Red Bull Divide and Conquer Returns to Vancouver's North Shore

May 1, 2013 at 14:03
by Red Bull Canada  
Red Bull Divide and Conquer, a multi-discipline endurance race on Vancouver's breathtaking North Shore is back for a second year on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Teams of three participants will be challenged by a course that will include mountain running, mountain biking, and kayaking, and they will push their limits in a mix of locations on the North Shore of Vancouver, including Grouse Mountain.



Course Description

Mountain Run
The start line will rise at the incredibly scenic Cleveland Park on Vancouver’s North Shore with The Lions, the most iconic peaks in BC's lower mainland, as your backdrop. But hang onto your breath – you’ll be gaining elevation almost immediately. The stats alone will get your heart racing, with almost 6,000 feet of climbing and a near double ascent of Grouse Mountain. Yes, you’ll be climbing Grouse, on foot, twice, and not even on the much more straight forward Grouse Grind.

Let’s not forget to mention that you'll be navigating the legendary technicality of the North Shore's Baden Powell trail, and the only relief we present you with when you're not climbing, will be a leg thrashing descent. But you're going to love us when you stop to appreciate that you're travelling through a west coast rainforest paradise.

To keep things interesting, you’ll run past the remnants of a 1954 F86 fighter plane that mysteriously met its fate one foggy night on the slopes of Grouse. Not to worry though, we won't test your own navigation skills, just your ability to push hard and suffer it out until you reach the top of the Grouse Mountain ski area, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas over all of Vancouver below.

VIEW COURSE MAP

Mountain Bike
The mountain bike section of Red Bull Divide and Conquer will be challenging both physically and technically - so sharpen your skills and bring a good set of lungs. The course will start with a five-kilometer section of fireroad beginning at the top of Grouse with a slight downhill grade on a gravel road allowing for closely bunched groups to work together or separate themselves with a little effort from those chasing.

Entering the first singletrack on Mt. Fromme, the technical games will begin. This descent is followed closely by some technical climbing along the Baden Powell that will bring the riders back for one of a series of significant ascents up the Mountain Highway, an old access road and popular local training spot. These climbs will give the riders an open connection to the legendary trails of the North Shore. Here, we will add to our thrilling initial descent a number of other trails giving speed and flow over the natural rock and root that defines the North Shore. In a final dash back towards the Cleveland Dam and the third leg of the event, riders will traverse back around the foot of Grouse Mountain on the Skyline Path. Those who have the courage to race full throttle for this entire track both up and down, will experience a truly balanced course both physically and technically.

The door is open for any bike to win; it could be a 4, 5 or 6 inch steed, but the pilot who wins this segment will most certainly be an all-mountain stallion.

VIEW COURSE MAP

Paddle
The Capilano River’s rushing waters descend from the Coast Mountain Range, cutting a deep bedrock gorge with walls rising to forty metres in places. This challenging, washing machine of a river will keep you focused as you pass through coastal rainforest and into Burrard Inlet and the finish line at beautiful Ambleside Park, looking out to Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Divide and Conquer kayakers will put in with a seal launch off the rocky riverbank at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery in the shadow of the imposing Cleveland Dam. Water levels are high and reliable in June, and can reach class IV, but can also fluctuate quickly, depending on the dam and Mother Nature.

Paddling the drop and pool Capilano River is an unforgettable and challenging ten-kilometer plus read & run course, that will transport you far from the urban environment that surrounds it. The run offers a variety of small feature playspots ranging from the occasional surf wave, to the odd lateral spin/cartwheel pourover.

But kayakers should watch for other users headed upstream – Chinook salmon up to 45 pounds are likely to pass you in the opposite direction, watched closely by hungry bald eagles, herons and osprey perched on the rocky walls.This is an enchanted canyon and should only be attempted by those who can handle its powerful spell.

VIEW COURSE MAP

REGISTRATION INFO
Teams of 3 - 1 mountain runner, 1 mountain biker, 1 kayaker (no solo entries). Open category, all are welcome. Participants must be 19 yrs of age. Registration is open until June 1, 2013 or until all 100 team spots are filled.

REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW
Registration will be open until June 1, 2013 or until all 100 team spots are filled.
Cost per team: $275.00 includes official Red Bull Divide & Conquer / The North Face race tee plus a voucher for food and drink at the post event BBQ in Ambleside park.
Mandatory Team Check-in: Friday June 7th from 6 - 7pm at Grouse Mountain parking lot.
Mountain bikers must bring bikes at this time to drop off for upload on gondola. Overnight security will be provided.
Race start: June 8th @ 10am at Cleveland Park * North Vancouver
RACE DETAILS
Date: June 8, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cleveland Dam, North Vancouver.

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @redbullcanada @redbullVanCity
You Tube: Red Bull
For more information on the event: www.redbull.ca/divideandconquer

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Member since Jul 9, 2012
12 articles

18 Comments
  • 8 1
 Hopefully they plan on doing some trail repair after the race. Last years race trashed executioner from what some of the other guys were saying. They ran a race in the rain on a trail that us locals avoid riding in the wet to limit damage.
  • 3 0
 I rode it the day after, and there were massive endo holes and ruts. It looked like someone ripped down it on a mx bike.
  • 1 0
 damn that sucks. I was planning on riding that this weekend. Sounds like anything past the 6th switch back has trees down all over the place too.
  • 3 0
 Trees have been somewhat cut out - thanks to trailfairies
  • 9 0
 They need a solo category
  • 1 0
 Im guessing no one man could do all 3 events competitively. Talk about extreme endurance.
  • 2 1
 yep,trail crew is straight to bummed, i might have to partake in this event if i can find a partner who kayaks...... not gonna happen
  • 2 1
 SICK RACE!!!! way to combine my three passions into one insane race red bull! I really wanna do one of these!
  • 3 1
 People pay to do this?. I,ll stick to FreeRiding.
  • 1 0
 Gaaaahhhhh! I'll be in Vancouver on race day, but I probably can't goooooo!!!!!! )Frown
  • 1 0
 amazing event ! I think the kayak section may have been very hard last year with the rain !
  • 2 1
 If only I wasn't already doing a triathlon that day...and graduating :/
  • 1 0
 Another vote for a solo event!
  • 1 0
 Sick! now all i need to do is turn 19
  • 1 0
 dude lets enter when we are 19
  • 1 0
 That looks like great fun.
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