Mountain biking is evolving and the BC Bike Race is evolving along with it.
eMountain Bikes have been steadily gaining traction in recent years for a variety of reasons. Pros use them as a training tool, riders with spinal injuries, chronic injuries or aging joints are using them to re-enter the sport they love and some folks just like the fun of going almost as fast uphill as they do downhill. eMountain Bikes have entered the competitive space too, with events specifically for ebikes.
Throughout our 19-year history, we have been committed to two things:
Creating the Ultimate Singletrack Experience
AND
Giving riders their Best Week on a Bike
With the creation of the eBC⚡️BR, we’re continuing to do that for a larger group of people. Never before has our sport been so inclusive! We think that’s something to celebrate through a new, concurrent and separate e-bike event.
It’s time for the next phase of our story!!
What is the eBC⚡️BR?
The eBC⚡️BR is the Ultimate eMTB Experience and still the Ultimate Singletrack Experience! It’s a separate event running concurrently with the original BC Bike Race. It will have a separate start time and a separate course designed specifically to challenge eMountain Bikers.
Like the original BC Bike Race, each stage will be technically challenging. Riders are expected to have at least a high intermediate skill level to navigate the technical uphill and downhill sections.
To learn more about why we’re creating an opportunity for pedal assist eMountain Bikes at BCBR, check out the blog.
Only 100 available
Price: $2,299 CDN
Approx. $1,650 USD / 1,550 Euro / 1,300 GBP
Transportation, accommodation and food are not included in registration price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the ebikes be using the same course as non-powered racers?
A: At no point will ebikers and non-ebikers interact on course. Over 19 years, we’ve become experts at ensuring racers of different speeds and skill levels can participate in the same event and have a great time. We will be putting all that expertise to use to make sure no one’s race experience is negatively impacted by the other event.
Q: What type of ebike is accepted?
A: Only Type 1 ebikes, where riders must pedal for the motor to engage, will be allowed. The full range of pedal assist bikes can be used including super light (SL) and full power. Bikes with throttles are NOT allowed.
Q: Will I be able to do each stage on a bike in the lower range of power and battery capacity (i.e. SL models)?
A: Part of the challenge we love about the new and exciting sport of eMTB is battery management. Since ebikes are evolving fast and we’ve been doing the MegaVolt eMTB Festival for 4 years, we understand this dynamic. If you have a smaller battery, we recommend a range extender; however, the concept of the eBCBR is not to see how far we can go on our bikes but how much singletrack we can slay with the technology we have. These stages will not be longer than the regular BC Bike Race stages. Think fast and furious and using most of your battery. We are currently designing the ebike course with all of this in mind.
Q: What if I run out of battery on course?
A: As with any other disruption to your race—mechanical or injury—we are here to support you. If necessary, we will send course control out to bring you back to basecamp.
Q: Can I send a spare battery to the aid station?
A: No. You will need to carry your own spare parts during the race, including a battery if you choose.
Q: Can I stay in basecamp accommodations?
A: You will not be able to charge your bike at basecamp so we recommend you book other accommodations that provide you with the ability to charge.
Q: Can I use the BCBR transportation add-on with my ebike?
A: Our staff and equipment cannot accommodate the weight of ebikes. You will need to arrange your own transportation for the week.
Q: Will I be able to charge my bike at basecamp?
A: No. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to charge bikes at basecamp.
Q: Can I purchase the meal plan?
A: Yes! Even if you are staying off-site, you can take advantage of our meal program designed to support 7 days of racing. Joining other racers in the meal hall is also a great opportunity to connect with other riders from around the world. Many of our alumni have made life-long friends from both on course and in the meal hall.
“We believe that both the regular mountain bike and the class one pedal assist e⚡️mountain bikes have a place at the BC Bike Race to enjoy the Ultimate Singletrack Experience and the “Best week on a bike” equally. This is new and we are mindful of the moment. It’s a major change.”
-Dean Payne, President, BC Bike Race
