2017 Western Open BC Cup

As the Dunbar Summer Series caravan left Panorama en route to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for the 8th Western Open BC Cup, the smoke-filled skies were daunting, to say the least. To hear that the Kamloops Marathon was canceled due to wildfires and refuge offered to those displaced from their homes, to say that we were “up against it” was an understatement. We kept our eye on the skies and tried to maintain hope that the event would go off as planned. As it so happened, luck was on our side – the smoke cleared just in time for the weekend’s events to get started.

The annual Psychosis Ride on Mt 7 started things off on Thursday – Dead Dog trail hosted 30 riders in 5 trucks, led by Chris Kovarik and Claire Buchar. Though it rained on our way up the hill, the sun came out to create perfect conditions. This tradition is a highlight on the Dunbar Summer Series circuit, without a doubt

As race day rolled in, we were treated to clear skies and slight rain. We hoped the rain would extend further into the mountains to help alleviate the quickly spreading wildfires, but that was not to be. We were fortunate that there was not one visit to the hospital from the racers. We ran on time like every event that is part of the Dunbar Summer Series. But most of all, everyone got to experience the great vibe that these events exude, a family of racers and volunteers, hanging out in the pit tents, close to the action. With a bbq, gondola, finish, and coral all in the same area. It made for an epic event.

In the end, after an exciting day of racing, Chris Kovarik and Luke Stevens were the only racers to come in under the four-minute benchmark with a 3:55:67 and 3:58:09 respectively.

Special Awards -

Garrett Macintosh won the Kore Components award for being injured, but still attending both Panorama the Western Open and cheering on the racers trackside all day long.
Steve Sherlock and Zac Allman won the Parent of the Weekend award for the support they show their kids and for just being all around rad dads!
Kendall McLean and Piper Allman took home brand new watches from Vancouver’s own Momentum Watches for laying down the two fastest amateur times on race day. This is Kendall's second consecutive win on the Dunbar Summer Series this far; I expect he will have amassed quite the collection before the season is over.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the medical staff, officials, and volunteers for making this event one of the best every year! Special thanks to KHMR’s own, Emile and to Caroline Black for making sure registration ran fast and smooth!

Next up on the Dunbar Cycles Summer Series: Big White September 3rd, 2017.

Registration for the Big White BC Cup can be found here: www.CCNBIKES.com



































Registration for the complete Dunbar Summer Series can be found here: www.CCNBIKES.com

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