Below is the transcript for the Zoom call. It has been AI generated and is unedited. Please excuse any errors in the copy.
I always love doing these calls and seeing so many familiar faces. And just the fact that you guys keep coming back, not only to the BC Bike Race, but to these calls, is always, it’s just, Lets us know the value of these calls because it means there’s always something more to add. So thank you for Showing up for us in so many ways for those who don’t know me, my name is manila and I work in racial relations also on the call.
We have Carmel who Runs our communications and Dre, who most of you know, who, runs our marketing and does a bunch of other things for us as well, as well, including our coaching program, which we’ll talk more about later. As you can see, I am recording this call and, we will make it available to both, our racers group as well as our general audience.
So just so you know where the recording is being shared. So this is essentially intended to be a question and answer, session. I see, like I see a bunch of people on you who have. I’ve been here a bunch of times before, and also some new names. So, what would be the most useful for you guys? Do you just want to start out with some questions and let me know what some of your burning questions are.
I am going to ask that you mute yourself and raise your hand just so we don’t have complete chaos. Raise your hand and I will call on you. if you already have a burning question to go.
Are we back on Vancouver Island for the whole race? We are back on Vancouver Island for the whole race. our course will essentially be the same locations as last year, as this year. And the 2025 will be the same as the 2024. There will be some trails. Being changed, for example, I know there’s a fabulous new trail in Campbell River that we’re finding a way to, include because it is the reviews and even have been absolutely wave.
So, definitely gonna have to work to a hundred into our route. But is it fair to say that we’re in the same locations and the same general idea of the course. You’re muted. Oh, they don’t. Yeah. we, we just introduced Victoria last year. So we’re very excited about both the base camp and the, the trails there.
It’s such a wonderful town. we have lots of inventory to work with. So tweaking and, you know, each year there’s, we’re so fortunate in British Columbia to have new inventory. And as Manera mentioned, praise hombre. a trail that, rich described as the best he’s ever ridden. So, you know, between, little moves and little inventories, there’ll be a tweak in a flow and we’re very excited about Vancouver Island for 2025.
Perfect. John, didn’t, I see you asking about meal plan upgrades. We are working on those upgrades right now. We are in negotiations with some of our third party providers. you know, It’s always a battle for us to get the best possible pricing for you. And so that’s what we’re working on now dean does a great job of going to bat for our races to keep the pricing as reasonable as possible And we’re still in the process of that but carmel, is it reasonable to say within?
46 weeks okay I would say we should have it within the next month. I’m hoping maybe Dean can confirm that. He’s doing the negotiating Yeah, next couple weeks. Yeah, two weeks three weeks max and you’ll get lots of notice on that we’ll definitely you know, it’ll come out in newsletters and you’ll see it on our socials as well matt, I think you had your hand up first.
Do you want to go next? Yeah. Hi everybody I just This will be my first time and it could be with four other guys coming over from the UK. we, we, just, I’m just interested just on what the, are you able to give an indicative cost of what the 2024 base camp and food packages were? I’m just trying to collate the, the, the budget for everybody.
So for in 2024, the base camp, I believe was 380. as was the transportation plan, the same price, the meal plans were, so I’m just going by memory, I want to say 770. So I think we can probably expect a few percentage points increase on that just for, you know, basic cost of living is what we’re seeing from our vendors.
but that, that should give you a good enough, starting point to budget with. Yeah. Okay. So thank you. So that’s, so just to, to, to just to confirm my understanding, so that’s 380 for the base camps. That’s the kind of the tent package, another 380 for the, the transportation between each stage.
Correct. And then, and then, okay, and then 770 for the, the food. That’s correct. Okay, that’s correct. And then we will also have a van life package and a last year that price point was 80. and we will be doing that again. Again, we will need to dial in the pricing, but it’ll be in the ballpark of that same, price point.
You can expect again, a few percentage points increase, but we’ll be doing that again as we did, and yes, all those prices I’m giving you are in Canadian dollars, so if you’re American, you have a 30, what are we at? Like, I think 35 cents. On the dollar, break on that. And then, you know, even better if it’s Euros or pounds you’re dealing with.
Of note that tent is, divided by two. So it’s not a per person that can fit two people. So that just take note of that. If you want to share a tent, if you want to share it, correct. Yeah, no, that’s, that, that’s a, that’s a very good, yeah. And that’s, I hadn’t, I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks for that.
Sorry, when you said that, did you say van thing for the last thing? Is that is if you’re turning up in your own truck? Is that what that means? Yes, that’s van life. So van life, we have spots reserved, basically on our base camp. And we can accommodate, you know, vans essentially, or small campers up to 26 feet.
So yeah, we need to limit it so we know people aren’t showing up for those massive campus, but we can accommodate you on site. Again, we do have a bit of a challenge with limited number of spots for those. So if, if that is something you after you want to get on it sooner than later when it becomes available.
No, I don’t. I think we’re happy to be intense. Perfect. Is that good for you, Matt? Can I move on? Yes, please. Yes, please. Excellent. Excellent. yeah, new next. Yeah, thank you. And hello, everybody. Greetings from Germany again. I have a question concerning those base camp locations again. So I understood the base camp locations will be the same.
Will it also be the same amount of days per base camp location or might that vary from last year? Nope. You can expect us to be in the same places for the same number of nights. The one base camp we’re still, we, we may see a slight shift on is the Crofton base camp, but we are using the same trails.
So even if we do change base camp, it will still be in the same area in the same neighborhood. So I just want to point that out. Give you that information for full transparency, but we’ll still be on the same trails. We’ll still be in the same area. And Crofton’s a fairly small town. We’re just looking for a slightly larger space that could make things a little bit easier for us.
Great. That sounds really good. And just out of curiosity, just roughly how many of us are newbies to the race and how many are coming back? Is it like 50, 50? What are our numbers usually? What are we at? Is it about 15 to 20 percent returning places every year? Last year, well, it’s been shifting a little bit.
we averaged on about 15 percent new each year. And then with the, I guess we’re almost 20 years now. So the returning alumni. The frequent flyers seem to be flying back more often. So I think we’re pushing up around 20 plus percent, but the, the large lion’s share is new every year. Okay, great. Super good.
Thank you. And we always love our frequent flyers like Kathy and Rob and Andy, who I see on the call as well as Alan and Val coming from Hawaii every year. Jan, is that good for you? That’s great. Thank you. Perfect. Devin, you’re next. great. Thanks everyone. I just wanted to inquire and just understand, we’re looking to, stay in like a camper van.
it’s under the, The 26 foot restriction. I just wanted to understand if, is the location for the van or the camper, is that actually at the same location as the base camp or is that in a separate area that you’ve got to kind of arrange transport to get all your bikes each day across? How does that work?
No, so if you’re in a van, it means you’re basically on base camp. And you will sort of have, you know, you’ll be right on base camp. So you’ll be able to ride to the start line for sure. Every morning. Oh, oh, great. Later you have two remote or two satellite stops. The day we go to Nanaimo, we leave Crafton in the morning, drive to Nanaimo race in Nanaimo, and then head up to Cumberland.
But of course you have your vehicle with you ’cause you’re moving your van anyway. Yeah. So, you will have it with you. Great. And, and I assume then therefore you, you can still access the food package. Absolutely. You still have access to our meal plan and you are on site for, you know, you use our showers and our bathroom facilities and you just get to, you know, you still get to experience the base camp vibe.
You maybe just have a little bit more. comfort in your van for sleeping. Yeah, no, that’s great. And, any indication when the van life package might be released? all upgrades will go on sale at the same time, and we’re looking to get that done in the next month or so. Okay, that’s awesome. Thank you.
Hi Tim Johnson, you’re next. Oh, hey guys. How’s it going? Really good. Yeah, hey Dre. I just have a very simple question. You know, this is really, it’s always a dream to wake up to the chicken screaming and cluck, cluck, cluck away. What is the coffee situation like for 25? How quickly will that cup be in my hands?
I mean, we just, we know what’s important. There are certain things to not mess around with, and coffee is one of them. So, coffee is always served. I mean, I forget the timing, but usually coffee is on by 6. 30 or 7, Carmel? Would that be reasonable? I think so. I can check the schedule from last year and see.
but yeah, it’s usually ready by the time the first breakfast is served. And follow up question. If it’s almost 20 years already, why does Dre look like he’s 20 something? I just don’t get it. The math doesn’t add up. That’s what biking does for you. It keeps you young at heart and young in body. Let’s keep going.
Is that it, Tim? Can we move on? Or do you have another question? That’s it. I can keep going, but I’ll stop. I’m so glad to see you, and it’ll be great to have you back next year. Can’t wait. Hector, you next. Hello, from Culiacán, Mexico. Hello. How are you, Manuela? Really good, Hector. How are you? Fine, thank you. A quick question.
It’s, it’s more like, I’m begging you, please do your essay this year. I want my BCBR jersey.
Jersey? Do you hear me? Do you hear me? I hear you loud and clear. I like it. Please, for the first 500 who inscribe, pay the jersey so you don’t keep jerseys for the other year. Limited quantities. We’ll see what we can do. We’ll see what we can do. Thank you. Alright, let’s see what we got in here. Oh, even Andy’s agreeing to wanting some fresh PCBR kit.
you know, we’re always working on, you know, designs and, you know, working with our partners. So, stay tuned and who knows what might be in the works.
There’s a question about what bikes people are riding. do you want, I mean, I know, I know that’s a massive can of worms to open, but do you want to speak to that for a couple of minutes? Absolutely. and I always preface this with, what are your goals? So you guys have obviously set a big goal to come to the BC bike race.
And then with your goals becomes how you want to ride the race. And then again, of course, depending on what bike you have. So it’s a bit of a matrix in figuring out what is the best bike is kind of, are you going to be racing at the pointy end of the stick? You want to, you want to push hard every day.
Then I think you’re in a one 20, one 30 travel bike. If you’re looking for a bit more of a holiday and a trail ride. Maybe you’re looking at a one 30, one 40, even one 41 40. So those are kind of the, the, the more ideal bikes depending. And then there are some people who really don’t care, who just want to bring their bike that they always ride, don’t want to buy a new one.
And they come with their one 50 or one 60 and they have a great time. So you got to start with what, what are your goals? how do you want to experience the BC single track? And then you can really honestly address the question of, you know, on what bike do I have? Do I need to change it? Sometimes just changing the tires will take a, make a one 40 bike fast, and maybe putting bigger tires on a one 10 bike.
We’ll make it a little bit softer for the seven days of single track. So it’s not a quick and easy answer, it really depends on, you know, your personal, goals and objectives. I’m coming to the BC bike race. I want to have the best time possible focusing on the trail experience or focusing on the race or some combination between, I have raced it on an element, which is much like a spur.
It’s got modern angles and it’s what you call a down country bike. It’s not a world cup XC. It’s a down country bike. And I enjoyed it more on a 140 travel bike when I was just riding, not racing. They take it, you know, those sort of two paradigms to how you enjoy your experience. And that also addresses your question.
who was it to ask about a hard tail? It’s about your experience, it can be done in a hardtail, but it’s not going to be the most comfortable week. But yeah, my back can’t really do hardtails anymore. I went to a cyclocross race a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t really walk for a few days. So I’m going to say that’s your choice.
I like suspension. Hector, do you have another question? Is your hand still up from before? Okay, we’ll move on then. Jan, go ahead. Well, you know, it’s first more. Thank you. another question came to mind, which is about the coaches corner with the coaches corner be available again. I just saw it online on the web page.
I haven’t used it because I didn’t participate last year, but it’s the idea to have the same thing available to race us again this time. Absolutely. We have, we just, had a meeting this morning. We’re very excited about our coaches corner and we’re trying to add more. We are, super impressed with the coaches that we have.
And they are going to offer, the same package, if not more. And then both coaches, Carson and Adam Walker were on site to follow through with, with, their, their clients. And then they’ll have tidbits on the side. So we’re, we’re trying to. put more emphasis on creating resources that can help you, better prepare so that when you get to the BC bike race, you have an awesome experience.
So we are hot on that button and we’re super excited. Great. Thank you. Jan de Klerk, you’re next. Thank you. Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Yeah, so I’m based in Europe, so logistics is kind of a big thing for me. So I already see that the airport drop off will be confirmed later on. So, yeah. Is it also flying in again into Victoria?
Is that smart straight to do it to start or? Yes, so the layout will be the same. And again, we’ve got a handbook in the works that will, will probably be ready to share within a week or so, which basically walks you through these things. And we are recommending flying into Victoria, because that is where our registration and prologue begins.
And then, at the end of the race, we will have a shuttle that goes to Comox is what we’re working on and you’ll be able to fly out from there. So from Comox you can connect to, YVR again and take your connecting flight home or you’re back in Vancouver, if you’re spending more time on the lower mainland.
We are working on that, sort of guidebook and we should have that to you within the next week or two, we would have that available to our races. Okay. And then maybe let’s say I would want to fly into Seattle and fly home from Seattle and I would rent a car. could we imagine, for example, that I use the car, but that you take care of my bike back and my bike during the, The race or that.
So last year, we did not have that service, but we are already working on putting that in place. But this year that if you have a tiny little rental car, we’ll be able to take care of your bike. And I don’t have pricing or information on that. But we are trying to work on that for you for 2025. Okay. And that would also be.
somewhere, ready in the next week or, or that will be later. It should not the next week, probably the next four weeks. So, you know, last four to six weeks, but that will be launched with all the upgrades when we do so in four to six weeks. Okay. All right. Perfect. Thank you. That was it from my side.
Perfect. I’m just saying a quick hello to Fernando Mantovani, who’s just joined us from the Penn McNell. Matt, you back up with the next question. Yes, I am. Thank you. That was interesting to hear about somebody else coming in from Europe as well, because just understanding the logistics. I must admit, I hadn’t made the connection that it was better to fly to Victoria on the island.
And, initially I was thinking of. We’re hiring bikes, which we were going to do in North Vancouver. I think with Endless Biking, which he recommended. So I have been in contact with them. so we’re just trying to understand that. But, just how many location based camps are there within, within the seven stage races?
Is it as many as seven or is it less? No, I’m good. So I’m going to answer your question in two parts. So if you end up being in North Vancouver Yeah, to pick up your bikes from endless Yeah, and you have your own vehicle. You certainly have the option to take a ferry from There’s one of two places in Vancouver that you can take a ferry to the island.
Do you imagine? Oh, they are multiple Travel options to get to the island and all of those will be outlined in the handbook coming in the next couple of weeks You Right. to answer your next question, we have three different base camps. The first one is in Victoria, the next one is in Crofton, and then we’re in Cumberland.
So we only have three different locations. Okay. So we do have a couple of satellite starts, but we, we don’t spend the night there. We sort of go, the day we go to Nanaimo, we travel from Crofton, race in Nanaimo, and then travel to Cumberland where we sleep for the night. And then the day we go to Campbell River, we go from our Cumberland base camp, just head out to Campbell River for the day to race, and then come back to Cumberland.
So the base camp, does not change for those, for those days. Gotcha. Is that it? yeah. Yeah. I think so for now. That all means if you think of something else, put your hand up again. I will. You next.
hi. Hello. so, I am kind of acquainted. I am supposed to be, to have done it this year, but I wasn’t able to. So my question is, it sounds like the seven days is going to, are going to be very similar to last year’s logistics. I’m kind of asking. To get ahead of the game with the logistics part, so although we don’t have confirmation of each base camp and each detail, it sounds like we’re going in through Victoria and flying out of Columbus, which was my plan last year, I bought flights and all that for that.
so I want to know if we can go ahead and start planning based on, at least in my previous experience, the previous plan, like flying in Victoria, going out of, Okamoto’s. Absolutely. And, Go ahead. What’s the rest of your question? the first base camp. I was able to book a hotel right by the airport and there was like a 20 minute, 25 minute drive to the first base camp this time.
if the base camp is probably going to be the same or somewhere around that place, I can book the same hotel because I already know it’s going to be a 20 minute drive, etc, etc. in Victoria, we will be in the same base camp for 2025, yes. And then also in Cumberland, we will be in the same base camp.
And while I don’t have 100 percent confirmation about Crofton, we will be in the same region. And like I say, Crofton is a small enough town. So wherever you stay in Crofton, you’ll be able to access the trails for sure and base camp. Sounds great. I will. All right, I’ll get ahead and start planning. And since I already did so, although I, it wasn’t, I didn’t go to the, the actual event, anyone who wants any advice on how I went about the planning and the hotels and everything that I tried to book, I’m open for that as well.
Thank you. Thank you. We really appreciate that, Mingo. UFO, you next.
Thank you, and I’m excited to come back and do another year. It’s so much fun. is there going to be a, a hotel package we can sign up for, or is that? We have to do that individually. No, if you not stay, so we can take care of you if you come to base camp, but if you’re in hotels, you’re on your own for that.
And also back in the day, we used to have a, our, we used to have a hotel shuttle, which would take you, which should take you, but we don’t have that anymore. So if you’re not staying on base camp, you need to have your own transport to get to whatever your offsite accommodation is.
Okay, perfect. Thank you. Perfect. Next. excuse me. Thank you. in 2016, you know, I did it and, we drove out from New York and had an RV and there was a lot of logistics. Obviously with. Being at three locations this, this time around. it sounds a lot more streamlined, at least for folks that are driving.
If I’m coming up on my own and I have, you know, a vehicle that I’m going to camp out of, whether I do the package with you guys or Like a local, campground. is there anything that I need to purchase, to make sure I’m good to go for each start day? Cause I sounded like there were two remote starts, like, do I need to buy that, buy anything, or I just show up to base camp and I’m good.
If you’re driving out, then you would have your own vehicle and you will be able to get to those remote starts. So what’s changed from when you would have been here in 2016 is in 2016, we would have a couple of point to point stages. So it was. It’s complicated to move with your own vehicle. So now the way our course is set up, it’s everything is in a loop.
So it’s perfectly viable for you to drive yourself from one location to the next. Got it. And, if I’m like 26 feet on the dot, is that, does that still work for you guys? I’m going to be bigger than a van, but, like it is a truck. 26 feet is our limit. So if 26 feet on the dot is okay, we don’t want you to go over 26 feet.
Copy. Thank you.
Good. Jeff, we never introduced you when we started the call. So do you just want to say hello and tell our group here who you are and what you do? Oh, hey, yeah, sure. Hi, I’m Jeff Stromgren. I’m the course, developer, course, director for BC Bike Race. I’ve been, working with the BCBR since, the very first stage of the very first event.
And I continue to work with this amazing course team, to, produce a product and, manage the race course. Every year. It’s, been a real joy in my life and, it, keeps on being so, and, just, wanted to pop in today even though we weren’t doing much core stuff just to see, who the keeners were.
So, it’s nice to see everybody here asking all the right questions and, getting themself informed and, and making this part of their, their annual kind of, dreaming, which I do too. I think about, BC bike race all year long, and I love it.
Thanks, Jeff. any other questions?
I’d be curious to hear from a couple of people. So who is that that had a question? Yeah, it’s Clayton. I can’t find the, the raise hand button anywhere. Go ahead. I just was wondering if we do the, the base camp and the meals and the transportation. I mean, a lot of that, our logistics are taken care of, makes it very easy.
But what would we want to bring? sleeping bag, pillow? what other kind of things? Comfy clothes?
So we used to have a packing video, which I, I can dig up and share, but I mean, essentially you want to bring your sleeping bag. We provide you with a tent. but you want to bring the best possible sleeping mat that you can afford. So you can sleep. Well, you want to bring a sleeping bag. And if you, you know, if you pull over as well, but if you’re on our transport program, you need to be able to fit everything into your duffel bag that we provide at the race.
And I want to say it’s like 110 liters, so it’s a fair size duffel bag, but you need to be able All of that in as well as your kits for the week as well as your toiletries as well as your Afternoon clothes, you know when you after you shower it Whatever you sort of comfy in for the afternoon as you’re hanging around base camp.
So, it definitely takes a little bit of strategy to pack back effectively and then, you know, also things like, I think it makes, I hear a lot of people saying that they bring a second pair of shoes, for example, just so you have a backup. And obviously all your riding kit, like your, your, if you have a race with a backpack, because there’s always the thing about backpacks or bottles, but if you’re racing with a backpack, of course you want to bring that.
Dwayne, is there anything you want to add to that? no, I mean, I was going to add that it is summer in B. C., so you don’t need to worry Our gargantuan sleeping bag, which maybe people are thinking about, you can get a pretty nice, synthetic or down bag that packs up pretty small. Monera touched on the sleeping pad, which is, I like an insulated sleeping pad because the ground can get cold, but you stay warm with a slightly R value to your sleeping pad.
And I mean, those are two small little extra packages you got to bring, but that makes the comfort. you will be fairly exhausted every day, so I feel you’ll sleep well. And, you know, that’s the beauty of sport, recreation. so no, I think that’s, that’s about the only addition I would say. Perfect.
Chase, I see you have your hand raised. Hi, guys. Yeah, sorry if this was asked earlier, but for those of us that are lucky enough to be within like a reasonable shot to get, you know, to the West Coast before the race, can I, can I kind of lean on last year’s GPX files as far as maybe a little bit of pre riding?
I’m thinking particularly about Victoria, which I haven’t been to. and this may be for Jeff, but, but reasonably close to what we would have seen or what would have been on the file last year. Yeah, I’ll take that one. That’s a great strategy right now. we love what we did last year. We worked really hard on putting that course together.
And, cause we had a bunch of new locations and little areas within them. And, we, I think we really nailed it, but, there are a few little trails that were almost ready for us last year that will be ready for us this year. And we’re not going to ignore them cause they’re pretty sweet, especially, this one in Campbell river.
But, for the most part, it’s going to be, you know, rise over run, very similar, trails, very, very similar, like. Almost dead on. so that’s a great strategy. Awesome. Thanks guys. And Chase, how many times have you done BC Bike Race? four. So this will be five. This will be number five. Always happy to have you back.
Thanks. Always happy to be there. Cheers guys. anyone else have any questions? There’s one in the chat. What should we plan for with respect to rain? Do you want to address that one? good luck with that one. That is it. I mean, you know, it is summer. we can have rain. in the 10 years I’ve worked race week, the only wet year I remember was 2016.
so sometimes we may have a wet day, but I mean, for the most part, it’s the weather’s been pretty reasonable. last, was it last year? Yeah, 2023, we had the heat that was a bit of an issue, but, the weather’s gonna weather, right? And, you know, we can look at the forecast all we want, but the weather’s gonna do what the weather’s gonna do, so.
the best we can do, we sort of go with what’s reasonably expected for the summer on the island, which for the most part is pretty comfortable. I mean, what do we usually see? 24, 25 degrees Celsius. and you know, mostly dry, but. the weather’s going to weather. So can I, can I add to that Manara? I certainly wouldn’t travel anywhere ever without a windbreaker or a rain jacket.
A single ply Gore Tex will get you through a lot of things. It’s another layer, for racing wise, you probably won’t need it, but it’s in the cool, if it cools down in the evening or you get some rain around base camp, that’s when you’re going to want that jacket. I also am a vest guy. I really like my vests for summer conditions and you can take those out on course with you.
but if everybody brings a Gore Tex rain, rain shell, for sure we’re not going to have any rain. I can add just a little bit to that too, because I’ve seen a lot of things that are going on on course. So, going back to what Dre said earlier, if you’re at the pointy end of the stick, chances are you’re not going to have a rain jacket in your bag.
But if you’re surviving BC Bike Race daily, like it’s, like you’re hanging on by your nails, and it starts to rain, you probably have a little bit bigger of a pack. And I would, I’ve seen people who need that rain jacket in their pack on that day. So again, that’s who are you and what, what your, what your, race kind of plan looks like.
And then, the other thing that I think is kind of worth sharing is that if it’s been raining in some of our locations, we get some slippery conditions. And if you’re, new to the West coast, then, some really small neoprene kind of knee pads is not a bad way to both keep a little bit warmer and also protect your body on that slippery days.
Those are the two things I’d think that, I could add. I did see a question, about do we cancel stages for rain? And the answer would be no.
We put on our GORE TEX and off we go. I will, I will add, in, a couple locations, if it’s been heavy, heavy rain, we may have to alter the, the, race course, like a day, a day out. But that’s true of, of anything that’s a natural disaster of any kind, a slide or, or, heavy rain conditions. We, we, we kind of reserve the right to make some changes if we have to.
Is there contingency plans that would take into account, environmental terrain and stuff, but. For the most part, these trails are well maintained and well taken care of and are ridden in the rain, ridden. And our trails tend to drain well, so even they can withstand a fair amount of wet weather as well, just where the region we’re in.
But one other thing Jeff said was sort of if you’re hanging on by your nails to get and, you know, We’re nine months out now is a good time to start putting in the work so you don’t have to hang by your nails. Just putting that out there as we sort of start to talk about coaches program and putting in the work to have a really great week at BC bike race as opposed to hanging on by your nails.
Rob you had a question but I see you’ve put your hand down. Do you not have your question anymore or?
Hi sorry it was a, it was a, it was a address in the chat. Thank you very much. Okay perfect sorry I wasn’t keeping an eye on the chat.
So I would like to sort of wrap this up somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour. so My email you can reach me at info at bcbikerace.com. It’s easier than manila at bcbikerace.com, which I hope I, which can be harder to spell, but info at BC bike race. com. feel free to use me as a resource.
That’s what I’m here for. there’s no question that’s, you know, don’t ever worry about asking a dumb question, especially if it’s the first time coming to BC bike race. Sometimes when I say things, it sort of has become logical to me. So please always push back if my response isn’t making sense and, you know, push back to get the information you need because part of my role is to be on your support team between now and next June to make sure you have the best week on a bike.
So use me as a resource. you know, we have a great team behind us. We will be having regular zoom calls what I would like to give from all of you is sort of what you need Tell me what you need so we can provide the support if you need More coaching if you need some mindset stuff if you need if it’s logistics, that’s your challenge Tell me what you need so we can meet you on those things and make your journey to the BC Bike Race easier.
We just basically need you to get here and once you get to the BC Bike Race, we’ll take care of you. We’ve got you from that point on, but we need you to get here and, you know, get here in the best way and the most prepared way you can. To actually take this on and have that best week on a bike. So we’ve got some more calls coming and we will be sending out the recording for this call for anyone who’s missed it.
But we’ll also continue to do calls, both for our general, you know, people who are interested and curious about the BC Bike Race. And then we’ll also start shifting towards some more racer specific, calls where we sort of address your specific concerns if you’ve already. committed and registered.
So look for those to be coming. we’ve got, we’re working on coach’s corner. We’re working on your upgrades. Carmel, is there anything else you want to add? I don’t think so. we were going to mention that, we do have, a bit of a racer. guidebook coming out fairly soon, at least the first edition of it.
So there will be some logistical information to help you with booking flights and things like that, knowing where we’re going to be. and, so yeah, hopefully we’ll get that out to you relatively soon. And also, you know, we want to customize the content of these calls to, to meet your needs and we understand that everybody, we have 600 people come to BC Bike Race and everybody have their own goals.
So, you know, whether you’re chasing the podium or you just want to finish and have a great race at BC Bike Race, or you, you know, you’ve come a couple of times and you just want to get, you Do better in your age category again, you know I want to hear about your goals email me and tell me what you’re looking for out of your b cyber experience And that way we can customize the content of these calls and the material we give you to meet your needs So just keep that in mind.
We do want to hear from you. so we can make it everything easier for you Jason, you have a question
jason You have your hand raised Sorry, I was just finding the unmute button. yeah, as a newbie coming from Sydney, with that logistical pack of information coming, it’ll be handy. I plan to, I was planning to come into Vancouver before this meeting and then hop on a ferry, and then probably hire a car.
So I’ll probably be there a few days before the event to get over the jet lag and just get used to things. and then I’d be in your hands, right? And then ride for a week or whatever. And then we’d finish at a location, Cumex or something like that. And then probably I’d hire another car and then get a few Airbnb places and just hang out in Vancouver Island for a few weeks.
so it’d be really handy in that just, yeah, it would be really handy in that logistical pack. If, you could provide some car rental places, where we could hire cars maybe before and after we’re in your hands so we can continue our journey and maybe, any information because I heard, I heard the fairies get booked out like at that crazy time of the year, right?
So, so yeah, any sort of intel on whether it makes sense to get a fairy or for us international people, you know, if we, I think it’d probably be easier for us international people to get and we can help you with that. So in our, handbook, and you’re quite correct, you definitely want to book your ferry.
If you plan on taking the ferry to the island, you need to book ahead because ferries do get busy and that is a long weekend. Kamel, you’ve got your hand up. Yeah, I’ll just add to the fairy, I’m very familiar with the fairies living on the island. you can, they don’t allow you to book, like, super far in advance, but, they release them around, I think, three or four months.
In advance of the next set of reservations. So now if you’re a walk on, you don’t have to reserve. I’m assuming that most people will be driving if you’re coming over. So if you do, if you have a car, you do need to reserve. And what we’ll do is I’m going to contact BC Ferries and find out when they’re going to open those dates.
And then I’ll make sure that we post, in the Facebook group and send you guys an email and let you know when that’s available so you can get right on it.
So if you are registered racer, I know I did see pop up in the chat. Please make sure you join our Facebook group because that is a great resource for you. Not just information coming from us, but also your fellow racers are in there. And also you have a bunch of alumni just, you know, done this enough times before that they are a great resource for you.
Jan, you have another question. Yeah. So yeah, because it was brought up by our Aussie friend, Jason. So I was just wondering, could you, is that possible that you hire a car in say Vancouver and you drive To Victoria, they take the ferry and then drop it off there. Is that the thing? Because in Europe, that’s not very usual.
I don’t know about that. I know you can do it. It costs a whole bunch of extra. Yeah, just like it does when you do it in Europe. I’ve done it in Europe before, too. It just costs a lot more. Yeah. Okay. But that’s possible. Okay. And then I also just want to say a quick hello to Morton. Hanson is coming back next year.
Morton, what year did you do the BC bike race? Sorry, come again, please. I was just saying hello to you and saying I was happy to have you back in 2025. What year did you do BC Bike Race? Yeah, I’m on here. I’m so excited to be coming back this time. This time I’m hoping to be joining with a friend of mine so we can write the team event.
And I’m so excited that it’s a different place this time. But I do hope that we’ll get some more information in regards to the logistics and the whereabouts. Just a small part. Where we can go and see the, the prologue and, and how that’s going to play out. that, that’s just where you can find out what, what the things are going to be about.
So, so yeah, I’m so happy to be back. We’re happy to have you back. And like Kamal said, we’ll have that handbook, ready for you. Probably in the next week or 10 days. And then, you know, you also talk about arriving early and being able to have a look at the prologue. Last year, we were able to have that taped and ready to pre ride.
And I would imagine we’d be able to do that again, for next year. So there would be an opportunity to pre ride, at least certain parts of the course. Fantastic. Oh, I’m looking forward to it. Wonderful. Anything else before we wrap up folks? We do have a quick question in the chat. How do we access the Training Peaks programs?
I think that is, TBD or TBA. It’s funny you say TBA. I always say TBD. that will, as Dwayne said earlier, we are just in final negotiations with our coaches to get those pieces put together. But I would imagine we should have that ready sort of within the next couple of weeks. And basically you will get a link and then you I think what we did last year was two 12 week programs So, you know, one will be ready sort of now, and then the other one won’t be ready until the spring when, we sort of get close to that last 12 week period before, for the race.
But you can look for information on that coming in the next few weeks as well.
Fernando, what about you? Do you have any questions, Fernando? Are you just, are you just coming back to say hello? I just wanted to, you know, hear what’s up and any changes and what, I’m trying desperately to go. I’m in the best shape of my life, but life is throwing me curveballs. So I’m just waiting on the button like this.
Well, you know, we’d love to have you back again. Love to go. Fernanda, how can we help you push that button? What do you need to hear? Financial aid. Okay. No, no, actually a babysitter, but that’s, you cannot provide that. Okay. A babysitter, while you could bring your family with you, that would be the solution for that.
That would be solution for that. And a Mega Volt is also very big Mega Volt. I wanna do both, if possible. Get out here for Mega Volt. It’s a super fun event. Fernando, I, I wanna give you a shout out, Jeff, because, I’m actually have a dream build here in Panama. I just. I’m this close to getting awarded, trail building, contract.
So love to get a few pointers. yeah, well, I can connect you with the trail builders. I know I’m a collector. Yeah. Same stuff. Roots and rain. Good to see you, Fernando. Likewise, guys stoked. Get it together. We want to see you, buddy. Yeah, yeah, me too. I think we are good to wrap up. you just your question about a gravel race.
I’m not, there won’t be a gravel race from us this year. I know there are a bunch of other gravel events going on. Carton Newstek does a couple of gravel events out east, Cranbrook, Ferny Way, but we won’t be doing a gravel race. I’m looking at the Megavolt. Get the Chiefs, you got the E Chiefs going, Hugh.
Oh yeah, I know, I got them. Come on, Hugh, we’ve seen you at Gravel before, we’ve seen you at the Spike Race, now we want to see you at Megavolt. I know, you do at Megavolt. I’m in, I’m in, I’m in. I hear there’s an E Chiefs WhatsApp group. Yeah, yeah, I will. They’re dividing, they’re going to E. Make sure that the E Chiefs know about our Megavolt ride happening on October 19th.
October 19th? Oh my gosh, okay. We’ve got an E bike ride happening on the North Shore, so make sure you let them know about that. Okay. Is there a link somewhere? Okay, I’ll get it. I’ll get that. I will send it to you. I will send you the information so that I know you have it. Oh, come on up. Great. I’ll plug my bacon.
Perfect. If there’s nothing else, I think we’re going to wrap this up. Thank you, everyone, for showing up. This is great. Like, this engagement is so helpful for us to, you know, know how we can do better for you. So please keep asking the questions. Please keep emailing me. Besides, as long as you email me, you keep me employed.
So please continue to do that. Thanks, everyone. We appreciate you taking the time. Thanks. Bye.