Race Recap: Fraser Valley Enduro – MEC Canadian National Enduro Series presented by Intense Cycles
Valley Life Livin'
Nestled in the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, B.C. played host to the first round of the 2017 MEC Canadian National Enduro Series, presented by Intense. The backdrop was picturesque Vedder Mountain overhanging Cultus Lake.
This race was the first stop of the Canadian National Enduro also an Enduro World Series Qualifying race, as well as, the first stop of the North American Enduro Tour.
Cultus lake, at the foot of Vedder Mountain is located in Chilliwack, B.C. and is home to the first round of the MEC Canadian National Enduro Series
Sometimes it's like pulling teeth trying to get people to leave the Whistler/Squamish corridor, yet once they lay their tires onto the trails built by the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, it's hard to get them to leave! There were a few signs posted on the course that read; #VedderSucksTellYourFriends, a little humour directed to what I think is fast becoming the best riding zone in the lower mainland. It's got steeps, endless loam (real loam, like over your neck, down your shirt), jumps, berms and scenic climbs. Not to mention one of the most down to earth and hard working club presidents I've ever met, Ernie Kliever. He's supported by a solid team and this truly is a family.
The trails for this weekend were running in mint condition after the club put it's final touches into them the week before, one of the highlights of this weekend is having the Vedder Mountain Classic the day before, a staple event for the XCM calendar!
What's really interesting is that this course featured 2,221m of climbing over 32kms… That's a big day.
Events like this take big crews, here is the FVMBA and Vedder Mountain Bike Co. Crew. Thanks to our more than 80 volunteers!
Trail Club and Community
The Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association is truly unique, covering a massive swath of trails while operating in a recreation that has more layers than Shrek's onions. I have so much respect for Ernie, Meghan, Bob and the community here have created with this event weekend. The level of organization and community support is so phenomenal they even had the sunshine ordered and delivered on time. This crew mixed with the all the trail builders and volunteers (over 80 volunteers in two days), really and truly allowed for what I think was just about a perfect race weekend.
I heard a few comments floating around from riders and one of my favourites was a rider who said that he "no longer needs to drive to the Sea to Sky" (he's from the interior), the sigh of relief in his voice was piggybacked by the beer that was slid across the table from Old Yale (the local brewer).
A massive thank-you to Ernie, Emma and Cedar; Meghan, Bob, Kelly, Chelsea, Ali and Moss; Hamisch, Max, Spencer, Kerry, Mike B. and the whole crew!
If you are a member of your local club, or involved with a club and are looking for a something to model after, the FVMBA is the gold-standard of stewardship, collaboration, and dedication.
Thanks, guys!
So great to give back to the FVMBA, Ernie Kliever accepting a modest donation back to the trails. Thanks for the help Ernie! Rumour has it, Ernie like's Caesars...
MEC Trail Donation
At every stop in the Canadian National 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. We know it's only a drop in the bucket, but if this donation helps get Ali and Kerry out working their magic, we're stoked!
At this race, we donated just over $5,400 back to the local club.
Racing
Race day was an absolute beast of a day, with massive climbs and fifteen-minute stages. This course also featured a blind stage, that riders were allowed to walk, but couldn't pre-ride. We're setting the bar high for the MEC Canadian National Enduro Series and are looking forward to the next stop of the Canadian Series in Crowsnest Pass, AB.
More photos from all the photographers, James Cattanach and Scott Robarts, here.
You can find individual athlete photos on Roots and Rain as well. Check it.
Trevor May, moments before detonation. Check the video.
#LeyenIntoIt, with a twenty second lead on the entire field.
The Carver, Chris Kovarik, rode only one lap of the trails in practice, yet every marshal had the same comment... Whoa.
Johnny Helly, sending it, as a Kamloops grom should, we are stoked to see the U15 category with some serious pro podium contenders.
Pretty safe to say that Leonie Picton is likely one of the fastest enduro women in Canada, I don't know if she's got her PR yet, but her speed and style should be reason enough to let her in. #LetLeonieIn
The Nomads raced both the XCM and the Enduro, I still don't understand how Chris podiumed in the enduro, that's a combined 4,000m of climbing in two days, savage.
Ali Chapple and Moss shredding it up, Ali is one of the trail builders and Moss is the chief rock excavator.
Max Edwards, coming airing it out as he comes back from a shoulder injury.
Local story of the weekend was Max Leyen taking the pro podium and Bob Jones, pictured here taking the 30–39 podium, I've never heard a crowd so loud!
The Course
Stage 1 | Tri Power
636m distance, 1m climb, -109m descent
Stage 2 | R.E.F.R » Mongo » Acces 3 » New Mexico » Electric Lettuce » Femur
3,482m distance, 17m climb, -553m descent
Stage 3 | Blackforest Ham
1,712m distance, 0m climb, -419m descent
Stage 4 | The den » 2cents » Skidder » Terdferg » Dilema » Parmenter Rd » Endo
5.0km distance, 25m climb, -708m descent
Our Trailforks profile is here
Bike Check
This week we feature Spencer Wight, he's been coming out to the events for a while and we wanted to check in, as he's soon to be getting a new bike, and it will feature a ton of Raceface upgrades. Also, his bikes are never this dirty, so we really wanted to catch this moment!
2017 Commencal Meta AM V4 decked out with Race Face Turbine R wheels, Atlas stem, Six C bars, Turbine dropper post, Turbine cranks, Rockshox suspension, Sram mech, and brakes.
Apres and Partying
This is one of the few events that had a true beer garden, fenced and full of people, we actually had to double its size since last year! Thanks to Old Yale brewing for coming out bring the stout!
This is James, he's the main man behind the lens, and is also a wheelie king. Thanks James for always putting the riders first and for being really, really, good at what you do.
Lots of vendors out this week, #Chromapop boys even took part in a little bike limbo.
That's a tired dog...
Race Results
Full Results are on Roots and Rain
Current leaders after Round 1, in their snazzy yellow jerseys by Kazoom Custom Cycling.
U15 Men
1 // Ethan Shandro // 29:44
2 // Neve Abraham // 30:08
3 // Johnny Helly // 32:06
 |
 Kids, not even 15 yet! Ethan Shandro taking the win and one of our youngest competitors Johnny Helly, holding down third place at 14 years old. |
U21 Men
1 // Elliot Jamieson // 29:21
2 // Carter Woods // 29:25
3 // Rhys Verner // 30:00
U21 Women
1 // Ainhoa // 41:26
2 // Lucy // 44:56
3 // Xiola // 52:03
We actually had a full U21 Women podium, but Lucy had to leave early. Congrats ladies on crushing an absolutely massive day!
21–29 Men
1 // Levi // 31:36
2 // Dune Casu // 32:03
3 // Jacob Larouche // 32:14
30–39 Men
1 // Bob 'Freaking' Jones! // 31:33
2 // Seb Kemp // 31:55
3 // Scott Spence // 32:08
Bob was playing organizer all Saturday, as he's one of the organizers for the Vedder Classic, but that didn't let him lose sight of taking the win
40+ Men
1 // Andrew Shandro // 31:20
2 // Rich Marshall // 33:44
3 // Mike Jones // 33:54
Old dudes that rip! Andrew Shandro and Rich Marshal—Never grow up.
Open Women
1 // Sarah Moore // 38:37
2 // Jo Peters // 38:51
3 // Kate Whitley // 39:33
Pro Women
1 // Leonie Picton // 35:40
2 // Georgia Astle // 36:03
3 // Laura Battista // 36:08
Leonie is an absolute powerhouse and we're stoked to see Georgia competing in Enduro again aboard her Intense; Laura has been putting in work also and it's showing.
Pro Men
1 // Max Leyen // 28:30
2 // Chris Johnston // 28:50
3 // Carson Eiswald // 28:51
#LeyenIntoIt, Max Leyen, could be Canada's answer to Richie Rude. Max is 20 and was the fastest of the day by that same amount of seconds. Nice work Max!
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:
Member since Mar 9, 2013
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