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!

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

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!

Stage 4 - Sechelt

Stage Time: 3:40:04
Time behind the Leader: +25:39

Stage Placing: 4th/41
Overall Placing: 4th/41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +1:04:45
Time Behind next place: +37:37 (seriously, anything still goes)

Earls Cove - Sechelt

Distance: approx 60km
Elevation Gain: 1800m
Start Time: 11am
Start Line: BC Ferries' Earls Cove Terminal
Finish Line: Village of Sechelt

Profile:



Today’s ride will start on arrival at the BC Ferries' Earls Cove Terminal and end in the beautiful seaside Village of Sechelt.

After a gentle start from the Earls Cove Ferry Terminal, the route will swing left of the highway for 1Km as you pass by North Lake. This is the start of great climb through the rainforest to Klein Lake Park. Next, you'll roll into a singletrack trail that leads to some fantastic views of Ruby Lake and Sakinaw Lake below. Make your descent into Ruby Lake Resort and though the Iris Griffith Informative Center.

After a short 1.5km, you will enter the Suncoast Trail, a singletrack route that was designed to allow people to get from ferry to ferry exclusively on trails and back roads. This rolling and non-technical portion of the trail jumps in and out of the forest, onto small logging roads, and under the power lines.

The race route then comes back onto the road for a short distance before it dives off road again and starts to gain some altitude on logging roads. This undulating section of logging and power line roads – some old and some new – will prepare your legs for the short challenging climbs that will gain the next height of land. If you need to cool off, there will be a few opportunities in the 3 or 4 creek crossings along the way.

With the climb behind you and elevation gained, you’ll enjoy a very fast, tight, doubletrack descent to the next logging road. Ride a little more logging road, and keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Watch for some seriously sweet singletrack added mid-course and prep those legs for a hardcore granny climb in search of more sweet singletrack!

Before ending the day you’ll enter some very nice, tight, singletrack that crosses through lush west coast rainforest. Save some energy for the trail ahead!

Stage 3 - Powell River

Stage Time: 2:44:47
Time behind the Leader: +13:08

Stage Placing: 3rd/41
Overall Placing: 4th/41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +39:06

There's no course Profile for today but here's a few details as to what we're up against for today's stage:

A ferry ride directly across the Straight of Georgia from Courtenay/Comox (1hr 20min crossing time) brings you to the warm, friendly community of Powell River on the Upper Sunshine Coast.

Accessible only by sea or air, BC's spectacular Sunshine Coast is an outdoor enthusiast's delight. Experience the creations of local artisans and unique heritage of First Nations peoples, soak up the spectacular scenery and bask in the mildest climate in Canada.

Your day's adventure both starts and finishes in Powell River after you get off your morning ferry ride at BC Ferries' Westview Terminal and we are stoked to introduce these incredible trails of "rolling thunder" to you!

Distance: Approx 53km
Elevation Gain: TBA
Start Time: 12pm
Start Line: Powell River
Finish Line: Powell River

Stage 2 - Cumberland

Stage Time: 2:59:56
Time behind the Leader: + 14:52

Stage Placing: 4th /41
Overall Placing: 4th /41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +25:58

The course today includes high speed, compact, mature trails to higher elevation rocky outcrops, dark and lush Valley bottom trails and well refined technical singletrack.

Should be a 'sick' day all around.

Distance: approx 60km
Elevation Gain: est. 1600m
Start Time: 9:30am
Start Line: Cumberland
Finish Line: Village Park, Cumberland

Here's the day's race profile (click photo to enlarge):

Some teasers include:

Bevan and Bear's Bait - super fast, fun mature trail systems that will let you reach the speeds you want to as you follow along the Puntledge river.

Screamin' Demon, River Rats, Two Pond pass, Sapporo Steeps, Puntledge Plunge, KMA and Transmission - Hold on to your handlebars, take in the view and test your limits as you descend down Forbidden Plateau to the Valley below. This trail network is characterized by high speed descending and rocky outcrops giving great views of the Comox Glacier, Comox Lake, The Gulf Island and the Coastal Range across Johnston Strait.

Two and a Juice, Buggered Pig, Tea Pot, Short and Curly, Soggy Biscuit, Black Hole and Space Nugget - Make sure you save some energy for this string of trails! A brief technical climb gives way to a matching descent all the way to the finish line!

*Stage & Route details subject to change for 2010.

Stage 1 - Nanaimo

Stage Time: 3:24:38
Time behind the Leader: + 10:22

Stage Placing: 4th /41
Overall Placing: 4th /41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +11:06

So it begins.

The day started with us getting on the first ferry from Horseshoe Bay destined for Nanaimo, BC.

Day 1 of the BC Bike Race starts right off the Ferry in to Naniamo, BC.

After leaving the BC Ferries' Departure Bay Terminal, a short paved climb will help sort out the riders and from there we'll race 33 trails of pure island singletrack.

Distance: approx 70km
Elevation Gain: 1200m
Start Time: 11am
Start Line: Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo
Finish Line: Rotary Stadium, Nanaimo

Here's the day's race profile (click photo to enlarge):



At the end of each day we'll update our results so look for this:

Day 1 Results

Stage Time: ???
(will reflect how fast we raced this day)
Time behind the Leader: ???
(the number of minutes we were behind 1st place (0 min means we won that Stage)

Stage Placing: ??
(our position that day, ie 1st, 2nd, 3rd...)
Overall Placing: ??
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): ??
(Each day our times are compiled and added to the previous days raced. We can measure how fast/slow we are compared to other teams overall. This is a compounded time so while we can make up for a bad day, each minute gained is crucial in the overall standings.)

And We're Off!!

Day Zero Results:

Stage Time: 8:39
Time behind the Leader: + 0:44

Stage Placing: 4th /41
Overall Placing: 4th /41
Overall Time (Time behind Leader): +0:44

Today is the official Day Zero of the BC Bike Race and the day begins with an exciting 'Time Trial' Style 5 km rip through some of the world famous North Shore (North Vancouver for those not familiar) trail.

While we don't have an update on the course we will provide one at the end of the day along with our results of Day Zero.

*** Update ***

Although we don't have our results for the time trial prologue today, here is a picture of our new red Suarez shorts thanks to Julio from Suarez!

Check back each morning to see the course, the area and get a general feel as to what we're facing each day.

Check back at the end of each day for our results and share in our experience racing some of the best single track in the world.

Almost ready to roll

Last nights toonie was our final warm-up for the 7 days of racing coming up in the BC Bike Race.Dwayne took 2nd and me 3rd.
We're packing up and are stoked to rumble through the awesome trails that await us in the race.Sure to be some stories to come out of this one...we're both feeling great and are optimistic of our chances.
Donations still keep coming in and we are closing in on a whopping $11,000.00!
Thanks to everyone who supported our fundraising and was cheering us on a the Test of Metal last weekend.
Here goes...

Catching up with Team Squamish - BC Bike Race starts Saturday!

Dwayne and I have been training hard, racing the toonies and just finished the Test of Metal this weekend - I came in 8th and Dwayne was 10th...we are both riding really well, healthy and motivated to race together for 7 days and enjoy the adventure ahead of us!

We have also surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 for Team Diabetes! Thanks to all of the people who have donated to help those who are suffering from this disease. We will post a list of everyone who donated on the blog as our way of saying thanks.

The BC Bike Race starts on Saturday in North Van and then heads to the Island, then the Sunshine Coast then comes back home to the mainland for the big stage 6 here in Squamish and then wraps up in Whistler on July 3. Check out the BCBR website to follow our progress: http://www.bcbikerace.com/ as well as this blog and our Facebook accounts.

If anyone would like to come and watch the finish in Whistler on July 3 and party with us after and spend the night we have been given some special rates at the swanky The Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler ! Check it out:

Studio - $125 per night
One Bedroom - $143 per night
Two Bedroom - $179 per night

*All rooms have in suite kitchens and a breakfast buffet is included.

To book:

Quote: 'BC Bike Race'

E-mail: karl@coastblackcombsuites.com

ph# - 1.800.783.8133 or 1.888.905.3400 x 3

Hope to see some familiar faces for stage 6 in Squamish and 7 in Whistler...come on out and have a few beers with us after the race and find out why the BC Bike Race is a must do!

See you out there!

Kelly

Toonie #5, Nimby 50 and Tips from a pro

Dwayne 2nd, me 3rd at Toonie # 5...we were 6 seconds apart and only a few seconds behind the winner - Neil Kindree that savage.

Dwayne went up to the Nimby 50 and came in 8th place this past Saturday.

I on the other hand bailed on Nimby and rode with my friend Dustin who showed me some tips on how to actually ride my bike - well worth it and very helpful!

This weekend is race #2 in the Hell of a Series - The North Shore Bike Fest XC...

We are about a month away from the BC Bike Race and all things point to us having good legs and doing well....having fun is never a problem.

On the fundraising front we are close to our goal and still have time left to hit it!

Kelly

Toonie # 2

This past weeks toonie was held out in the awesome Valleycliffe trails - with a totally new climb called Meet your Maker...great trails out in this part of the Squamish network and about 150 racers came out...rad!

Kelly - 2nd
Dwayne - 4th

After 2 races :

Kelly - 1st overall
Dwayne - 3rd overall

We both are going well are building up to the season.

Check out the SORCA website - www.sorca.ca and Bike Squamish on Facebook for the scoop on how we're doing.

Adios

Kelly

Toonie #1 race report

Dwayne and myself both took in the first toonie xc race here in Squamish on Sunday. About 150 riders came out, everybody keen to start the race season!

Dwayne helped with the organizing of the race, did like a 30km xc race the day before, went to wedding and I'm sure partied hard...not sure how he finished but he was in the top 10 I would say. Unreal.

I came in 3rd place and was there feeling very strong...I threw my chips down and lead with about 5 minutes to go but couldn't hang with two Rocky Mtn studs who took me by about 15 seconds at the line. I'm stoked.

We are still on the fundraising campaign and have had many friends help out so far. Thank you everyone! We have some more prizes to give away and some news coming up. Stay tuned.

In the News!

Follow this link to our local newspaper The Squamish Chief for an article on us and what we're up to!

http://www.squamishchief.com/article/20100319/SQUAMISH0201/303199960/-1/squamish02/riding-against-diabetes

Happy trails!

Kelly

Prize #2 - Sugoi "Team Opus" Jersey

Our first prize of a rad Giro helmet has been won by Normand Lappierre of Whistler, BC. Normand made a donation and came away with a great helmet to keep his melon protected while out on the trails.

Our second prize is a size medium Opus Team jersey made by Sugoi. Anyone making a donation to our fundraising campaign will be entered in the draw.Check out Bike Squamish on Facebook for all the details on how to enter.

Happy trails!



Kelly

Prize #1 - Giro Phase helmet

This cool lid is full of vents to keep you cool, a visor to shade your eyes from the sun, Giro's patented retention system and hot styling. It's a size medium and is a white/titanium color.

If you need a new helmet and would like to have a chance at wearing this "brain bucket on your melon" this summer we would greatly appreciate a donation to our fundraising drive for Diabetes. Join Bike Squamish on Facebook as well to stay in the loop with all the news coming out of the bike community here in paradise.

We are still awaiting our first comment on our blog, anyone out there? Leave us a message if you're keen on this one...thanks again to Armand @ Republic Bikes here in town for the kind donation to our cause!

Kelly

Republic Bikes steps up with some Draw Prizes!

Thanks to Armand Hurford @ Republic Bikes in Brackendale we have some great draw prizes to give away! Armand came up with $300 in swag and is pumped for us in our quest...cheers buddy!

To have a chance at winning follow these two simple steps:

1 - Join Bike Squamish on Facebook

2 - Make a tax deductible donation to our team @ www.teamdiabetes.ca

Here's the list of what's up for grabs:

Camelback Podium Chill Jacket Bottle

Giro Xen Glove

Giro Phase Helmet

Opus Team Jersey

We will be announcing the first winners soon on Bike Squamish so join and stay in the loop...you might win! As we gain more support we will be giving more cool stuff away as our way of saying thank you to all who are in our corner on this journey!


Kelly

Fundraising Update

Thanks to the support and generousity of friends and family we have raised $521 for Team Diabetes!

We have a long way to go to reach our goal of $10,000 but won't give up till we get there.

Thanks to the organizers of the BC Bike Race our team has been given an awesome prize to give away to help us reach our goal. If you make a tax deductible donation to our team you could win a free ride on stage 6 of the 2010 BC Bike Race plus a free race jersey and bag! This stage is the best day of riding of the entire 7 day event and with the addition of trail improvements over the winter it is shaping up to be an epic day in the saddle. Join Bike Squamish on Facebook and see all the details on how to donate and win!

Kelly

Kelly's bike for the BCBR - Scott Spark 10

This is my new bike that I will depend on to get me through the BCBR with Dwayne...I think it's really cool and am excited to get out tomorrow for my first ride on it...this is the third Spark I have owned and I love how they ride...no better way to start off the season than getting a new bike!

In fundraising news we have received our very first donations! We are still a long way from our ultimate goal of raising $10,000 for Team Diabetes but we are committed on achieving that...anyone interested in donating please let us know!


Kelly

Welcome to our Blog

We are good buddies who are going to be racing the BC Bike Race this summer - we've created this blog as a way for our friends to follow us along on the journey. We are setting out to raise $10,000 for Team Diabetes and also raise awareness for our other cause which is Bike Squamish.

We are both proud residents of Squamish and love racing, riding and drinking coffee....the posts that we will be putting on the blog will contain those elements but much more...check in on us and hopefully some of our passion for life will touch you...
www.teamdiabetes.ca
www.bcbikerace.com

Stay tuned and leave us some comments....

Kelly