Stage one on Sunday saw riders tackle the gnarly North Vancouver trails.
With everything packed up, we headed to Nanaimo with BC Ferries. Stage two began in Departure bay and was heading to Parksville at the beach.
370 riders walked off the ferry and just outside of the terminal was the start line set up and all the bikes ready to race.
The race began with a 20 minute police escort through the Nanaimo, then the police peeled off as racers headed for the single track.
It is the first year for the BC Bike race to visit Parksville. This course for stage two was designed by Norm Thibault and Sean Lenny. great job done! As many riders were very complementary of the wicked trails.
Team Blonde chasing the Blonde from Florida, Shelly and Carolyn said "they'll definitely be back again and it is only day two"
Above: JR and Nat from Montreal. " This is our first BC Bike race and we'll likely come again"
Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks of Team Kona were the first to finish, hot on their heels though, after a very tight race were Seamus McGrath and Chris Sheppard (Team Jamis - Santa Cruz). Third place was had by Chris Eatough and Jeff Schalk (Trek/VW)
Catharine Pendrel and Katerina Nash of Team Luna Chix again dominated the Women's Open category. Yesterday's two and three spots stayed the same today with Alison Sydor and Lea Davidson (Rocky Mountain) in second and Lisa Ludwig and Dawn Anderson (Oak Bay Bikes) in third.
Once the race was finished, riders refueled, got a shower and most scheduled some post race therapy with Catalyst Sports Massage. These skilled ladies were constantly busy as many riders had pre-booked online.
This mobile team specialize in massage and physiotherapy at all different types of events.
Visit www.Catalystsportsmassage.com to learn more.
The race now heads off to Cumberland for Stage three on Tuesday.
Course designed Jeremy Grasby, briefed the riders on what sounds like yet another fantastic single track experience.
A few Great Shots from Taylor Smith
