Pinkbike Writing Contest Due Tomorow- $8000+ in Prizing

Apr 28, 2011

by Tyler Maine

Entries are flying in faster than we could read them, but you still have a day to finish up your words and submit. Due date is Friday at 11:59pm PST. Thanks to everyone who has already submitted stories.

How would you like to spend a week riding (read racing your ass off) on some of B.C.'s best single track trails at this year's B.C. Bike Race? Pinkbike, BCBR, Easton and Magura have all partnered to make it a reality for one lucky rider.

How to Enter

Write an 800-1200 word adventure story based on your own experiences on 2 wheels.

Send entries to bcbr@pinkbike.com in a Word or PDF format. Include photos if possible.

Contest closes on Friday, April 29th, 2011

Things to know before you enter:

- 7 days in the saddle means you'll want more of a Trail bike and less of an All Mountain (think 140mm or less).
- 7 days of BC single track riding requires that you be very fit and a technically capable rider.
- You'll be expected to create an article for your lead up to the event, then 7 daily blogs about your day's adventure and then a wrap up article on your entire trip = 9 blogs. Pics will be supplied by BCBR.
- Must be able to get to Vancouver, B.C. for the event (July 2nd-9th, 2011) - Pinkbike.com will be putting up to $500 towards your travel expenses in order to help those out from a little further away as an incentive to enter.
- 1 entry per person
- Must be 19+ to enter
- Winning story will be published on Pinkbike

Prizing for the Winner

	2011 BCBR Race Entry Package Food for the week BCBR riding kit (jacket included) and swag Massage during the race week $3250 Value
	Easton Carbon Haven Wheelset* Giro Xar Helmet Giro Gauge Shoes Giro Xen Gloves *Easton will supply wheels that fit the winner's personal ride post event. $2700 Value
	Your choice of either the Magura Durin Marathon MD120M (120mm) or the Magura Thor MT140AM (140mm) fork. Up to $899 Value
	Magura's all new, full carbon MT-Eight Brakeset $798 Value

Total Value of Winnings ~ $8500

Brought to you by:
www.eastoncycling.com
www.giro.com
www.magura.com
www.bcbikerace.com
www.pinkbike.com

This could be you! A week of this? How do I sign up?

Posted In:
Press Releases BC Bike Race

Author Info:

brule
Member since Mar 27, 2001
3,581 articles

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118 Comments

116 3

guy38 (Apr 5, 2011 at 0:39)

if only i knew that paying attention in english class would help me in riding...

33 2

harriieee (Apr 5, 2011 at 4:31)

Video contests are common. At least this is different.

21 2

bunkey (Apr 5, 2011 at 8:32)

That is definitely the most amazing prize package I've ever seen

ukal (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:35)

aaand... what if someone would write more than 1200 words?

brule (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:41)

We're creating constraints to the contests, not looking for a thesis on this one, but rather if you can tell a good story in a set amount of words.

42 1

despar66 (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:55)

if only age limits did not exist

ukal (Apr 5, 2011 at 12:03)

brule, yeah, I agree

1200 no more

VTwintips (Apr 5, 2011 at 14:55) (Below Threshold)

lol. yesssss! this is mine. I can't wait for this contest.

Samtheman1 (Apr 5, 2011 at 16:49)

I haven't paid one bit in English but im still trying

RaleighVoid (Apr 9, 2011 at 12:30)

@despar66 aren't you like, 45?

Nyson098 (Apr 9, 2011 at 21:52)

yea too bad im 16 because id love to try. I wish there was a contest to win a full suspension bike it would be awesome

theriotact (Apr 10, 2011 at 22:25)

too bad theres an age limit. I love to write

perchard01 (Apr 11, 2011 at 13:54)

do you have to turn up to the race if you won cause i probaly wont be able to get there.

guy38 (Apr 11, 2011 at 16:20)

the $8000 in prizes is worth more then ur flight plus $500 towards ur trip from pink bike
travelling shouldn't be an issue unless u have got something on

gloryrida (Apr 26, 2011 at 7:15)

wtf must be 19 to enter?
thats bs.

whats the difference between 18 and 19??
im an adult why cant i enter..

radarr (Apr 26, 2011 at 10:32)

@jk-mrdck420 - My guess is that it has something to do with the drinking age being 19 up in B.C.

gab930 (Apr 28, 2011 at 16:58)

Isnt the drinking age in BC 18? In Quebec it is hehehe

Unhallowed (Apr 28, 2011 at 17:24)

No it's 19 here in BC. Would totally enter if I owned a trail bike... somehow I don't think my totem and 729 equipped mini-DH bike would be that much fun on these trails. Neither would the flyweight singlespeed street bike with slicks.

chris-underhill (Apr 28, 2011 at 20:25)

@gab930

i wish it was

21 3

caiocrz (Apr 5, 2011 at 2:27)

I am definetelly gonna move to canada in the furure. period.

23 4

zorba73 (Apr 5, 2011 at 6:18)

oooh..do you need a maxipad?

cyfa89 (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:44)

and he is english!

32 2

smike (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:53)

It's spelled "Führer" not "furure".

smike (Apr 5, 2011 at 8:11)

Oh, come on cyfa89... it's KIND of funny

cyfa89 (Apr 5, 2011 at 13:19)

yeah haha

just didnt fit in with his is all

10 1

WAKIdesigns (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:25)

I know that such contests should be for the youth, they can benefit much more from each prize than a prick like me who can afford all these... then I have this tree hugger thing on my brain lately, with "say NO to stuff". But I want these bloody wheels so badly and I'm such a story teller that I can spend all my money to go to BC. 800-1200 - I make it in 1 hour on PB almost everyday... Easton Haven Carbon... if you sell your soul to the devil make a good deal!

nishnash (Apr 5, 2011 at 8:58)

It's not for youth because of the race's insurance policy I believe, not singling them out. Good luck to all entrants!

hanchardwoodworking (Apr 5, 2011 at 10:15)

Well if your a rider and student, this came at a bad time. Papers due Wednesday, and exams are coming up in the next couple weeks.

gulson (Apr 9, 2011 at 13:41)

I'm studying journalism at university at the minute, I have the bike, the most epic story and a quirky way to tell it! Just two things that are stopping me:
1. Same week as mega
2. As @rick101 has already stated a students workload is off the chart right now haven't slept for 48 hours. I have been in edit suites and writing articles for more hours than i have been asleep over the last month! It would be a great idea as @sean115 said to try and create something like this on a weekly basis i know i would put the time in... Food for thought @brule?

stryke (Apr 28, 2011 at 15:58)

its not twitter dude @brule doesn't notify him

nouser (Apr 5, 2011 at 12:14)

I like these writing contests. But it seems like this one is a bit biased towards Canadians/people who can afford travel. Awesome opportunity though. How about a monthly contest where PB awards the best essay with a sponsored product similar to Bikemag's contests or Dirtmag. There are plenty of future journalists who go under the radar and this could be a way of spotlighting some of them.

brule (Apr 5, 2011 at 16:27)

Sean that is a great idea and one that we may explore after we see how folks chalk up this time around.

leelau (Apr 5, 2011 at 19:42)

Actually that's a great idea Sean. I'd help with that brule

karl-burkat FL (Apr 5, 2011 at 22:00)

One of the hopeful outcomes from this contest is that we find possible journalists that can also contribute in the future. Possibly on a regular basis.

scott-townes (Apr 9, 2011 at 13:18)

Sean, I'm in the US also, but all you got to do is clear the calendar, and commit to the drive. You can make it to any event you want, as long as you have no other obligations in life other than yourself

tom-cuthbert (Apr 26, 2011 at 3:54)

Try being in NZ... I'd do this if I had a way of getting to Canada. I'm doing Journalism at Uni so would be perfect but aarghhhhh its soooo far away.

JokerMachine (Apr 26, 2011 at 10:18)

It's a bit biased because the subject of the contest is a race in British Columbia. How are you supposed to cover a race if you're not there?

karl-burkat FL (Apr 26, 2011 at 13:00)

I hear ya guys. A few reasons to enter. A flight from Russia might cost $1500? PB will cover $500, so for $1000 you have a 2 week vacation/epic ride and $5000 in bike parts. Also regardless win/lose, we will have all good entries on file for possible paid journalism gigs in the future. Hey there is something we want covered in NZ, no need to fly someone there, let's get XXX.

leelau (Apr 26, 2011 at 14:19)

Shred - given the quality of your video and your ability to write I would be a strong backer of you covering NZ events if that opportunity ever came to pass

GregRidesTrails (Apr 28, 2011 at 9:02)

I don't think it's very biased. I live in Georgia, and with this prize package and the $500 of travel costs I would be more than happy to cover the rest (or get another sponsor to).

JokerMachine (Apr 28, 2011 at 12:16)

You can drive to Canada. Try driving to Canada from New Zealand or someplace like Sudan. It's biased by location, but that being the point of the whole thing, there's no way to eliminate that bias.

blueberrybagels (Apr 5, 2011 at 18:50)

Yes very cool. Wish I had some stories to tell.. I'm hoping I can find some time to travel (long road trips) and get to experience what B.C. and other great venues have to offer so that I can tell great stories.. good luck to the winners.. Sweet opportunity and gifts!!

mikelevy Mod (Apr 5, 2011 at 10:06)

Absolutely insane prize pack for the winner! Whoever takes this home is going to be stoked!

jpeteh (Apr 5, 2011 at 20:37)

This would be cool,But I only have a BMX 24" Cruiser.It is fun to ride,but not as much as the top end bikes I see here.
So,,my story would go like this.
I came and rode.Made it out alive.
Thank you

chainsawnz (Apr 5, 2011 at 0:41)

If it wasn't the same week as the Mega in France then this Kiwi would be well keen on entering.

IrishTom (Apr 27, 2011 at 7:07)

Sounds like an epic trip, I have the bike for it, although I would need to make a bit of concerted effort in the training dept. That said I'd love to do something like this...when is the winner announced?

saturnine (Apr 28, 2011 at 19:00)

i love to write and i think i do it pretty well, but i just don't have any bike-related stories. to be honest, i don't have that many interesting life stories - not enough to be winning contests, at least.

klajoye (Apr 5, 2011 at 6:10)

Too bad an rmx wont cut it as an xc bike lol sick deal for all those xc riders out there! start writing!

aibhdot (Apr 5, 2011 at 6:44)

Is there a limit to number of times you can enter?

karl-burkat FL (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:29)

added 1 entry per person

WILLIAM-MILLER (Apr 5, 2011 at 13:07)

blah 19+ thats lame !

RyanKarz (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:59)

I will try, thou i haven't written Essays for quite a while.... cause we obviously can't write when we ride Lol

done12341234 (Apr 5, 2011 at 14:23)

well the age limit sucks... can i just write an essay anyway? I like telling stories about my rides!

dwdw (Apr 5, 2011 at 16:25)

Way to go Pinkbike! Hopefully this inspires some of our youth to brush up on their literacy.

brule (Apr 5, 2011 at 16:29)

I'm hoping to see our "elders" sharpen their finger tips too here!

lovemyride (Apr 5, 2011 at 18:21)

nice incentive to get the riders out there that have thought about this race to put there thoughts into actions.....like ME

klopp (Apr 9, 2011 at 13:49)

I have a hell of a bike story to tell if I take a somewhat loose interpretation of the word "adventure"

T-woot (Apr 26, 2011 at 18:19)

Even if I do not win it has been fun to remember the adventure and why I ride.

mikezero (Apr 5, 2011 at 12:56)

Great idea, but 'prizing'!?!? Jeebus, for what is ostensibly a writing competition you guys need to use a dictionary! Haha.

GenericName (Apr 26, 2011 at 8:16)

This seemed to grate a little with me too. What would be so wrong with "prizes"?

IrishTom (Apr 27, 2011 at 8:01)

No need to be so Anglocentric, what's wrong with 'prizing'?

GenericName (Apr 27, 2011 at 11:52)

It's just messy, unnecessary and wrong. I can cope with americanisms mostly - living across a large ocean for 300 years or whatever is bound to bring up a few differences in language, but why invent a new word when theres a perfectly good, shorter version already there. Similar to the american word "burglarize" which means the same as "burgle" but some language butcher decided it needed suffixing, and somehow it stuck...

Maybe I'm just a purist? Who knows, but as mikezero said, it's a writing competition, makes this seem a touch ironic.

IrishTom (Apr 27, 2011 at 14:16)

Well for a person in England your pedanticism would be well placed, however you might as well say that the French are wrong to say "Voila"...Any language constantly evolves and changes over time or space...go back a few centuries and your beloved English would be totally different, language is never static

For some reason you seem to think that the language you are familiar with is 'the' right one. I would imagine that if you were born in Canada you'd probably think that 'prizing' was 'the' right word and 'prizes' was absurd...

Prizing fits the way Canadian's use language and the overall structure of their discourse.

GenericName (Apr 27, 2011 at 15:05)

That's true, language changes over time and I don't have a problem with that. New words become absorbed when more people begin to use them than object to them/simply dont use them, likewise words die out when they cease to be used.

I wouldn't say "prizing" (used in this context) was a part of english - British, Canadian, US or otherwise - just yet (I had a quick google and no dictionary results brought up that meaning, in fact this page was among the first results, make of that what you will), and I guess I'm among those that would rather it stayed that way. If enough other people use it it will be absorbed into the language, but I cant see the point when as I said, its just unnecessary lengthening of a word. As yet though, it is very definitely not a "real" word - other than the present-continuous tense of the verb "to prize" meaning to treasure something.

I don't think voila is a fair comparison either, thats just a shortening of "look there" in french, and is an entirely natural and sensible change. Unlike here, which just seems clumsy and inelegant.

Having said that, your argument is valid - I just think that this word tends more towards "wrong" than "natural change". But thats only my opinion.

IrishTom (Apr 27, 2011 at 16:00)

Three examples should suffice:
www.wfnfishingtown.com/prizing.php

greasyguide.com/322/win-a-sny-invitational-prize-pack

www.legendsofhockey.net/html/gametprizes09.htm

You are subjectively judging it from an Englishman's perspective, they don't tell you your words are clumsy, or inelegant. I happen to think it's a fantastic, edgy and exciting new word, but my opinion is irrelevant. The forces of linguistic evolution will be the only the judge that matters.

I guess they like it, so who are you to judge. Good luck with your entry.

GenericName (Apr 27, 2011 at 16:25)

"The forces of linguistic evolution will be the only the judge that matters."

I'll agree to that much, I don't like it in this instance but thats how language works - who hasn't been told off by a grandparent for "unacceptable" grammar etc.

Oh, and I wasnt planing on entering, I write enough essays for uni, any spare time I'd rather ride my bike than write about it. Good luck to you too if youre going for it, I still disagree with you here but at least you seem to know what you're talking about and can string a sentence together.

zorba73 (Apr 28, 2011 at 19:04)

I'd enter this competition but my spelling is atroshius.

FLY1NGF1SH (Apr 6, 2011 at 20:00)

was so ready to write an epic tale of mountain biking adventure...

"19+"

ImParedBikeR (Apr 9, 2011 at 13:43)

This is madness, remove the age limit!

jthefoo (Apr 5, 2011 at 10:14)

is a DHR qualified as an XC bike?

jojotherider1977 FL (Apr 5, 2011 at 12:29)

i wonder if i can get in shape for something like this by july. and time off from work.

Matthew233 (Apr 5, 2011 at 12:46)

damm! i knew i should of paid attention in English class

t3rry Mod (Apr 9, 2011 at 15:06)

Stoked to submit an entry

JRoe (Apr 26, 2011 at 11:21)

Just entered on behalf of my granddad. I want to give the prove to him if I win.

JRoe (Apr 26, 2011 at 11:42)

Prize not prove.

ExCactus (Apr 26, 2011 at 11:49)

Can your granddad ride for 5-8 hours for 7 straight days of singletrack? If so, good for him. Thats the one thing thats kept me from applying, don't know if I legitimately have the endurance to go that hard for that long. I was reading about peoples training for it and they said they were doing 24 hour races in preparation for it. Not my normal style of riding.

JRoe (Apr 26, 2011 at 11:58)

Whilst writing the story I asked him how long he had been cycling he text back and said"Hi Jack,
I got my first bike when I was. 9 and first joined a cycling club at 14 so I suppose I've been riding a bike for 60 years and seriously cycling for 55 years.
At an average of around 4500 miles a year thats around a quarter of a million miles (250000)
I guess that could be the reason my legs were aching on Radnor bank"

GregRidesTrails (Apr 28, 2011 at 9:05)

On the topic of endurance for this event, that's the one thing that I'm worried about. I can probably complete the "challenge" level ride with ease at my current fitness level, but if I'm going to do it I want to do the "Epic." Pretty sure I can train up to that level in the couple of months between now and then. I might not be fit enough to win it, but I should (hopefully) be fit enough to finish!

JRoe (Apr 28, 2011 at 9:50)

Don't quite get what your getting at.

Barbour1994 (Apr 26, 2011 at 14:31)

I've been wanting to see my friend in BC for about 5 years! Would love to go!

crice666 (Apr 27, 2011 at 15:59)

When will the winners be announced and is there any way to get an email confirmation that you received our essay??
Thanks

GregRidesTrails (Apr 28, 2011 at 10:03)

This would be nice.

leelau (Jun 8, 2011 at 16:35)

Congrats Connor

JRoe (Apr 29, 2011 at 1:08)

When is the winner announced??

T-woot (May 2, 2011 at 22:36)

I want this, I want to translate my adventure into words. I want to race, I want to experience! 7 days, lets make it 8

whatisthisbox (Apr 9, 2011 at 14:49)

too bad you have to be 19...

k00laidman (Apr 9, 2011 at 16:26)

I skip English class to ride. fuck.

DaveK92 (Apr 10, 2011 at 11:17)

It's probably just me, but I like the age limit. I don't like the idea of some kid getting top end gear just for writing an essay. Hopefully the winner is someone who deserves it, and will ride the hell out of it. Not some punk ass rich kid.

JHewitt (Apr 26, 2011 at 12:14)

I don't really understand your point... Why would someone under 19 winning be a 'punk ass rich kid' whereas someone over 19 magically really deserving? And what would someone over 19 do other than 'just writing an essay?' They would obviously have had to put a lot of work into it to win anyway.

I mean, I don't know who you ride with, but the guys I know (I'm 15) have to work for their gear too, its not just bought by their parents...

And what would someone over 19 do other than 'just writing an essay?' They would obviously have had to put a lot of work into it to win anyway.

jusm (Apr 26, 2011 at 11:12)

Why 19+..grrr

willltdjason (Apr 30, 2011 at 8:22)

i'm sitting on good legs coach! race report submitted! PUT ME IN!!!

EricThiessen (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:51)

why does everything in this world have to do with writing essays!!!!!!!

25 0

smike (Apr 5, 2011 at 7:55)

To show the kids on Pinkbike that doing well in school will get them further in life than trying out for that Monster Energy sponsorship deal

saturnine (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:57)

are you looking for fantasy stories or real life experiences?

karl-burkat FL (Apr 5, 2011 at 14:06)

real

mitcht (Apr 9, 2011 at 19:28)

I might give this a go...Could be quite the experience.

T-woot (Apr 28, 2011 at 0:37)

When is planned to announce the winner??

T-woot (Apr 28, 2011 at 19:52)

want to win, want to ride, want to write. hope you got my essay.

adove (May 2, 2011 at 17:39)

It's been asked a few times now.... When will the winner be announced?

brule (May 2, 2011 at 17:59)

Soon - it just ended on Friday night - now we have a lot of reading to do, so soon is the best we can offer.

adove (May 3, 2011 at 0:00)

Fair enough. Thanks Ty!

teamdicky (May 3, 2011 at 8:19)

Soon is better than never.

GregRidesTrails (May 9, 2011 at 6:27)

But the question is, how do you define soon?

teamdicky (May 9, 2011 at 14:43)

I'm redefining it everyday.

NWTRider (May 25, 2011 at 18:26)

How is the judging coming along, looking forward to hearing who the winner is.

brule (May 30, 2011 at 13:04)

Down to our final 4 essays from well over a hundred essays.

adventuresofalee (Jun 5, 2011 at 7:55)

How is the essay judging going?

JRoe (May 30, 2011 at 12:42)

Any closer to a conclusion. E.g. Winner??

brule (May 30, 2011 at 13:04)

Down to our final 4 essays from well over a hundred essays.

jdr120 (Jun 8, 2011 at 7:46)

When are they going to announce the winner?!

ExCactus (Apr 5, 2011 at 17:21)

Screw the prizes, I just want entry into that race. That sounds awesome.

spaced FL (Apr 5, 2011 at 6:09)

Now I'm pissed I've only been riding local trails for the last few years.

mingus (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:08)

Can you enter in either the EPIC or Challenge category?

brule (Apr 5, 2011 at 11:42)

The idea is the Epic, but it'll come down to the day I suppose, write up a story and give it a go.

dnlparr (Apr 26, 2011 at 21:48)

i need a trail bike!

DARKSTAR63 (Apr 5, 2011 at 9:24)

Very cool.

mantasv (Apr 6, 2011 at 3:18)

why 140mm bikes or less?

scott-townes (Apr 6, 2011 at 7:54)

It's what they suggest. Trust me in that you'll only want a XC rig for a any long term race. Although it's not unheard of to run longer travel all mountain bikes at say... 24 hour races.