Adaptive MTB DH Racing Comes To BC

News

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Adaptive mountain bikes are getting ever more capable, and are a far cry from the off road wheelchairs that were previously available to those hoping to explore the trails. With such capability comes improvements in handling, the ability to tackle a wider range of trails, and speed. So racing seems a natural progression in adaptive MTB development, and we’re pleased to hear that the Dunbar Series in BC will be including an Adaptive category.

So far as we and the Bowhead Bikes crew are aware, this is the first time there’s been an adaptive MTB category within a DH Series. Adam Price, Bowhead’s Media Manager (and lucky Englishman in BC) explains:

‘The trails in BC are gnarly. It’s rough technical up there with some of the World’s best tracks. But we hope to see more events like this. The new Bowhead RX crank bike is a great Enduro bike would be amazing to see this bike at some enduro events in the future. Shout out to David Horvath who has been at the Mega Avalanche on a Bowhead.’

Yes, you are correctly spotting some Hope components!

It won’t just be Bowhead Bikes in the race, and for now it’ll be just one category for all ages, genders and bike styles of adaptive racer, though if the future shows a need and demand this could evolve. The category was opened up to 15 riders this year and there are 11 entries so far. Each rider will have a chaperone following behind, to assist if needed – though by the looks of the video they may be pushing hard to keep up!

Bowhead riders Cole Bernier and Landon McGauley went to check out the course and see whether it would be suitable for the event.

Take in the views before you start racing?
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
This takes commitment on any bike!
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
Cole puts the Bowhead’s front parallelogram structure to good use
A water feature!
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
  • Bowhead adaptive MTB race
Different types of adaptive bike will be in the same category
Are roots any less scary on three wheels?

We love this approach of integrating the adaptive race into an existing series – creating an opportunity for all riders to hang out, cheer each other on, appreciate their skills and nerd out over bikes. Which is half the point of racing, right? Winning isn’t everything!

Inspired? Awed? Curious? Check out our podcast with Christian Bagg, Bowhead’s founder, for more information on the Bowhead bike range, or head to the Dunbar Series website for race information.

Dunbar Summer Series:

  • July 16-18 Fernie Canada Cup / BC Cup
  • July 20-21 Panorama Canada Cup / BC Cup
  • July 23-25 Kicking Horse Canadian Nationals

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Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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Comments (3)

    OwenPOwenP July 11, 2021 at 10:42 am

    This is cool. I’ve seen a couple of videos of people riding Bowheads (mostly Martyn Ashton I think!) and wondered what a purpose-built track would look like, but I guess they are pretty adaptable to racing most trails! Still wonder if you could build drops and jump take-offs differently though, like builders do for bike parks, dirt jumps, bmx tracks etc to get a “perfect track” – would be great to see.

    prettygreenparrotprettygreenparrot July 12, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    Very cool to see.

    pmurdenpmurden July 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    This is brilliant news, let’s hope the racing is great!

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