Race Recap: Penticton – 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series Presented by Intense Cycles
Sunny days in the Okanagan!
What a weekend, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and everyone escaped real life for a few moments to enjoy some of the rawest and technical trails of the Okanagan at stop number one of the MEC BC Enduro Series (BCES), presented by Intense. The event was held on Sunday, May 30th, 2017 in The Three Blind Mice trail network.
Penticton BC: most people associate this town with retirees, wineries and sunshine and a pretty slow pace of life. Many will recall that Penticton was the first ever BC Enduro stop four years ago. A small group of about 65 people raced that inaugural event and set in motion what would become the theme to riding in Penticton for many people.
Fast, raw, loose, technical and I'm only talking about the apres and partying...
The trails here are unlike any you've ever ridden, it's just something you need to experience, and racers this weekend were treated to a blind stage that left grins ear to ear!
The winner of the weekend was Brendan Edgar taking the Pro men podium, however, young gun Max Leyen of Vedder Mountain took the fastest time of the day and is still a U21 contender!
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
Trail Club and Community
The Penticton and Area Cycling Association and the community of riders here are uniquely brilliant. Dave and Terry were integral in making this event possible and I can't thank them enough for showcasing their community with such a brilliant welcoming. The crew at PACA were busily preparing the trails with 40–50 person trail days, shutting down streets and encouraging the stoke by creating what some riders have deemed "The Perfect Course".
Penticton is truly unique and after this weekend, I bet more than a few people would consider relocating here, this community offered us such a warm welcome and it was even extended from non-riders, culminating in a street closure at Cannery Brewing, where Pat (owner of Cannery) welcomed us with open arms and cold, cold beer.
Dave, Terry, Kurt (Freedom Bike Shop Owner), Brent Tibben, Shaun and Linnette Gratton (Bacon Station) are a few of the local champions that truly embody what riding is all about—'Good Times'. In every community there are a few dedicated locals that really champion scene and community and this crew is likely the standard of excellence. They never worry and are all about the details, whether it's driving through rivers to deliver 50lbs of bacon, welcoming riders to their shop to wash bikes and hang-out, shovel snow off of trails, or heading out the day before to add more dirt on landings, armour corners, or cut-down trees. These guys and gals bust their butts!
If you enjoyed the event and trails, there is nothing more rewarding you could do than to leave a comment below to show your appreciation for the hard work of these volunteers.
Thanks guys for collaborating with us on this event!
Massive thanks to Gabe Rossi and the medic team, also all our volunteers, you guys rock!
Local Supporters—Thanks!
These types of events can’t happen without the dedicated and loving support of the local communities. Special thanks to Penticton and Area Cycling Association, City of Penticton and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. Also a massive thank you and respect to Mike Street of Sathers Ranch for working with the Club.
Smugglers Smokehouse | Cannery Brewing | Tacos Del Norte | Freedom Bike Shop | Gratton’s Bacon Station | Mile Zero Restaurant | Mike Street of Sathers Ranch | RSTBC | City of Penticton | District of Naramata | Timber Child
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
MEC Trail Donation
At every stop in the BC Enduro Series we give back 10% of participant registrations to the local trail club. At select events, MEC matches our 10% providing an extra little bit to help the clubs manage the trails. Rumor has it there is a pumptrack coming to the PACA inventory, along with a flow trail slated for the near future.
At this race, we donated just over $3,400 back to the local club.
Racing
The trails were in prime condition for racing and as the first race of the season is was exciting to see how the long winter affected riders.
The course was around 30kms in length with approximately 1,200m in elevation gain—I think many riders had a few too many stouts this winter.
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
You can find more photos of the race here. Thanks to James Cattanach for the photos!
The Course
Stage 1 | Secret Stage
1,221m distance, 17m climb, -48m descent
Stage 2 | Boneyard
1,398m distance, 9m climb, -144m descent
Stage 3 | Eagle » Mule Deer » Fred » High Roller » Drops A Lot
2,803m distance, 14m climb, -297m descent
Stage 4 | Rainbow » Bronco » Mosquito/Blackbear Connector
3,244m distance, 54m climb, -290m descent
Stage 5 | Slabs » Skull Coaster » Roller Coaster » Tsweet Tsue
3,578m distance, 28m climb, -372 m descent
Our Trailforks profile is here
Trailhead Information
Here is the trailhead parking lot (Rusty Muffler Parking)
Shuttles
Big thanks to Johnny Smoke and Hoodoo Adventures providing the shuttles to get riders up to Stage 1.
Bike Check
It's always interesting to see what people are riding and before the trolls get to us in the comments, we chose Jarrod Hoskins not because he rides an Intense, but because he's a father of two boys who are racing, and they made the drive all the way from Calgary, AB, to come race this weekend. It's dads like Jarrod that make me stoked for the future of the sport.
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
Canadian Carbon?
There were more than a few riders spotted with some interesting carbon wheels. Kamloops, B.C. local company We Are One Composites, had a few team riders testing wheels this weekend. Be sure to register for the Kamloops race to come check out their goods at Harper Mountain.
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
Apres and Partying
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
Results
You can find the full results here.
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
![Race Recap Penticton - 2017 MEC BC Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles]()
A massive thank-you to this year's series sponsors and supporters
We Need Help
We're always looking for parents, girlfriends/boyfriends or injured riders to help out!
What you'll get:
• Jersey
• Lunch
• Post-race meal and drink
• Discount entry to any other race, for you or for a friend/kid/dog
Contact admin@bcenduro.com, with your preferred race, phone number and email.
Need something? More information?
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Athlete Inquires | athletes@bcenduro.com
• Volunteer Information | admin@bcenduro.com
• All other inquiries | ted@bcenduro.com (Event Director)
What a weekend, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and everyone escaped real life for a few moments to enjoy some of the rawest and technical trails of the Okanagan at stop number one of the MEC BC Enduro Series (BCES), presented by Intense. The event was held on Sunday, May 30th, 2017 in The Three Blind Mice trail network.
Penticton BC: most people associate this town with retirees, wineries and sunshine and a pretty slow pace of life. Many will recall that Penticton was the first ever BC Enduro stop four years ago. A small group of about 65 people raced that inaugural event and set in motion what would become the theme to riding in Penticton for many people.
Fast, raw, loose, technical and I'm only talking about the apres and partying...
The trails here are unlike any you've ever ridden, it's just something you need to experience, and racers this weekend were treated to a blind stage that left grins ear to ear!
The winner of the weekend was Brendan Edgar taking the Pro men podium, however, young gun Max Leyen of Vedder Mountain took the fastest time of the day and is still a U21 contender!
The Penticton Allstars—PACA and Freedom Bikes Crew, we couldn't do it without you.
Trail Club and Community
The Penticton and Area Cycling Association and the community of riders here are uniquely brilliant. Dave and Terry were integral in making this event possible and I can't thank them enough for showcasing their community with such a brilliant welcoming. The crew at PACA were busily preparing the trails with 40–50 person trail days, shutting down streets and encouraging the stoke by creating what some riders have deemed "The Perfect Course".
Penticton is truly unique and after this weekend, I bet more than a few people would consider relocating here, this community offered us such a warm welcome and it was even extended from non-riders, culminating in a street closure at Cannery Brewing, where Pat (owner of Cannery) welcomed us with open arms and cold, cold beer.
Dave, Terry, Kurt (Freedom Bike Shop Owner), Brent Tibben, Shaun and Linnette Gratton (Bacon Station) are a few of the local champions that truly embody what riding is all about—'Good Times'. In every community there are a few dedicated locals that really champion scene and community and this crew is likely the standard of excellence. They never worry and are all about the details, whether it's driving through rivers to deliver 50lbs of bacon, welcoming riders to their shop to wash bikes and hang-out, shovel snow off of trails, or heading out the day before to add more dirt on landings, armour corners, or cut-down trees. These guys and gals bust their butts!
If you enjoyed the event and trails, there is nothing more rewarding you could do than to leave a comment below to show your appreciation for the hard work of these volunteers.
Thanks guys for collaborating with us on this event!
Massive thanks to Gabe Rossi and the medic team, also all our volunteers, you guys rock!
Local Supporters—Thanks!
These types of events can’t happen without the dedicated and loving support of the local communities. Special thanks to Penticton and Area Cycling Association, City of Penticton and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. Also a massive thank you and respect to Mike Street of Sathers Ranch for working with the Club.
Smugglers Smokehouse | Cannery Brewing | Tacos Del Norte | Freedom Bike Shop | Gratton’s Bacon Station | Mile Zero Restaurant | Mike Street of Sathers Ranch | RSTBC | City of Penticton | District of Naramata | Timber Child
President of PACA Laura Harp, takes a photo of Vice President Dave Foot, holding the MEC and BC Enduro Series Trail Donation.
MEC Trail Donation
At every stop in the BC Enduro Series we give back 10% of participant registrations to the local trail club. At select events, MEC matches our 10% providing an extra little bit to help the clubs manage the trails. Rumor has it there is a pumptrack coming to the PACA inventory, along with a flow trail slated for the near future.
At this race, we donated just over $3,400 back to the local club.
Racing
The trails were in prime condition for racing and as the first race of the season is was exciting to see how the long winter affected riders.
The course was around 30kms in length with approximately 1,200m in elevation gain—I think many riders had a few too many stouts this winter.
Jacob Tooke is on the Canadian Enduro Development Team, and it looks like Joel Harwood's coaching is showing.
Mid-stage, seat up, buttons pushed, winter donuts, and beers coming up
Bacon!
Shane, working on his downward dog.
No shortage of rock on course, that's for sure.
The infamous compression jump hecklefest. Send it!
Lucky number 13, Barton Moore, railing Tsweet Tsue
Full face and no knee pads, priorities.
Austin made the drive from Prince George, he was super impressed with the blind stage.
You can find more photos of the race here. Thanks to James Cattanach for the photos!
The Course
Stage 1 | Secret Stage
1,221m distance, 17m climb, -48m descent
Stage 2 | Boneyard
1,398m distance, 9m climb, -144m descent
Stage 3 | Eagle » Mule Deer » Fred » High Roller » Drops A Lot
2,803m distance, 14m climb, -297m descent
Stage 4 | Rainbow » Bronco » Mosquito/Blackbear Connector
3,244m distance, 54m climb, -290m descent
Stage 5 | Slabs » Skull Coaster » Roller Coaster » Tsweet Tsue
3,578m distance, 28m climb, -372 m descent
Our Trailforks profile is here
Trailhead Information
Here is the trailhead parking lot (Rusty Muffler Parking)
Shuttles
Big thanks to Johnny Smoke and Hoodoo Adventures providing the shuttles to get riders up to Stage 1.
Bike Check
It's always interesting to see what people are riding and before the trolls get to us in the comments, we chose Jarrod Hoskins not because he rides an Intense, but because he's a father of two boys who are racing, and they made the drive all the way from Calgary, AB, to come race this weekend. It's dads like Jarrod that make me stoked for the future of the sport.
Jarrod is riding the 2017 Intense Tracer build, with Enve rims, Fox X2 shock, Raceface SixC cranks and Chromag bars. What's unique to his setup? He keeps his bike similar to his kids, so that if needed they can swap parts. What a Dad. His kids are also DH racers.
Canadian Carbon?
There were more than a few riders spotted with some interesting carbon wheels. Kamloops, B.C. local company We Are One Composites, had a few team riders testing wheels this weekend. Be sure to register for the Kamloops race to come check out their goods at Harper Mountain.
Handlaid Canadian Carbon Rims.
We Are One Composites, real Canadian laid carbon wheels, from the birthplace of freeride, Kamloops, B.C.
Apres and Partying
What happens when you go home early and you won the 21–29 Category? We give away your MEC gift card with a good ol' pushup challenge.
#NoBadDays Beers on the street, thanks, Cannery and Mile Zero.
Funny thing about the Okanagan, there's lots of cattle...that's not mud.
Shaun and Brent. That's Brent's permanent position, he just wears that cast for the ladies.
The fastest local award, courtesy of Team Brah and Timberchild, went to Ryan Taylor
Best crash award, going to Josh for absolutely stacking it in front of the crowd at the compression jump.
Best Sportsmanship award went to the Steward Bros, our youngest competitors at 12 years old, riding the whole course blind!
Winner of the Chainless ray, Jay from Invermere
Results
You can find the full results here.
U15 Men
1 // Jonathan Helly // 29:16
2 // Emmet Hancock // 31:03
3 // Ben Imrich // 32:44
U21 Men
1 // Max Leyen // 27:54
2 // Elliot Jamieson // 27:21
3 // Max Scharf // 27:54
U21 Women
1 // Sena Odyakmaz // 43:48
2 // Marike Henderson // 57:41
21–29 Men
1 // Patrick Ladyman // 28:33
2 // Dune Casu // 28:48
3 // Tucker Braund // 29:31
30–39 Men
1 // Jeff Pont // 27:53
2 // Joel Harwood // 28:17
3 // Eric Goodwin // 28:46
1 // Jonathan Helly // 29:16
2 // Emmet Hancock // 31:03
3 // Ben Imrich // 32:44
U21 Men
1 // Max Leyen // 27:54
2 // Elliot Jamieson // 27:21
3 // Max Scharf // 27:54
U21 Women
1 // Sena Odyakmaz // 43:48
2 // Marike Henderson // 57:41
21–29 Men
1 // Patrick Ladyman // 28:33
2 // Dune Casu // 28:48
3 // Tucker Braund // 29:31
30–39 Men
1 // Jeff Pont // 27:53
2 // Joel Harwood // 28:17
3 // Eric Goodwin // 28:46
40+ Men
1 // Rich Marshall // 28:14
2 // Shane Kroeger // 29:09
3 // Trevor Syrowy // 29:38
Open Women
1 // Sarah Moore // 33:09
2 // Jo Peters // 35:00
3 // Jillian Thatcher // 35:56
Pro Women
1 // Julie Marshall // 31:18
2 // Megan Rose // 31:48
3 // Sandra Walter // 31:52
Pro Men
1 // Brendon Edgar // 26:33
2 // Lee Jackson // 26:58
3 // Kipp Fennell // 27:24
1 // Rich Marshall // 28:14
2 // Shane Kroeger // 29:09
3 // Trevor Syrowy // 29:38
Open Women
1 // Sarah Moore // 33:09
2 // Jo Peters // 35:00
3 // Jillian Thatcher // 35:56
Pro Women
1 // Julie Marshall // 31:18
2 // Megan Rose // 31:48
3 // Sandra Walter // 31:52
Pro Men
1 // Brendon Edgar // 26:33
2 // Lee Jackson // 26:58
3 // Kipp Fennell // 27:24
Johnny Helly, U15, with a time that would have put him in 11th in Pro Men.
Sena and Marike, made the drive from Canmore, first and second for U21 Women.
U21 is likely the fastest category, with Max (first) taking the overall fastest time of the day and Elliot not far behind.
Couldn't be more stoked to see Jeff Pont take his first W. He's likely the most relaxed and humbler person I know and he's been quietly getting faster and faster. Nice work Jeff.
Open Women was a competitive category this race, great to see more competitors in this growing class.
Sandra Walter making the transition from XC to Enduro? When the payout is in five's, who could say no. #ChillClimbs
Brendan Edgar with the 'W'. Another heartfelt mention to Kipp Fennell of Kamloops, taking his first ever Pro podium in third place, Kipp made the jump to Pro Men this year, like a true gentleman. Way to go Kipp!
A massive thank-you to this year's series sponsors and supporters
• And anyone who Volunteered with us and anyone who helped with a shuttle, a beer or a spare tube!
 |
We Need Help
We're always looking for parents, girlfriends/boyfriends or injured riders to help out!
What you'll get:
• Jersey
• Lunch
• Post-race meal and drink
• Discount entry to any other race, for you or for a friend/kid/dog
Contact admin@bcenduro.com, with your preferred race, phone number and email.
Need something? More information?
• Website
• Athlete Inquires | athletes@bcenduro.com
• Volunteer Information | admin@bcenduro.com
• All other inquiries | ted@bcenduro.com (Event Director)
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
www.trailforks.com/region/penticton/karma