Updated November 13, 2024
The BC Bike Race, organized by Team BC Bike Race, offers mountain bikers an unparalleled seven-day journey across British Columbia's most celebrated singletrack trails. Taking place from the last week of June through the first week of July, this event immerses riders in Vancouver Island’s breathtaking landscapes, rooted in old-growth forests and rugged coastal scenery. Known for its high singletrack density and meticulously designed trails, the BC Bike Race stands as one of the most acclaimed multi-day mountain bike stage races globally. One participant shared, "It’s the ultimate riding vacation through some of the world’s finest terrain, an endeavor that every mountain biker should take on at least once in their lives."
Strambecco rates the BC Bike Race as one of the Best Mountain Biking Race Events in the Northwest, one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Canada, and one of the Best Mountain Biking Race Events in British Columbia. The experience blends exhilarating trails with a supportive community atmosphere, where riders bond over the thrill of navigating roots, rocks, and forested climbs. In addition to race entry, participants can enhance their journey by joining the exclusive TRAILBLAZERS Club, which includes expert coaching, gear, and access to community events.
Event Course & Info
The BC Bike Race’s seven-day course brings riders to diverse regions across Vancouver Island, starting with a prologue in Victoria and continuing through famed biking areas like Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Cumberland, and Campbell River. Each stage features professionally curated routes, aid stations, Shimano tech zones, and course marshals to ensure a safe and well-supported journey from start to finish.
Stage 1 – Victoria Prologue (22.7 km / 14.1 miles, 488 m / 1,601 ft elevation gain)
The race kicks off with a prologue, allowing riders to warm up and settle into the week’s flow. This introductory course showcases Victoria’s singletrack with a mix of technical and flowy trails, preparing riders for the demanding days ahead. While shorter, the prologue serves as a crucial seeding event and features aid and tech support.
Stage 2 – Victoria (26.3 km / 16.3 miles, 703 m / 2,306 ft elevation gain)
Hartland Mountain Bike Park and Partridge Hills make up this technical stage. Riders face iconic trails like “Middle Earth” and “Sidewinder,” with climbs leading to scenic granite outcrops and views of the Saanich Peninsula. The day ends with fast descents on “Trillium” and “Fun Trail,” with ample support from aid stations and tech zones.
Stage 3 – Cowichan Valley (47.8 km / 29.7 miles, 1,376 m / 4,514 ft elevation gain)
This dual-mountain day in the Cowichan Valley is one of the longest and most challenging stages of the race. Riders traverse scenic pastoral lands, make the epic ascent on “A Grand Traverse” trail, and are treated to stunning views at “Field of Dreams.” Descending through trails like “Double D” and “Maple Syrup” keeps the adrenaline high, while aid stations provide needed fuel. Riders must complete the course to qualify for the next stage and keep their quest for the finisher’s buckle alive.
Stage 4 – Nanaimo (36.7 km / 22.8 miles, 953 m / 3,127 ft elevation gain)
Nanaimo’s multi-zone route is a dynamic blend of rugged singletrack and open climbs. Starting with “The Abyss” granite slab, riders then venture to Mount Benson and finish at Westwood Lake, tackling popular trails such as “Chicken Dinner” and “Pink Unicorn.” With Shimano support and dedicated course marshals, riders can focus on tackling each ascent and descent confidently.
Stage 5 – Cumberland (38.5 km / 23.9 miles, 1,261 m / 4,137 ft elevation gain)
This stage opens with a gravel double-track ascent before riders dive into Cumberland’s upper trail network. The day’s course features beloved trails like “Furtherburger” and “Field of Dreams,” with a final descent down Nikkie Mountain that leads back to the finish line in the Cumberland village. Shimano tech zones and aid stations keep riders moving through the challenging sections.
Stage 6 – Campbell River (44.9 km / 27.9 miles, 736 m / 2,415 ft elevation gain)
In Campbell River, riders face a scenic yet demanding course, winding through the second-growth forests of Snowden Demonstration Forest and Elk Falls Provincial Park. Skirting remote lakes and open bluffs, highlights include iconic trails like “Jabberwocky” and “Dean Martin.” This stage balances technical sections with opportunities to appreciate the surrounding beauty, and support stations ensure that riders have what they need to stay the course.
Stage 7 – Cumberland (31 km / 19.3 miles, 893 m / 2,930 ft elevation gain)
The final stage is all about celebrating the ride and the finish. After a quick ascent on “Sobo no Michi,” riders enjoy a thrilling descent on “Vanilla” before cruising down to the final section of Cumberland’s best trails, including “Scat” and “Bonestorm.” This shorter, high-speed day allows racers to savor the culmination of their week-long adventure.
Throughout the week, riders can expect top-tier support, including medical teams and tech zones, along with the option to enjoy massages and wellness services post-race (available at additional cost). Daily award ceremonies, a finisher’s belt buckle, and community gatherings make each day memorable. The race concludes with a celebratory beer garden at the final finish line.
Related Events
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Canada, British Columbia and the broader Northwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides.
