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The Home Stretch...
I’ve been out doing a ton of riding in recent weeks and on many a ride I’ve come across at least one person (and usually more) out there training for BC Bike Race. I wish I could share with you what a great feeling it is to see these racers pumped to be a part of a race like this in BC. BCBR has stirred up some serious passion in those mountain bikers…and this is what I had envisioned, and hoped for, in the first place. I wanted to create something that was indeed an epic journey that got people fired up about mountain biking, travel, and adventure. Together with our Team, Sponsors, and committed Racers, this has become a reality.
With more than 70% of available spots filled, the racers who have put faith in us for the inaugural event will not be disappointed. We have incorporated some of the best singletrack trails BC has to offer; we showcase some beautiful west coast communities; and we have brought in some incredible people from the mountain biking industry to share in the experience with the racers.
To those of you who’ve committed to join us in this epic tale – thank you! And to those of you who are straddling the proverbial fence – you still have time! Come and join us for year one because this inaugural event is going to be fantastic! And, of course, since it’s year one of a destined-to-be-classic race, it will absolutely be memorable in many, many ways.
I know that there are people out there who are dying to do this race and are frantically seeking a good partner. I’ve spoken to some of these riders, they’ve sent us emails, and they’ve posted ‘want ads’ on our Team Finder.
So, if you’ve been considering BC Bike Race 2007, but haven’t found someone to race with, why not pair up with one of these keen candidates? You KNOW they’re committed and you just might find a new teammate for a lifetime of epic race adventures!
What is life without challenge, risk and adventure? Hook up with one of these racers, get your team signed up, and get out here and rip it up!!
One last thing....if you are questioning your ability to complete this thing, I want to tell you this. In 12 years of putting on 2- and 3-day stage races, I have witnessed hundreds of people who were scared sh*tless of doing an adventure race finish with flying colours. I have also seen people that are not finely tuned machines like our resident Super Star Andreas Heslter finish with flying colours. I know too that there is only a point to which you will be able to fully train your body, the rest is simply "will power". You've got it in you!
Dean
Dean Payne
BCBR President
There's Still Time to Register...But Act FAST!!
Though the June 1st online registration deadline is looming, there's still time to sign up and be a part of this destined-to-be-classic epic stage race adventure!
Really, really keen but still no partner?? There are others out there just like you. In fact, many of them have active postings in our Team Finder.
You could be just one click away from finding your match. It's kinda like online dating, but without all the awkwardness and scary uncertainty of whether you'll share the same interests as your potential date. Check it out while there's still time!
What's Dre Got to Say?
Wow, I can't believe we are so close to the start date for our inaugural event! Time flies when you are having fun...and getting involved in this event has been so much fun. And yes, of course, a lot of work - but when you are surrounded by what you love and people with equal passion it really is amazing!
So, the BC Bike Race buzz is out! We have Team Trek VW racers Chris Eatough and Jeff Schalk racing with us...and we have a number of amazing people who will be dropping by throughout the race to spend a day or two with the participants in the field:
- Ryder Hesjedal - MTB Silver World Championship, World Cup Winner, Olympics MTB, possibly Road Beijing
- Peter Reid - 3-time Ironman Hawaii World Champion, say no more, the legend
- Melanie McQuaid - 3-time X-Terra World Champion
- Seamus McGrath - Commonwealth Bronze Medalist, Pan American Silver Medalist, Olympian 2004
- Richie Schley - Most Photographed Freerider in the world, wants to be a bit fitter...hmmm...
- Yury Kachirine - (not confirmed) Gold Medal Olympics TTT, Canadian National Coach 1995-2005
- Karen Eller - Winner of 2004 Trans Rockies Women's Team (here all week, racing)
- Wendy Simms - 2-time Canadian Cycle Cross Champion and Olympic Contender for Beijing - MTB
- Mike Vine - Top X-Terra Contender with numerous wins, still in the hunt for a World Title
- Lesley Tomlinson - Silver Medal Road Commonwealth Games, 2-time Olympian and 2-time 24 Hour World Champion
Also in the field and the crew look for Bruce Spicer, a legend of cycling with titles in all disciplines (road, track, cross and MTB); Dave Norona, adventure guru, Iditarod and Eco-Challenge participant, on the Moto Team (they found a different way to participate); and another Canadian Olympian, Ron Hayman, will also be hiding out there.
Though I've only mentioned a handful of the amazing talent and stories that will be out there with us in July, our ultimate goal is to surround racers with as much knowledge and passion as possible while they cycle into the history books of this amazing race. And if you're tempted to join us in this adventure...there's still time! So, what are you waiting for?
See you all soon!
Dre
Andreas Hestler
BCBR Course Designer & Spokesman
For additional information, visit: www.bcbikerace.com
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