Stage 5 - July 1, 2010

Route: Sechelt - BC Ferries' Langdale Terminal*

You’ll start this morning in picturesque downtown Sechelt, with a jaunt along a paved section of road bordering Porpoise Bay…just to warm up a bit.

From there, move into singletrack and slowly work your way up a small power line in order gain access to the main logging road. This section is quite flat and travels onto the biggest creek crossing of the day (on a bridge, this time!) on a very old road section that’s been abandoned for years. It’s definitely worth a stop and look.

Once out of this section, once again you’ll need to climb up in order to gain access to the Rat Race Trail System, which is purported to be some of the best trails anywhere - according to riders who have raced in many places around the world. These are gentle, buff, and fast rainforest trails and it’s worth taking a moment to absorb the scenery - especially in the areas that have been logged where the fireweed is climbing for the sky…it’s absolutely beautiful!

Much of your time in the Rat Race trails will be under the canopy of the trees, some of which are over 30-40 meters high…if it’s a hot day, you’ll appreciate their cooling shade. As well, there will be lots of small bridges to cross and beautiful creeks to admire. You’ll be treated to an abundance of amazing singletrack in this section of the day; in fact, the Rat Race system is comprised of too many incredible trails to individually list and describe here. Trust us you’ll love every minute of it!

Next, you’ll climb a great singletrack route that will literally keep you on your toes and ultimately take you to the highest point of the day – 725m. Shake out your legs and get ready to grin from ear-to-ear as you fly back down through one of the ‘swoopiest’ trails ever! You’ll be squealing with excitement by the time you reach the bottom!

You’ll have a small break from the singletrack as you head back up to a very fun and fast 7km decent on trails just slightly wider than your handle bars. Don't forget to admire the view! If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, no matter how tired you are, you should switch to road riding!

Only a little more pedaling and you’re across the finish line at the BC Ferries' Langdale Terminal on a super high after riding some of the best mountain biking trails anywhere. Board the ferry and sail into the sunset of Stage 5, ending up in Squamish, BC.

*Stage & Route details subject to change.

Base Camp Directors' Insights

Day 5 brings you another great day of riding on the Sunshine Coast. The end of the trail will deposit you at the Langdale Ferry Terminal, which will be the finish line for the riding part of your day. You will find some post-race refreshments, bike wash station, the bike transport and some great views.

The it's onto the ferry for a strip to Horseshoe Bay. The ferry will have a cafeteria and snack bar on board in case you want additional food and refreshments. You will enjoy a bus ride from Horseshoe Bay up the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, the recreation capital of BC, and our resting spot for the night. Welcome to the Day 5 Base Camp location – Brennan Park, Squamish. 

Brennan Park, our home for Days 5 and 6, is a Community Centre with access to a pool and hot tub (pay-per-use), and all your amenities. Dinner will be served in the Centre. When you come into the parking lot, you will find Tent City right beside Brennan Park, another Bike Wash for that day, your gear bag and the Bike Storage area all within the vicinity.

With lots of amenities, grocery stores and restaurants, Squamish will keep you busy! And while you are out on the town, be sure to look up at The Chief - Squamish's local mountain world-famous for its hiking and incredible climbing.

Moral Support Crew Teasers

Check out these tempting options to keep your moral supporters busy from point-to-point today!

• Visit the House of Hewhiwus (House of Chiefs), the Sechelt Band government offices and home to the Sechelt Nation's cultural centre, which houses a museum, an art centre, a gift shop and the Raven's Cry Theatre
• Walk among the twelve Coast Salish totem poles that overlook Trail Bay
• Visit the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, located within walking distance of downtown Sechelt 
• Explore the child-friendly hiking trail in Hidden Grove that winds through enormous old-growth fir and cedar trees
• Lounge on Davis Bay beach, (less than 3km south of Sechelt) one of sandiest and most accessible beaches on the Sunshine Coast
• Cast for salmon from the Davis Bay Pier
• Ride some good intermediate/expert trails in Sechelt's Angus Creek Bike Loop
• Pick fresh mussels and oysters, and beachcomb for seashells, on the beach at the Roberts Creek picnic grounds 
• Take the Gibsons Heritage Walk to explore the fascinating working harbour, stroll down the public wharf and along the boardwalk to the vista gazebo 
• Explore Sunshine Coast history and Coast Salish culture at the Sunshine Coast Museum