Saturday, July 3, 2010

Stage 7 - Whistler

Last Day!! Last chance to make up time!!

Once again we don't have a profile of today's stage but we expect it to be just as fun and grueling (albeit short) as the previous 6 days have been. We will update when/if we find out

Distance: approx 20km
Elevation Gain: TBA
Start Time: 10am
Start Line: Base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Upper Village
Finish Line: Base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Upper Village

This final day, your victory lap, will reflect a parade of awesome singletrack that is the hidden gem of Whistler!

Day Seven Begins with the start at the Base of Blackcomb Mountain beside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Hotel. After fueling up with coffee you'll head out Lorimer Road to HWY 99, in a controlled peloton, for approximately 10 km before turning off at Wedgemont to begin the amazing trails of the day.

First up is Secret North which is the early incarnation of Comfortably Numb where you'll climb up along soft loam to the sub-alpine before heading down Young Lust to the Al Grey Bridge over the massive gorge with raging whitewater below. Once across the Al Grey it's classic technical XC riding through the unbelievably green forest and over amazing little bridges and ramps before you are treated to some sweet rock face descending to the Green Lake Trail.

On this next section there are stunning views across to Rainbow Mountain and some loose rocky descents so don’t get too caught up enjoying the scenery or down you'll go!

The final part of the day will be spent riding through the incredible labyrinth of super fun singletrack in Lost Lake Park before facing the final burst to the finish at the base of Blackcomb.

This is some of the best planned trail in the world so enjoy. Day Seven will be your crowning glory - a chance to put the cherry on top of the amazing journey you've taken with us!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Stage 6 - Squamish

No times posted yet for Stage 6. Will update when available.

It's Good to be Home!!

Yes, we got to sleep in our own beds last night and today's ride on local trails is sure to give us some hometown advantage. Regardless of what today brings, we're excited to be racing with familiar faces cheering us on in the crowd.

Distance: approx 60km
Elevation Gain: 1900m
Start Time: 9am
Start Line: Garibaldi Highlands, Squamish
Finish Line: Squamish Civic Centre

Race Profile:


Day 6 gives racers a serious taste of the very best singletrack for which Squamish is renowned!!

Today's route is an incredible combination of two legendary race courses: the famous Test of Metal and very fun Gear Jammer. By blending the two courses we were able to cover the entire valley!

The day will start with a neutral roll out, then a gentle climb from Base Camp up to Garibaldi Highlands where we will start racing.

The start will be approximately three kilometers of fire road which will be a bit of a hole shot for 400+ riders - but don't despair, there will be plenty of time to pass your competitors later. After a blast through the newly reworked Tracks from Hell, you're in Alice Lake Provincial Park. As you ride past both Edith and Fawn lakes, you'll surely notice this beautiful country...but you wont enjoy it for too long because after a quick rip around Bob MacIntosh loop, you will meet Rock and Roll - a bit of an uphill grind.

Next the race takes you through Rob's Corners and then you'll make your way over to Garibaldi Park. This is about three kilometers of rolling but steady fire road climbing. After climbing Skookum then descending IMBA Smart, you will head over the new 'George's Crossing' bridge (built thanks to the combined efforts of BC Bike Race and Corsa Cycles.)

Next, a challenging doubletrack climb will bring you to Recycle, one of the most fun XC trails in Squamish. Continue down Psudoesuga One, Two, and Three. Out to Garibaldi Park Road and down through Quest University, over the Carpenters Son's bridge and up to the power line. Then you will see the first Aid Station. You will pass this point again so don't hang out too long!

Look out for the brand new Half Nelson trail!

Descend down The Rip and then the Powerhouse Plunge - combined, these two descents will take you at least 25 to 35 minutes. Back through Aid Station 1 and then right into Crumpit Woods. This first switchback climb has often been called Cramp-it Woods. Over the top of the climb, head to Route 99 for some fast, rolling singletrack. Tackle the Three Virgins climb and at the top you will cruise through Seven Stitches and you're almost done - no more major climbs! Descend down to Cliff Side Park, up and through the gully trail and you are on the Discovery Trail which will take you to the finish line. Don`t forget to Have Fun!!!

The stage is approximately 65 km long, with 5000 feet of climbing. More accurate distances will follow once the snow melts on the top of the course. Finishing times should be around 3.5 to 7 hours

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Stage 5 - Sechelt - BC Ferries' Langdale Terminal

Stage Time: 2:53:35
Time behind the Leader: +25:20

Stage Placing: 4th/41
Overall Placing: 4th/41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +1:30:05
Time Behind next place: +38:56



A new day, a new month of riding ahead.

Happy Canada Day!!

Sechelt - BC Ferries' Langdale Terminal

Distance: approx 65km
Elevation Gain: 2100m
Start Time: 8am
Start Line: Sechelt
Finish Line: Langdale Ferry Terminal

Race Profile:



You’ll start this morning in picturesque downtown Sechelt, with a jaunt along a paved section of road bordering Porpoise Bay…just to warm up a bit.

From there, move into singletrack and slowly work your way up a small power line in order gain access to the main logging road. This section is quite flat and travels onto the biggest creek crossing of the day (on a bridge, this time!) on a very old road section that’s been abandoned for years. It’s definitely worth a stop and look.

Once out of this section, once again you’ll need to climb up in order to gain access to the Rat Race Trail System, which is purported to be some of the best trails anywhere - according to riders who have raced in many places around the world. These are gentle, buff, and fast rainforest trails and it’s worth taking a moment to absorb the scenery - especially in the areas that have been logged where the fireweed is climbing for the sky…it’s absolutely beautiful!

Much of your time in the Rat Race trails will be under the canopy of the trees, some of which are over 30-40 meters high…if it’s a hot day, you’ll appreciate their cooling shade. As well, there will be lots of small bridges to cross and beautiful creeks to admire. You’ll be treated to an abundance of amazing singletrack in this section of the day; in fact, the Rat Race system is comprised of too many incredible trails to individually list and describe here. Trust us you’ll love every minute of it!

Next, you’ll climb a great singletrack route that will literally keep you on your toes and ultimately take you to the highest point of the day – 725m. Shake out your legs and get ready to grin from ear-to-ear as you fly back down through one of the ‘swoopiest’ trails ever! You’ll be squealing with excitement by the time you reach the bottom!