they are a little more ridden in, and they flow awesome.”
Sammi Runnels did manage to take a five minute lead over third place rider Kaysee Armstrong (LIV Giant). This stage catered well to Runnels’ climbing strengths. “I was feeling good today, it was a really pedaly course so it was good for me.” That trend will continue for stage three, but the balance of skill advantage may start to tip in the favor of Armstrong after day four when the trails become steeper and more challenging.
Open Men’s
Today was Spencer Paxson’s (Kona Bicycles) day of redemption after losing a significant overall lead here last year on this stage. The pace at the front was stretched to snapping points several times as the European riders throttled the gravel and road sections before dropping into trail where the North American riders took their turn putting their own torture devices to use. It was soon after the Aloha Bridge that Stephen Ettinger (Bike Rider Alliance/ Focus Cycles) and Cory Wallace (Kona Bikes) finally cut the tow rope. They set into motion a plan to create as much of a cushion between them and the rest of the men’s field crossing the finish line together within the same second.
Two minutes back in fourth place was Frenchman Frederic Gombert (Cycletyres.com) turning the tables on the history of European marathon specialists who struggle in the rainforests of coastal British Columbia. Quinn Moberg (Rocky Mountain) squeezed his way in between the euro’s with a fifth place finish. Manuel Weissenbacher (Craft-Rocky Mountain Factory) held onto a 6th place for the day putting him ahead of some of the local favorites. “It would be great to have a top 5 finish on a day here. It’s a very strong field.” He’ll be gunning hard on tomorrow’s climb-heavy stage for a top five finish.
Masters Men
Masters Solo leader Eric Tourville (Hype Ski Velo) 2x Canadian Cross Country Champion of Quebec, has come to the BC Bike Race to establish that age isn’t going to exclude him from mixing it up with riders half his age. He finished the day 6th overall just over four minutes back from the lead group. His closest competitor is BC race veteran Udo Bolts (Craft Rocky Mountain) who finished 11th overall and 4:45 behind Tourville. Dwayne Kress of Garibaldi was only 30 seconds behind Bolts, setting up a slugfest to the finish for these experienced riders.
Duo Men’s 80+
Multiple time World Champion Brian Lopes and his team partner Joe Lawwill former Masters DH World Champion are currently leading the Duo 80+ category. Lopes has been to the BC Bike Race before, but it is Lawwill who is getting his first experience in the event. They are up by 11 minutes on second place overall, but there are a few hills standing in the way of the final stage in Whistler. We’ll watch to see how these downhill specialist handle the lumps along the way.
Day 3 Earls Cove to Sechelt Presented by Ryders Eyewear
- 58km / 36 miles, average time: 5:03
- 1599m / 5246 ft Climbing
Words: Harlan Price
Photos: Dave Silver, Erik Peterson, Todd Weselake, Margus Riga, Norma Ibarra
It was probably the constant swing of the morning weather and the day with the longest mileage of the race that induced the most anxiety for riders on Day Three of the BC Bike Race, presented by Ryders Eyewear. Sunshine and thunderstorms accompanied the thirty minute drive to the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal where racers would be taking Harbor Air Float planes, BC Ferries, and Water Taxis to travel across the Bay. If the clouds hung heavy then the floatplanes would be grounded and the water taxis, along with the small ferry, would be forced to make extra trips to shuttle everyone across the water to the Earls Cove Ferry Terminal start line.
Fortune was with the BCBR riders who were spared a cold wet wait on both sides of the water. The various modes of transportation insured the travelers all have the opportunity to see the spectacular views of the coves of the Jervis Inlet which are always a highlight of the day’s travel options.
The Race
A warm wet rain did accompany the riders out of Earls Cove for the first ten minutes along their journey which started with a long climb on the Suncoaster Trail. The sun quickly emerged to accompany them the rest of their way to their ultimate destination: the new basecamp at Kinnikinnick Park in the traditional stopover town of Sechelt. Long climbs were accented by punchy pitches that forced some to walk while others grunted it out. The pot of gold at the top was a steady trail descent to the finish that rewarded anyone who had enough leg juice left to whip the loamy corners into frothy peaks of fun.
The race times ranged from 3-7 hours with the average time just over 5 hours. No matter where you ended your day the course asked for all you had to give. Quinn Moberg ( Rocky Mountain ) won the stage in 2:59 and survived attacks from his competitors and he bluntly labeled the day as, “damn hard.” In contrast, the 7:16 finishing time of Arnold Dagdgan of the Philippines, was no less of an effort that required an aid station at the right spot and a strong will to not quit.
“I was this close to not continuing, but after I passed the second station going to the climb I decided to continue, and I enjoyed all the downhills after that. It was a big reward. I never seen a downhill as long as that.” ~Dagdgan
Mens Open
Today marked the return of Quinn Moberg ( Rocky Mountain ) to the BC Bike Race podium since 2015. The Squamish native fought hard through attacks from the European contingency and the other local Cory Wallace ( Kona Bikes ) to take the top spot on the stand.
“It started pretty full gas on the first climb. Some of the Europeans were just drilling it. Going basically as hard as I could. In the Singletrack the North Americans got away and we just drilled it. Basically riding as hard as I could.” ~Moberg
An unfortunate slow rear-wheel leak for Wallace negated the strong efforts he made on the Frogger climb and sent him to a sixth place finish on the day. In the process he lost his Leaders Jersey to Stephen Ettinger (Rider Bike Alliance/ Focus Bikes) who took second in the sprint finish to Moberg. Last year’s second place finisher Spencer Paxson ( Kona Bikes ) crossed the line in third.
Riding strong to a 4th and 5th position were the previously mentioned Euro’s who were driving the early pace up the power line climbs. Manuel Weissenbacher and Andreas Hartmann ( Craft Rocky Mountain ) found their trail moves as they settled into a chase together through the woods.
Womens Open
Kelli Emmett ( Juliana / SRAM / Lululemon ) ran part of the course on her way to another first place after she forgot to include a quick-link in her daily survival kit. It was an unusual oversight from a veteran rider. “I always have one and it was one of those days when you just make a dumb mistake.” As a result this enduro specialist had to run, scoot, or coast down the last 7km descent.
Sammi Runnels ( Rider Bike Alliance ) worked her way to another second place finish while Kaysee Armstrong ( LIV Giant ) took full advantage of the physical nature of the final descent to claw back a few of the seven minutes she had given up earlier in the day.
“I felt really good today on the gravel. I just stayed really steady. Then whenever we got to the singletrack I tried to make up some time. I felt really smooth, it was fun.” ~Armstrong
The BCBR Destination: Norwegian Invasion
Every year different groups of riders meet in British Columbia brought together by a common BC Bike Race goal. This year a group of 13 Norwegians, with a supporting team of two, can be found sprinkled through the finishing results – many of them riding into the top third of the results. You will recognize them by their Blue and Orange jerseys with “Team Norway” and “GULF” emblazoned on them in a tasteful Scandinavian aesthetic.
They were brought together by the one guy in their group who always manages to motivate and organize the group trips. Stein Larsen explains it as a group of people who always train together and live in proximity to each other. This came up a little more than a year ago and it’s amazing we all made it.
“So far it’s been a nice thing. This morning an old guy in a truck just pulled up and said, ‘Thanks for coming out.’” You get the impression that the Canadian generosity and trails are leaving a strong impression on these Scandinavians…
Their comfort on the trails of the BC Bike Race are impart due to the raw nature of the trails they ride back home. Norway’s private property laws permit anyone to cross almost any property, so the network of trails is vast and always available. Their culture’s philosophy on property rights are summed up in the Freedom to Roam, also known as Everyman’s Right mantra. It’s based on the idea that the general public has a right to access certain public and private lands for recreation and exercise.
It’s a stark contrast to the property laws of many parts of the world, but it is fitting for the trails and communities of the BC Bike Race. The belief that land should be utilized for enjoyment and shared by all is one particular belief that many mountain bikers can stand behind.
From a group of three Floridians to 26 riders from Mexico and too many Peruvians to count. There are many groups large and small at the BC Bike Race who have decided to tackle the week together.
Day 4 Sechelt to Langdale
- 52km / 32 miles, average time 4:56
- 1508m / 4947 ft Climbing
Tides often turn for racers on Day 4 of the BC Bike Race as the arc of days dip to the finish and the trails begin to find a greater downhill trajectory. It’s the tired racers and the gravity motivated ones who begin to find the terrain more rewarding with bigger descents popping up on the daily course profiles. Day 4, Presented by CLIF Bar, ended with a final 7km descent through the legendary trails of the Sunshine Coast that had riders whooping and hollering as gravity pulled them flying through the woods into the Langdale BC Ferries terminal. The weather was the best of the week and fueled high-fives with a bit of extra smack.
Today’s profile tells the tale of a day with multiple long descents which left riders feeling rewarded for any time spent climbing to the top. The distance descended was greater than what was climbed, which is a special trick that can only be achieved by racing point to point. Logistically it makes the movement of the event that much more complicated, but one thing racers always notice is the incredible amount of planning that is involved in making a party on wheels like the BC Bike Race flow smoothly.
The Riders
One of the amazing things about the BC Bike Race is the people that attend the race in search of achieving a variety of goals. Some are in search of completing a bucket list item, some come for the challenge of new terrain, and others may be looking for a bonding experience with someone special.
At this year’s race there are honeymooners, groups of friends, siblings, and even a couple teams of parents and their kids. Taking the daily plunge are the teams of Russell and Braden Kappius ( Clif Bar / Kappius Components ) and the mother / daughter team, Diana Dagofer and Joanna Reardon who call themselves Jo Momma.
The Kappius team are steeped in cycling as both have raced for years with Braden currently riding professionally for Clif Bar. They have taken their decades of racing and their professions as engineers to begin designing and producing carbon fiber rims and hubs. They bring them to the BC Bike Race not only for the testing ground, but also as a chance to spend time riding bikes together.
“This is a fully immersed adult summer camp. You disconnect from the outside world and it’s fun. The goal was to come up and have fun and we’re doing that 100%.” ~ Russell
Team Jo Momma
It was an unexpected gift from her employee, Lululemon Athletica, that set the path for Joanna to team up with her mother Diana to form the team Jo Momma and tackle the BC Bike Race about four years earlier than she planned. Mom has been riding for more years than Joanna has been alive, and the daughter has only two years of trail riding in her legs. Surprisingly, it’s the technical trails that the younger one prefers, especially those in Cumberland. Each rider has now traded support roles after two days in a row where each had to help the other work through their own challenges. It was the long singletrack late yesterday for Diana and an early crash today for Joanna that required the support of their familial teammate.
“Yesterday I felt really demoralized and she kept me going on. I love MTBing, I MTB all day long but I don’t really care what time I get in.” ~Diana
Teams of two are a special category for those looking to share a journey with someone else. Choose wisely in your partner because it’s a guarantee that someone is going to have a tough day. There is nothing like being able to bond over your lowest moments; it makes the highs that much more sweeter.
The Race
Today’s course traditionally referred to as ‘Hump Day” marks the mid-point of the race and the transition to a greater emphasis on downhills and modern trails. Riders will still find big climbs but they will be rewarded with more machine built downhill trails to balance out the long stair-step efforts to the top. Today was highlighted by trails like Rio Grande, Hwy 102, and the Sprockids Bike Park.
Open Men
Cory Wallace (Kona Bikes) was on a mission today after yesterday’s flat tire that cost him his leader’s jersey. Wallace could be seen riding off the front from the opening kilometer. He would continue that trend yo-yo’ing his lead about a minute up until the start of the final descent at HWY 102. By the time he reached the bottom 7km later he had put three minutes on the chasers Spencer Paxson (Kona Bikes) and Stephen Ettinger (Rider Bike Alliance / Focus). Wallace now sits less than a minute back overall from his teammate Paxson and Ettinger.
Open Women
Kelli Emmett ( Juliana / SRAM ) ran away with the stage again leaving the other two women on the podium to find their own rhythm. Fortunately the course made it easy to have a good time cruising the descents. Sammi Runnels (Rider Bike Alliance) kept up her steady charge while Kaysee Armstrong (LIV Giant) held her position in third.
Masters Men
Under the radar is the battle for third place in the Masters Men division. Dwayne Kress has only a 1:45min lead on Chris Christie while Morten Solvang is only another 26 seconds back. This will be a hotly contested battle for a podium spot that no local wants to lose.
Veterans Men
Ted Russo has a tight grip on first but it is the 2:10min gap between Lorenzo Milesi and Anderson Stromsvaag that will make the last three days less than relaxing for the podium chasers.
Day 5: North Vancouver
The race returns tomorrow to the start of the BC Bike Race tale with a 15km time trial on the trails of Seymour Mountain on the famous North Shore. Riders will leave in 15 second intervals and five at a time from Parkgate Park. The new format is sure to make navigating “The Shore” easier, but it will be mile-for-mile one of the most challenging stretches of trail the racers will tackle all week.
More at http://www.bcbikerace.com/