After 238 kilometres of riding in four different communities over seven days, the vibe at the final 2025 BCBR finish line in Cumberland Village Park was all stoke.
While many people said it was the hardest thing they’d ever done, it was also the most fun they’d ever had.
The early mornings, the hot days, the lung-bursting climbs, all was forgotten as each rider rolled, smiling, over the finish line.
The belt buckle draped around their necks by members of our red shirt team was a declaration of victory over the famous British Columbia trails and the challenges those trails threw at them.
But before all of that, they had a second tour of the Cumberland trail network to complete for Stage 7, presented by Cumberland’s own NOBL Wheels.
After sending racers through the start chute, Brett Tippie kept them motivated on course through the day.
I am a Mountain Biker!
With a booming voice, Cumberland’s Town Crier, Kevin Flesher, sent this year’s racers on the final segment of their singletrack journey by reciting his poem, “I am a Mountain Biker”, which he wrote for the BC Bike Race.
I am a mountain biker
I eat pain for breakfast
my grip is onto death and gravity is my bitch.
throughout the daily grind as the clock grunts and sputters
in its creeping lethargy my mind races ahead to the trail
that’s where the roots and rocks wait
to rattle and shake my bones back to life
to stir my blood and lungs
Read the rest of the poem here. https://bcbikerace.com/i-am-a-mountain-biker/
Kevin Flesher recites his poem, “I Am A Mountain Biker” to the racers before they head out for the last day.
As each wave of racers steeled themselves and waited for their countdown, BCBR President and Co-founder, Dean Payne weaved through the start chute giving fist bumps to racers and thanking them for being part of this year’s event.
He also led out the 7-person eBCBR category an hour later with some words of gratitude: “I just wanted to congratulate this group of riders here who displayed ambassadorship…All reports were that you guys were courteous, kind and having fun,” he said.
And with that, the last wave of riders headed out on course just 15 minutes before the first pro rider, Sean Fincham, pedaled back in to clinch the win for the day and the week.
To find out what happened on course, read Terry McKall’s Race Report.
As racers waited for the cue to go, BC Bike Race President and Co-founder, Dean Payne, moved through the start chute offering both thanks and congratulations to racers.
Basking in the glory of success
The rest of the day at basecamp was a blur of hugs, smiles and belt buckle glory as racer after racer rolled across the finish mat.
Old friends, new friends and trail rivals all hung out and reflected on the week’s setbacks and successes until emcee Brett Tippie started the fun and games with a Maxxis Tire giveaway before the awards.
While most of the racers were relaxing in the shade, hoping to snag themselves a set of tires, a few of their comrades were still out on course and everyone took a break from the entertainment and awards to cheer as each one rolled in.
The cheers were extra big when our very own Racer Relations Lead Moniera Khan came through the finish, escorted by former BC Bike Race Champion and six time World Solo 24 Hour Champion, Cory Wallace.
Our Racer Relations Lead Moniera Khan, had a very special escort into basecamp as BCBR champion Cory Wallace rode with her for the final few hundred metres.
There were plenty of family moments at this year’s race with several couples, father-son and father-daughter teams racing.
Racers enjoyed a free post-race drink after crossing the finish line.
An emotional finish
As this was the end of the penultimate 7-day BC Bike Race, emotions were high for the team that makes it all happen.
“I do all these crazy events and my favourite event of the season is BC Bike Race,” said Brett Tippie, getting a little choked up.
Speaking just before the Solo Open Men and Women’s winners were announced, Co-founders Andreas Hestler and Dean Payne, addressed the crowd with gratitude.
“We put our heart and soul into this year-round,” said Payne. “I can’t thank you enough for being here this year.”
He also called up “Ironman” Graeme Fitch to recognize him for completing all 136 stages that BC Bike Race has had in its 19 years.
“This is a statistical anomaly,” said Payne as he brought Fitch up to the podium.
The only person who’s come remotely close to Fitch’s record is Greg Heyes, who completed every stage in 14 out of 19 years, adding up to 98 stages.
Just before Fitch stepped off the podium, Dean asked him if he would be back for the final 7-day journey.
“I signed up for next year already because I wanted the discount,” he joked.
One of our seven e-bikers had an emotional message for her fellow racers too. Taking third overall in the e-bike category, Heide Saunders thanked everyone for accepting the new category’s participants and for being so kind to them on the trails.
Originally planning to compete as a team with Leslie Tomlinson, who won the Solo 60+ women’s category, Heide experienced an injury that removed the option to ride a regular bike.
“My heart is full. Thank you,” she told the crowd.
Ready to join us in 2026?
And that’s it for 2025! 2026 registration is now open and there’s a $300 discount for the next 150 people who register. If this event has been on your bucket list, plan to say “I’m glad I did it,” instead of “I wish I’d done it”. There’s no event like this in the world and you’ve only got one more chance at taking in the full 7-day experience. Register now.
Words by Carmel Ecker
Photos by Deniz Merdano and Dave Silver
