I smile as I sit among the giant cedar trees overlooking the beautiful backdrop of Whistler.
Over the last seven days, as part of the B.C. Bike Race, I've travelled 400 kilometres of epic single track from Cumberland to Whistler along with 550 athletes from all over the planet.
This was the seventh edition of the race, and I must say it was the best yet! Dean Payne and Andreas Hestler are at the helm of this amazing event, which takes participants off the beaten path and through some of the most breathtaking mountain bike terrain the world has to offer. However, it is the dedicated crew and volunteers that enable this rolling circus to ease from town to town, showcasing the magical trails and ambiance that only small town British Columbia possesses.
The incredible athletes make their way to the start line each day regardless of the aches and pains that plague their exhausted bodies. Their smiles invigorate the soul as they speed off into the tight, rooty, rocky single track, letting out "yahoos" wherever possible. Once they're off their bikes the race continues, but this time it's to shovel food into their withering bodies! Then it's off to get showered, clean their bikes, and get settled into tents for a much-needed rest.
I've been working with the B.C. Bike Race since day 1 and enjoy cruising through the single track on my trials motorbike filming the athletes throughout the day. The trials bike allows me to run with leaders at their blistering pace and also ease back through the pack to capture each different rider experience. Off my bike, race to download the footage, sift through it and put together a film of the day. This allows racers to relive the day and for their families around the world to see what they are experiencing.
Some people have asked me how our crew is able to pull off this amazing event. The secret is that each individual who is a part of the crew or is volunteering goes above and beyond to ensure their specific task gets accomplished. It also makes a huge difference that all of our sponsors, like B.C. Ferries, Shimano and our founding sponsor, Harbour Air, care so much that they too go the extra mile. In fact, when we could fit no more people on the Saltery Bay ferry, Harbour Air's president, Greg McDougall, called in extra twin otter float planes to whisk stranded racers to the start line, all while he was getting ready for his race day.
In my opinion, the B.C. Bike Race is probably one of the best tourism promotions that British Columbia has. Most people want adventure when they travel and this event offers an adventure of a lifetime. Athletes and their families get to experience our beautiful backyard and are treated like royalty. I can't wait for next year! For more info, check out bcbikerace.com.
IAdventurer Dave Norona would like to thank each and every volunteer, racer, sponsor and town along this year's route. You are truly awesome! His escapades are supported by PowerBar, GoPro and Beta trials.
