The BC Cup Provincial Championships return to Mount Washington Aug. 24-26. And with them comes the return, after a two-year hiatus, of the Monster Mile, one of the most challenging downhill mountain bike trails on the circuit.
“Obviously, we're stoked to reopen Monster Mile for the provincial champs,” explains Bike Park manager Mike Manara. “We know the DH racers love that course so it will be big news in the racing community and shows our commitment to our Bike Park operations.”
The double-black diamond Monster Mile lives up to its name. Long, demanding and strikingly old school, it's the kind of trail that creates legends and breaks champions. The Mile is notorious in the race community and the only reason it was held back for two years was snow.
“It's hard to believe that snow kept the trail out of commission for that long,” adds Manara. After receiving three massive snow seasons in a row, the Monster Mile was literally still buried in snow as late as August when BC Cup events were happening at the mountain.
With warmer than average weather over the last month and hard work by the Mount Washington trail crew, the Mile is back. It opens for a sneak peek this weekend (Aug. 18-19). The trail closes again midweek then reopens for training runs and the BC Cup.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Cycling BC are partnering once again to bring B.C.'s best racers to Vancouver Island. The BC Cup race series incorporates both downhill and cross-country disciplines of mountain biking.
The events begin Saturday, Aug. 25 with the cross-country races and end Sunday, Aug. 26 with the speed and thrills of the downhill. Brett Tippie, freeride legend and "Director of Good Times," will be making the call and no doubt laughing his way through the weekend!
Even with B.C.'s best XC and DH riders in attendance, you don't need to be a pro to experience what Mount Washington's BC Cup is all about.
“We like to support our local racers and give them a chance to race at higher profile events like the BC Cup. There is a Citizen class for amateur riders looking to test their skills on our XC loop and Monster Mile,” Manara said.
Categories for the BC Cup are wide-ranging, where competitors race from as early as 10 years of age in the U15 category to over 50 years of age in the venerable Masters category.
If you’re not a racer but love to volunteer at great events, the mountain could use a hand. Volunteers are needed to help the races run smoothly and the the best part is you get front-row seat of the racers in action. No previous bike race experience is necessary.
For all race information including course maps, racing fees, schedules, volunteering and everything else you need to know about the BC Cup at Mount Washington, head to mountwashington.ca.
– Mount Washington Alpine Resort