The Best Trails in the World
Mountain bikers from around the world come to British Columbia to explore our technical, challenging trails, and for those who have the endurance, the BC Bike Race is the biggest and best showcase of the West Coast’s amazing terrain.
The BC Bike Race is more than a race—it’s an adventure and an experience that sees participants enjoying some of the most rugged mountain bike trails our province has to offer, then crossing the finish line at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Taking place from June 27 to July 4, the BC Bike Race is a seven-day mountain bike stage race that tours Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the Sea to Sky Corridor. In between stages, riders travel to the next day’s destination. The race was first held in 2007 and has sold out its attendance almost every year since, including the 600 competitors who signed up long ago for 2015.
BC Bike Race’s Director of Marketing Andreas Hestler says the race isn’t held on cow trails or hiking routes, and features a high percentage of British Columbia’s legendary single track mountain bike trails built by mountain bikers. Riders will spend four to seven hours in the saddle and cover an average distance of fifty kilometres each day.
“We have amazing communities that we work in and with, they have amazing trails,” says Hestler.
While the event appeals to some professional racers, most participants are there to socialize, see the sights and enjoy a sampling of the terrain. Whistler rider Clark Lewis just wants to get some saddle time on some great trails. This is his first year participating, and he’s set a simple goal, “Ride seven days in a row with my wife, which we rarely get to do since having a couple of kids. We’re going to put in a solid effort, but enjoy the trails too, no race stress,” says Lewis.
Spectators in Whistler can be part of the BC Bike Race’s finish line festivities on July 4. Awards and medals will be presented in Whistler’s Olympic Plaza, followed by the racers’ final banquet.
While in Whistler, participants are encouraged to make the most of their accomplishments and spend some time enjoying the resort as part of their celebration. For information on accommodation and activities, visit www.whistler.com