Today, BC Bike Race (BCBR) and TimberWest signed a two-year access agreement giving BCBR license to host their annual international mountain bike event in TimberWest’s working-forest on Vancouver Island in the Cumberland area.
For the past twelve years, BCBR has hosted a seven-day mountain bike stage race along the coast of British Columbia from the mainland to Vancouver Island, across to the Sunshine Coast and finishing in Whistler (2007-2017). New for 2018 the two-day Vancouver Island portion of the race takes place in the Cowichan Valley and Cumberland, BC; a community renowned for its mountain biking culture and trails. The race this year will end in Squamish. BCBR works closely with all communities and local clubs along the route. In Cumberland, BCBR works with the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) to host the stage and maintain the trails in the working-forest to the international mountain biking safety standards.
“TimberWest, BCBR, and UROC have worked closely together over an 11-year period to successfully deliver the BCBR event in Cumberland every July,” says Marc Campbell, Community Relations and Sponsorship Manager with BCBR. “The new two-year access agreement with TimberWest strengthens this partnership and makes planning for the future a more collaborative endeavor. We hope to see BCBR expand its racing on Vancouver Island, and possibly work with TimberWest to make that a reality.”
“This two-year agreement goes a long way in formalizing our relationship with BCBR, and opening up dialogue about the future of BCBR in Cumberland and around Vancouver Island.”
“Responsible and safe access in our working-forest is really important to TimberWest,” said Domenico Iannidianardo, Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Forester. “We have such strong ties to the community of Cumberland, and we believe in what UROC and BCBR stand for in the community – safe, responsible, enjoyment of the working-forest! This two-year agreement goes a long way in formalizing our relationship with BCBR, and opening up dialogue about the future of BCBR in Cumberland and around Vancouver Island.”
The access agreement requires BCBR to provide TimberWest with their trail maps and event details in advance of publishing and marketing tickets to the yearly race, providing time for discussion or amendments to the trial maps depending on the operation of the working forest. Also included, is the continued close working relationship with UROC on trial maintenance and safety, and a formalized commitment from TimberWest to sponsor the Cumberland event.