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2016 Trailblazer Series - Fraser Valley

Jan 25, 2016
by Ernie Kliever  
This year, come race season the FVMBA has you covered in a big way! With $2800 in cash prizing, and tons of swag the FVMBA is proud to announce this year’s premium single track mountain bike race series, right smack dab in the middle of the Fraser Valley.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


This year we are very pleased to be bringing back some long forgotten, but certainly iconic races as we mark the return of the "Vedder Mountain Classic" on May 14, 2016 and the "Sumas Smackdown". on June 5th, 2016.

Registration to Open on February 8th, 2016

Race cost: $60 per race, plus $5 deposit for your race plate

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


BC Enduro Series: Fraser Valley
In addition, to these two unreal events, we are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the BC Enduro Series to bring an exclusive world class enduro event to the Fraser Valley on May 15, 2015. Come this May, enduro junkies will get a taste of that sweet, sweet Valley dirt as they are treated to some fine racing courtesy of the BCES. More information can be found HERE.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: Scott Robarts


2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Vedder Mountain Classic
Once one of the longest running mountain bike races in BC, the return of the Vedder Mountain Classic is a tribute to the history of mountain biking and racing in BC. It will be a testament to the evolution of the sport, the riders, and the trails that have turned Vedder Mountain into one of the most popular riding destinations in the Valley. On May 14, 2015, riders will be treated to a premium single track course featuring trails purposefully built to honor the resurrection of this iconic event. This event is sure to bring back the nostalgic memories rooted deep in veteran racers, many of whom got their start at the "Vedder Mountain Classic".

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Ricky Federau on Vedder Mountain)


bigquotesThe Vedder Classic was once the longest-running race in Canada. It was the first race I ever watched. It's what got me hooked on mountain biking. I'm so excited that it's back this year. The trail development over the last ten years has been insane, Vedder has the best trails ever and people are going to love it! - Ricky Federau (10 year veteran of the Canadian National Team, 4x National Champion, Pan American Champion, World Championships Medalist, and Test of Metal Winner, NIMBY FIFTY Winner)

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


With 30 km (give or take) of premium single track trail, this race is certainly one to add to your race calendar this year. The race will follow a "TeXC" format, where riders will be challenged by demanding technical trails, big climbs, steeps, and long descents.

What's "TeXC" you ask? It's sort of a hybrid between the two disciplines, it gives an opportunity for XC riders to complete in the same race with Enduro riders. You can choose to race the full course, or ride the full course and race the timed descents.

The race will feature an overall full course timed podium, plus several timed descents within the race. Combined, these timed descents will form a separate podium. Racers will have a chance to battle it out for positions on two podiums, for a crack at the prize money.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


This year we are putting our money where our mouth is, as we think this race is going to be pretty awesome, and we think our trails are pretty good. So we are coughing up $1400 in prize money at each stop of the Series. Prizing will be equally distributed between men and women. There is also some cash up for grabs for the first man and woman to the top of the first big climb. For more information on the prizing breakdown see the section below.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


There will also be a “Novice" version of the race. This category allows riders who are getting into the racing scene to get their feet wet, and experience being part of an iconic race without the commitment of trying to crush it on a 30+ km course. More details to come.

2015 Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association FVMBA Trailblazer Series images

Photo: James Lissimore (Vedder Mountain)


This is going to be a jam-packed weekend. With evening entertainment, outdoor films, and a fun "Klunker" mountain bike group ride in the evening, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Riders are encouraged to stay with the FVMBA crew who will be setting up basecamp at Sunnyside Campground, spots are limited and will go fast so don't put this one on the back burner, book a site today. Click HERE for the link.

With racers staging on the beautiful shores of Cultus Lake, a BC Enduro Series stop the following day (location to be finalized), $1400 in cash prizing, and tons of swag, what more could you ask for?

MORE Camping HERE.

Vedder Mountain biking trails


"Sumas SmackDown"
Things keep rolling with the “Sumas SmackDown” over the June 4-5th weekend in Abbotsford. With another $1400 in cash and a challenging XC course, riders continue to come back to the races at Sumas to prove that their pre-season training has paid off.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Sumas Mountain)


With close to 30 km of challenging rocky, loamy, steep terrain, this race is certainly not one to miss.

The FVMBA has partnered with some local bike shops to bring you a big demo day on the Saturday before the race. Guided rides of the course will be happening, as well as a BBQ on the mountain. Come on out and learn the secrets of the course, improve your odds at cracking a spot on that podium, and putting some cash into your pocket.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Sumas Mountain)


There will also be a “Novice” version of the course for those that aren’t ready to commit to a full meal deal. This course will follow much of the same route minus a few heinous climbs, and a slight reduction in its length.

2016 Trailblazer Series PRESS RELEASE

Photo: James Lissimore (Sumas Mountain)


Sumas Mountain biking trails
What You Get
-A fully taped race course
-Fully stocked feed stations
-A gourmet hot meal at the end of your race
-Highly accurate professional timing
-Amazing single track trails
-A chance to claim some of the $2800 in prize money between the 2 races
-A glimpse of a BCES course and some practice before the race
-Tons of prizing
-Anything else we can work out before race day (we will keep you informed, more stuff in the works).

Training
This year we have partnered with the Saturday Morning Cinco’s group out of Abbotsford lead by Matt Scott. There are 2 entries (one male, one female) up for grabs for each of the races, plus there are some free entries for the NIMBY 50 too. All you have to do is partake in all the training rides, as well as 3 of the 4 build days planned. Check out the Saturday Morning Cinco’s page on facebook for more details, the link can be found HERE.

Valley Bike Guides is also hosting some drop in strength and conditioning group classes on Monday’s and Wednesday’s at Lifecycles in Abbotsford, and Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at Vedder Mountain Bike Co. in Chilliwack. $10 gets you a glimpse of how you can learn some the secrets to being as fast as Ricky Federau.

Prizing
Prize money is to be awarded to the PRO categories only. Prizing is to be broken down as follows: 1st Full Course Overall Time- $150, 2nd Full Course Overall Time $100, 3rd Full Course Overall Time $75 (both Men's and Women's podium). 1st Combined Descents $150, 2nd Combined Descents $100, 3rd Combined Descents $75 (both Men's and Women's Podium). First male and female to the top of the first big climb will claim the “Mountain Goat” prize at a cool $50 cash. Please note that 130 racers must enter each race for the prizing to be allocated as outlined above, prizing will be prorated if registration numbers are not sufficient.

Recap
"Vedder Mountain Classic"- May 14th, 2016
"Vedder Mountain Klunker Ride" - May 14th, 2016
"BC Enduro Series- Fraser Valley"- May 15th, 2016
"Sumas Demo Day" - June 4th, 2016
"Sumas SmackDown" - June 5th, 2016

$2800 in Prizing, hot meals, and good times.


MENTIONS: @FVMBA / @VedderMountainBikeCo



Author Info:
ekliever avatar

Member since Feb 2, 2006
17 articles

6 Comments
  • 2 0
 Actually, that BC Enduro Series photo that you credited to Dylan Wolsky, is actually mine. I don't care if you use it, just please give me credit. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 Oops sorry. Pulled it from a BCES post from last year. Used the same caption, my bad. I'll get that sorted. Thanks for the permission. Great shot!
  • 1 0
 No worries, I was shooting for BCES last year under their branding. Thanks for getting this sorted! Will have to come out and shoot the Fraser Valley stop.
  • 1 0
 That would be great!
  • 1 0
 I'll come up from WA. Looks awesome!
  • 1 0
 Sweet! Spread the word!







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