2026 COURSE INFO
STAGE 1
CUMBERLAND
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
We kick off our 20th year with the town that’s been with us through it all: the Village of Cumberland. Not only has this small bike-obsessed town hosted at least one stage for every single race, but they have such a massive and diverse trail network that we have hosted 2 stages here for the past few years. The committed members of the United Riders of Cumberland do an amazing job of developing new trails while maintaining what’s already there. We can’t think of a better place to start!
STAGE 2
CAMPBELL RIVER
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
The second stage is a classic epic XC ride with a lot of up and down through the phenomenal second-growth forest of the Snowden Demonstration Forest and Elk Falls Provincial Park. The course immerses you in the green room all day on a sliver of brown trail as you skirt alongside remote lakes and out onto open rocky bluffs. You’re going to love rolling through this emerald paradise.
STAGE 3
CUMBERLAND
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
Yes, Cumberland has enough trails for us to run 2 full stages—441 kms! Stage 3 will have a slightly different flavour than Day 1 and is guaranteed to leave you with a big smile at the end.
STAGE 4
TBA
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
Our course team is busy working on permits for a new location this year. As soon as we have the official nod, we’ll let you know. One thing you can be sure of is that, like every Vancouver Island trail network, it will have it’s own unique flavour of terrain for you to enjoy when you roll through this beautiful coastal forest.
STAGE 5
MOUNT TZOUHALEM, COWICHAN VALLEY
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
This stage is likely to be similar to the 2025 course with a few tweaks. Racers wove their way all around Mount Tzouhalem with 5 climbs and super fun descents. With an undulating profile rather than a big up and a big down, every effort had an amazing reward. We finished it all off with a smile-inducing rip down the mountain’s favourite flow trail, Double D.
STAGE 6
NANAIMO
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
With an abundance of trails, Nanaimo has been a staple mountain bike location on the mid-island for decades. The 2026 course will likely be similar to 2025, taking you to 3 distinct riding zones: The Abyss, Mount Benson and Westwood Lake, where you can round out your day with a refreshing swim.
STAGE 7
MAPLE MOUNTAIN, COWICHAN VALLEY
TOTAL DISTANCE: TBD
ELEVATION: TBD
Today is your victory lap and you are in for a sweet treat! Not only will you be riding one of the signature trails on Maple Mountain, but we have some fun surprises in store for you, the cherries on top of the BCBR cake, if you will. It will be a fun and challenging finish to a week of riding, earning you a full plate plus dessert at the gala dinner.
