Guide to Inaugural Trans BC powered by Stages Cycling

The Trans BC powered by Stages Cycling will usher in 130 riders to the technical terrain and infamous loam of British Columbia in less than a week, while the rest of the world peers in from their cyber-desks, wishing they were shredding in paradise five plus hours per day.

“We’re excited to be a part of Trans BC,” said Matt Pacocha, Marketing & PR for Stages Cycling. “Power is about more than road racing and the Tour de France. Even before you consider training for the 12,000m of climbing at Trans BC, the event is a perfect venue to highlight how a power meter can be used as a pacing tool; simply climb at your number and you’ll put forth your best effort. We’re interested in bringing more people to the experience and benefits of using a power meter in mountain bike events, especially bucket list multi-day enduros.”


What makes this sold out event every mountain biker’s dream adventure race?

“Perhaps it’s over 10,000 kilometers of trail that range from riding loam in the deep dark woods amongst ponderosas and pine trees to steep, techy and rooty trails, to fast flow, alpine, and everything in-between,” said Megan Rose, founder and race director of the Trans BC. “Or it could be the incredible communities who pour countless volunteer hours to make these trails possible. Mountain biking is so engrained in the culture, and the years of setting the bar, and then raising it, for the sport is what makes the riding in British Columbia world renowned.”


Rose has been scheming up the Trans BC for the past three years. Instead of jumping straight onto the enduro stage race bandwagon, Rose cultivated relationships with the riding communities in Interior BC. In the meantime, the BC Enduro Series was initiated in 2014 and the Trans NZ in 2015. This opened up a world of possibilities and created an even better experience for racers who made the start list for the inaugural event.


Eleven countries from four different continents will be represented at the Trans BC with an overwhelming 82 percent coming from other countries.Riders will have to complete 200 kilometers, with an average of 1400m (4500’) of climbing and at least 2000m (6000’) of descending per day. This will amount to 12,200m (40,000’) of descending over six days for the Strava masters. For everyone else, this means riders will be on the trails for five to six hours per day in destination locations including Vernon, Penticton, Rossland, and Nelson.


The race crew has been traveling all spring and summer to visit and dial in the trails in preparation for the event. Record snowfall and subsequently record snowmelt have concocted the perfect recipe for unrivaled trail conditions. Rose discovered an unmaintained trail that connects a point-to-point high above the Okanagan Lakes with amazing views, and worked with Cabin Forestry Services to restore and re-open the trail. This day in particular, will challenge all riders as they plunge into a reputable mountain bike trail network. But like every other day, all racers will end with beer at the finish line and a comfortable night stay in plush accommodations. The lucky ones may even get a hot tub in their condo and a moose sighting.

“A real highlight is Penticton and the Penticton and Area Cycling Association (PACA). They are so excited to prep and buff their trails for any of the events we have bought there the past few years and the Trans BC is no exception,” Rose said. “The locals are always in for lending a hand with course marking, and the very famous Shaun’s bacon station set up out in the woods.”


Stages rider Meg Bichard will produce features throughout the week, so stay tuned to how things shake out in the Open Women's field with massive watts being thrown around for the podium.

It’s not surprising that all volunteer positions have been filled for the event, however, we will be keeping everyone in the loop with regular updates on Facebook and Instagram and Pinkbike throughout the week. Hashtag your photos #transbcenduro to make their way onto the live stream of the Trans BC’s Media HQ.


An additional thanks to supporting sponsors Cabin Forestry Services, Tourism Vernon, Bossa Nova Tech, Hope Tech, DJ Cycles, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, Tourism Rossland, and Penticton & Wine Country. For more information email megan@ridingbc.com or visit www.transbcenduro.com.

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MENTIONS: @TransBC / @hopetech

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