BC Bike Race is an amazing 7 day adventure bringing 500 mountain bike riders in search of some of the world's best singletrack. Every year there are a combination of world class racers, international adventurers, and weekend warriors who tackle the course. Three of the seven days are spent right here on BC's Sunshine Coast. I caught part of Wednesday's action...the longest course of the tour at 63km and 2,100m of elevation change...when they hit the finish line in Sechelt. Have you ever seen 500 identical tents in a row in one field? Assembled & disassembled daily?
Today was my favourite part of the race, though,...and for many of the riders as well. It's a 'short' course at 40km, but a serious climb from Sechelt up and over Roberts Creek and Mt. Elphinstone to finish with 7km of straight downhill into Langdale. This last section of riding is the part of Mt. Elphinstone that I often hike...around Sprockids Mountain Bike Park. The riders emerge from the rainforest a block from my house and cruise down our steep hill to the ferry terminal.
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| Yes! - thrilled to emerge from the forest toward the finish line |
Neighbourhood kids came out to watch and cheer along the street. Many of the riders waved and appreciated the young fans. One man even stopped to chat with the kids while he waited for his teammate to emerge from the forest. Pretty cool...and inspiring for the kids.
As one rider popped over the hill, all I heard was "Wow..look at that!". The view opens into the deep blue water of Howe Sound, heavily forested Gambier Island, and the Coast Mountains in the backdrop. Yes, this is the view I'm lucky enough to see every day when I leave the house.
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| 2 person team excited to cross the finish line |
The finish line buzzes with activity as the racers shower...bike shower first of course...then personal shower, food, new clothes, medical tent if necessary and off to catch the ferry to the campsite in Squamish.
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| In line for the bike showers - lots of mud! |
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