BC Bike Race: Day 6, Smooth, flowy, fast singletrack

The Day 6 course in Campbell River was a stark contrast to the rest of 2024 race week. Fast and flowy were the flavours of the day.

Racers sped along rolling, shaded, mossy trails. Techy climbs and descents were replaced with loamy ribbons of rust-coloured dirt winding through a thousand shades of green.

River City Cycle Club has been working in partnership with local government to improve the Snowden Demonstration Forest trails. Between last year’s BCBR and this year, countless trail building hours have been invested and the effort shows.

“Today’s stage in Campbell River was truly special, one of the very best in our 18 year history,” said Dean Payne, President of BC Bike Race. “These trails are much different than anything else you’ll see in British Columbia. We call Campbell River the ‘Green Room’.”

READY TO ROLL

Although racers were starting to feel the effects of 5 straight days of racing , they were clearly stoked as they lined up in the start chute at PRT Growing Services Ltd. just outside Campbell River. Emcees Brett Tippie and John Crosby kept the energy high as they counted down for each of the 20 waves of racers.

Despite having the lowest elevation gain and technical riding of the week, Campbell River’s 44.6 km stage was surprisingly difficult. Essentially a series of giant rollers, the course required constant pedalling with high cadence foot speed.

Several cheering stations throughout the course kept racers motivated through the day.