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FAQ
Looking for technical FAQs? We've had loads of great questions coming in and have posted Dre's responses in the Ask Dre section.
Race Logistics
Q: What's the overall success rate for riders? Are your cutoff times reasonable?
A: For our inaugural race in 2007, we had an overall 96% completion rate for riders. Very few racers did not make cutoff times, except in instances of mechanical failures or medical issues. We base our cutoff times at twice the anticipated time it takes Andreas Hestler to ride the route. BCBR routes are pre-ridden before the race by Andreas.
Q: What happens if my team doesn't make the cutoff time one day?
A: Missing a cutoff time does not mean you must dropout of the race; it only means that you will not be awarded a finishers medal. And we strongly encourage you to ride out the remaining stages of the race!
Q: What if one of the members of the team cannot continue? I understand that you can't continue alone, but can we join up with someone else in order to complete the race?
A: If your partner is unable to continue we will match you with someone else in a similar situation or with another team. You will not be alone, you will be able to finish, but you will not be considered and official finisher as you did not finish with your registered partner.
Q: Will we be able to have our own food and water bottles at the Aid Stations during each Stage?
A: You will have to carry everything that you need for the day. The Aid Stations will have a variety of snacks and water but you will not be able to have your own personal items staged there.
Q: What are the pre-race logistics?
A: You will need to register in person on June 27th, 2008 (Day Zero). There is a mandatory general meeting for all racers that evening. More details to come closer to race date,
Q: I’m trying to make plans to travel home. What time will the race finish on July 4th, 2008?
A: The race will wrap up on Friday afternoon in Whistler and a gala awards ceremony will follow that evening. We have found over the years that, for multi-day races, it is best to travel the second day after your race finish. Though many of us have to get back to work, we strongly recommend traveling home on the Sunday. Take the time on Saturday to chill out in Whistler - you will be tired and there is plenty to enjoy! Although it’s renowned as a ski resort town, the best time of year in Whistler is the summer – there are beautiful, warm lakes and beaches, many great places to dine, etc. You will love it!
Q: Care and feeding of our bikes: how will bikes be transported and loaded/unloaded? How will they be stored? What is the system for protecting bikes at night?
A: The security and protection of your bike is of the utmost importance to us at BC Bike Race. We will transport your bike on two occasions - start of Day 4 and end of Day 5. In both instances, the bikes will be moved in transport truck trailers and will be packed tightly to limit any movement during transportation. Our packers are sensitive to the challenges of clustering expensive bicycles and all precautions will be taken to ensure no damage is done to the bikes. After each ride, you will be able to store your bike in our bike security area until you need it the next day.
Q: How big is the bag for all my gear?
A: 3' x 14" x 13"
Q: Am I allowed to have an extra bag for my daily gear?
A: You will be able to fit everything you need into the single bag provided on Day Zero. You will not be permitted to strap anything to the outside of your bag.
Q: Do I need to bring a sleeping bag and Therm-a-rest?
A: Yes. A +5C bag would be fine. A Therm-a-rest is not necessary for 2008 as we are including foam padding in each tent!
Q: Does my sleeping bag have to fit in my gear bag?
A: Yes, compression sacks work wonders!
Q: What is the menu for breakfast and dinner?
A: The menu varies each day and is determined by the community we are visiting – we will not know the menu until May, and we will post it online when we do – but vegetarian options will be available.
Q: Are the meals pre-plated or buffet-style?
A: BCBR wants to make sure that each racer gets their fill at each meal. It is our intention to provide all-you-can-eat meals, but again, the presentation method is determined by the community at each venue. We will have second helpings served for racers as well as three set serving times for racers in order to keep line-ups short.
Q: When are breakfast and dinner served?
A: There will be fixed times on each day. Closer to race day, registered racers will be able to download a daily race schedule.
Q: What if I am really late finishing one day, will there still be food left?
A: Absolutely! We are scheduling 3 set serving times for racers during meals.
Q: What if I have food allergies or special meal requirements?
A: Racers with food allergies should make their own preparations for special food – BCBR cannot take responsibility for customizing racer meals.
Q: Will there be any options for me to purchase other menu items or eat elsewhere?
A: Not from BCBR, but certainly from the communities hosting each Stage.
Q: Do I need a support team for this race?
A: No, your all-inclusive race entry covers everything you need to get your team from the start line to the finish line on your bikes. Of course, you have to supply the pedal power. Check out our Registration page for detailed information about our standard all-inclusive entry package.
Q: Is this race suitable for riding a tandem bike?
A: Due to the nature of the single track trails, we really don't recommend using a tandem bike. However, it's your race experience and if you want to attempt it on a tandem bike we won't say no.
Q: I'm on a team of 4, which means we could have two people not riding each stage. Can we swap out riders in the middle of the day?
A: We do not permit teams of 4 to exchange riders mid-stage. The riders who start the day must finish the day. No tagging out mid-stage! While you're out there racing each stage, think of yourselves as a team of 2 because all the same race regulations apply.
Q: If, as a team of 4, there is some really sweet single track one day can all four of us ride it?
A: New for 2008, the answer is YES! All regular race rules apply - you must remain within 2 minutes of each other.
Q: Does our team have to stay together?
A: This is a team sport and your team should ride together. You must be no more than 2 minutes apart from your partner at any time during the race. Both teammates must cross the finish line together at the end of each of the 7 stages.
Q: Can I tow my partner?
A: Towing will be permitted in emergencies only. It is not a viable option as a regular part of the race.
Registration
Q: Why are you limiting registration?
A: Simple: we want to ensure that we execute a world-class event. As was proven in our first year, we want to have a manageable number to work the logistics and ensure perfection. In the upcoming years, with experience under our belt and an absolute knowledge of the course, we will raise the numbers.
Q: Can I race solo?
A: We do no permit solo entries for BC Bike Race. This seven-day stage race is designed to have participants on the course in teams of 2 only. Simply, it is a safety issue - teams of two is safe for racing in the backcountry. And we will not compromise your safety.
Q: If the course is designed for two-person teams, why do you allow teams of 4?
A: We've created the new category for four-person teams to make the race accessible to people who, due to various limitations - fitness, child care, available time, etc - would not otherwise be able to participate in BC Bike Race. Teams of 4 work almost like a day-to-day relay, so that only 2 people from the team will be racing at a time. Each team of 4 will be issued 2 team bike plates. Every day the team decides which two members will race that stage. Whoever starts the day must finish the day - no tagging out mid-stage!
Q: What race categories do you have?
A: BC Bike Race racers will be divided into 5 categories: Open Men, Open Women, Open Mixed, Veteran 80+, Veteran 100+.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to enter BC Bike Race?
A: To compete in BC Bike Race you must be at least 18 years old. We may make an exception if you are racing with a parent or legal guardian who has successfully completed a 5-7 day Epic Bike race. This, of course, is subject to BC Bike Race Organizers' discretion, so please contact us if this situation applies to you.
About the Race
Q: What exactly is a mountain bike "stage" race?
A: In a multi-day stage race, such as BC Bike Race, all competitors start each day together in a mass start, working their way against the clock and through the course to the daily finish line. Teams' finish times are recorded at the end of each day completed. At the end of the race, each of the stage race times is added up to calculate the overall winners in each category. In BC Bike Race, we have 7 days, or 7 stages, of amazing mountain bike racing.
Q: Is BC Bike Race a competitive race or more of a sightseeing tour?
A: It is a competitive race. We recognize however that most people do these races for personal accomplishment. In BC Bike Race, we have designed a race that is all about an amazing experience for everyone - elite racers and weekend warriors. For training and preparation tips, check out the Training section.
Q: How long is each stage of the race?
A: In general, the daily distance will be from 50-100 km, with a completion time in the range of 4-8 hours for the average rider. Here are some insights from course designer Andreas Hestler, "Because single track and fire road have different average speeds we will attempt to create stages between 3:30 to 6 hours. Those are the winners' finish times, so an average rider can expect to add 1-2 hours onto each day. As a side note, the intention is to vary both the terrain and the completion times. If we did 6-8 hours each day for 7 days we would be dead tired; if we did fire road 7 days we would be bored silly; and, if we did single track for 7 days or for longer than 6 hours in one day we would be completely blown. So you see the difficulty of creating a truly great course! Fortunately, because we live in British Columbia, with the broadest and best selection of mountain biking in the world, our options are so great that we will easily accomplish this goal."
Q: What sort of terrain will the course cover?
A: The terrain here on the west coast is very diverse. The coastal mountains that form Whistler and the North Shore are pretty formidable obstacles. Vancouver Island, the home of Canada's National Cycling Centre, is also unique in its coastal properties. During BC Bike Race, you will traverse unique picturesque places ranging from duffy, lush, west coast rain forest to high alpine mountain passes.
Q: What's the overall course elevation and profile?
A: Please view each individual Stage page for specifics. Stay tuned to the BC Bike Race Blog for our course scouting reports - not only will you get to see some pictures and descriptions of the routes, we also plan to have a lot of fun along the way!
Q: Will there be a lot of road riding?
A: There will not be a lot of road riding, but during some stages to get from A to B we will spend some time on logging roads, or gravel fire roads. Some people will find the interaction and group riding combined with single track to be very exhilarating. These epic cycling events are by nature about travel and distance, and our goal is to bring more user friendly single track than any other race in its category. Given that we are in British Columbia, the Mecca of mountain biking, that won't be a problem.
