BC Bike Race Recap

Following the finish of the BC Bike Race, SLR, AV, and I spent the weekend in Whistler chilling and otherwise catching up on some R&R before returning to real life. I promptly got a bit of a cold and so did the majority of other racers that took part in the event. Walking around Whistler village over the weekend, it was easy to spot racers because they were all sniffly, carrying lots of tissue, and were not walking very fast. Whistler is an amazing place in the summer. Bikes dominate and there are free riders, DHers, trail riders, and even some XC racers everywhere. I had the itch to stay until the snow flies, but all good things have to come to and end and on Sunday afternoon we drove back to our real lives in our fair city of Seattle.

Now that I'm back pushing paper instead of the pedals, I've had some time to reflect on the "ultimate singletrack experience." It, indeed, lived up to its billing. I enjoyed just about every km we covered (somewhere around 540km) even the full day of fire road of Stage 2. Some of the 1track was the best I have ever ridden in North America. The descent on Stage 5 from Seschelt to Langdale was particularly enjoyable and I know I will go back again in the future.

Next year? Yep, I'm already registered to do battle with my friend Robbin. He owns Arrowsmith Bikes in Nanaimo and is a fast dude on a bike. I think we can crack the top 20.

With that, here are some photographic highlights and a video taken by SLR during the week.

The start on Day 1. A few bikes and that was only the first half of the field.


Cooling down after Stage 1's 90+ degree temps.


Massage was critical for recovery. So were ice baths later in the week.


Mafia opted to utilize local hotels in lieu of tent city.


Lining up for Day 2.


Mafia on the prowl.


Ladies ride.


Parade lap around the track.



SLR and Amecita take in the trees.


And the coast.


The Mafia boys stoked with our best finish on the week. 23rd overall.


Boat 1 at sunrise of Day 4.


Catching some zzz's on the ferry.


The support rig loaded up.


Views from Boat 2 on Day 4.


The start of Day 4 right out of the ferry landing.


All smiles for now.


Chopper getting video footage.


Knuckles at the finish of a tough Day 4.


Seschelt coast.



RCMP escort to start day 5.


Riders following close behind.


SLR taking the support rig from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay.


The Reservoir Dogs walked on the next ferry after finishing a fun Stage 5. Note AV walks to the beat of a different drum.


Surrounded by some good company on Day 6. National CX Champ Katie Compton. Endurance Freak Nat Ross. Etc.


Race marshal's car ready to lead to way.


All smiles after finishing and a near DNF.


See that hose wrapped around the bar, it is supposed to go to AV's front brake.


"It was epic!"


Recounting war stories post-stage.


Happy July 4th!


Grande Americanos and the Mafia Boys.


Descending off Whistler Mountain into Creekside.


Heading out to wrap up the last 20km.


The finish.


It's medal time.


The coveted finisher's T-shirt.


Happy to have a new belt buckle.



On the gondola up to the top of Whistler for the awards gala.


Quite the adventure to say the least. I expect the photographers that were all over the course each day will have some riding shots that I can post in the near future.

Thanks to SLR for the pro support job. She could work for a professional cycling team no problem.

Now it's time to train and get ready for Mount Snow.

Thanks for reading,
Blue Star.