This weekend the BC Cup DH round three was held at Arduum challenge in Mission.
I think this might be the most fun and exciting race track in BC.
The course is nicely steep, technical and flowy, riders get a blend of slower rocky, rooty sections and hang on, fast, g-out descents.
There are berms into jumps and some great drops. Most importantly lots of line choice.
Racers loved riding Arduum and the spectators wished they were riding too.
The weather was awesome during the practice and race clinic on Friday and Saturday. Sunday morning's pre-race conditions were perfect with a small amount of moisture to hold it all together.
Then as the senior men got on course, the rain began, it then rained and rained solidly, stopping just in time for the end of the Pro category then podium ceremony.
Some riders were a bit more cautious on the now muddy root sections, others took the opportunity to show how they love to let it hang out and shred the wet conditions. All things considered, the weather added an extra element that made for some awesome racing, but not for awesome photos.
The Arduum course was a challenge for all, including the many photographers as such tight trees did not help the light.
Hecklers Ridge this week was actually Hecklers Cabana, which then later became a rain shelter. The soaked through hecklers, again played a key part in motivating the riders mid way down the course with plenty of cheering, abuse and cow bell.
On Saturday night the guys from Dunbar Cycles set up their 16" BMX pit race next to Mill Pond. With a Marzocchi single crown as first prize, riders stepped up their game.
After a pre race course walk the race was on!
The course was marked out with cones on the grass, the darkness and uneven surface led to hilarious bails, face plants and tumbles. Truck headlights set up to shine on the course helped somewhat but most of the these photos were taken in the dark.
The next event is the Mad Trapper Panorama Cup Downhill on June 28.
