Penticton takes centre stage for B.C. Bike Race Oct. 2-8

In its 14th year, the world famous B.C. Bike Race will be making its pandemic debut on the gorgeous trails of Penticton this Oct. 2-8 after being cancelled in 2020. Coined the ultimate singletrack experience, B.C. Bike Race is changing its format, schedule and location to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions.

For the first time, trails surrounding Penticton will showcase elite racing in the best fall climate for bike riding in Canada. After being postponed, the cooler weather and colourful fall landscapes will offer a unique experience since the race is typically held in the midst of the July heat.

With six days of riding and seven stages, there is plenty of singletrack to go around. The 650 riders should expect to pedal for thee to six hours per day on some of the best singletrack trails in the world. Riders will stay in Penticton and head out each day in a cloverleaf format, riding new trails each day. The quintessential Three Blind Mice trails gets the week started on Oct. 3. Over the following few days riders will venture to Cartwright Mountain, Conkle Mountain, Apex Mountain, Naramata and Campbell Mountain before returning to Three Blind Mice to finish off the week.

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In past years, riders camped together at the end of each stage and recovered together. Public health-ordered COVID-19 restrictions limit gatherings but it will not limit the fun. Beer and wine gardens will be held at the end of the stages in Penticton (health order permitting) and racers should expect fully stocked, fun aid stations throughout the course. 

If you are in the Penticton area, you can cheer on the racers as they explore the Penticton landscape.

To learn more visit the B.C. Bike race website here.

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