Comox Valley Mountain Biking Forums and Trail News

IMPORTANT MEETING - Monday Sept 29th Jump Park in Cumberland

Skifreak — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:46:00 GMT

Just a quick note for all interested riders. Monday Sept 29th (tonight) 5:30 - 7:00pm at the Cumberland Cultural Center, Cumberland council is taking public input for various reports. Included is the opportunity for public input for the proposed rebuild of the Cumberland dirt jumps.

This is our opportunity to show council the broad interest of a jump park and pump track in the valley.

Email your support to admin@cvmtb.com if you will not make the meeting. Thanks for everyone help.

A few more volunteers needed for Momar race this Saturday

Skifreak — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:08:00 GMT

Just a quick note, if you've got a day off and want to come help out with the MOMAR adventure race, they are looking for a few more volunteers. Go to their website http://www.mindovermountain.com/momar/volunteers/volunteers.htm and sign up for their volunteer form. You can also stop by the Riding Fool Hostel today and they can probably find a place for help. Not all positions are all day long with some just in the last stages of the course.

Thanks for your help

Sleemans Year Ender Bender DH

Skifreak — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sept 20th, 2-4pm

What a great way to finish off another epic summer of riding! DH racing, refreshing beverages, and some end of season shwag from our great bike park sponsors. Come one, come all, this is the year ender bender!

Register at the ticket kiosk from 1:30pm to 2pm, then head out and rip it up at the last race if the season. We'll see you at the year-end BBQ after the race!

Bike Park Passholder race price is $10, non-passholders race for $15. All competitors get the race, a post-race bevy, and BBQ. Good times!

For more information contact Mount Washington Alpine Resort 250-338-1386 www.mountwashington.ca

Cumberland host for big adventure race

Skifreak — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:54:00 GMT

The Schick Xtreme3 Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) series is set to end its ninth season with its return to Cumberland on September 27, 2008.

The course is planned to be approximately 40 km long, including one kayak stage, two biking stages, three trekking/trail running stages, and a true orienteering stage.

"We come back to Cumberland year after year because of the incredible turn-out, community support and the spectacular landscape", said Race Director and course designer Bryan Tasaka. "For our 8th consecutive year here we have completely redesigned the course. We'll be using terrain never seen before in a MOMAR, including some of the best single-track BC has to offer."

Over 240 participants are already registered, including racers from Arizona, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, the Yukon and all over BC. Local athlete, Comox resident Sarah Seads, will be returning to defend her impressive, long run at the top for solo female racers.

Last year's overall winners, Victoria's Todd Nowack and Gary Robbins of Squamish, will also be back to defend their spot at the top.

The MOMAR post-race festivities will be held at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

The event is Hawaiian-themed in honor of the $14,000 in prizes to be given out, which includes a trip for two to Hawaii.

Other great prizes include a team entry for the 2009 BC Bike Race, a custom bike frame from Berg Bikes, Helly Hansen gear, Keen footwear, Frontrunners gift certificates and more.

Adventure racing is a relatively new sport that is quickly gaining popularity worldwide.

The Schick Xtreme3 Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race Series (MOMAR), one of Canada's most popular adventure race series, is a one-day event that challenges the bodies and minds of racers over 40-45km of rugged and visually stunning West Coast terrain.

It features the multi-sport disciplines of mountain biking, trail running, orienteering, kayaking and mystery events. Competitors race solo, or in teams of two or four.

For more information go to http://www.mindovermountain.com/momar/, e-mail info@mindovermountain.com or call 1.866.912.3331.

Local rider wins juniors at provincial downhill race

Skifreak — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:47:00 GMT

Marcel Tetrault - Comox Valley Echo

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

A local 18-year-old mountain biker topped the juniors at this year's Provincial Downhill Mountain Bike Championships, held at Mount Washington at the end of August.

Simon Garstin completed the two-kilometre course, which over its length drops about 1,400 vertical feet, in three minutes and 43 seconds.

That fastest time of the day, by a senior elite rider, was just one second ahead of Garstin's time.

"They're the fastest in B.C.," said Garstin. "I was a second off from the first place in pro. I wanted to get the fastest -- I knew I could, but I made a few mistakes.

"I was pretty familiar with the course because I ride up there quite a lot -- it's kind of my local course. I've been able to analyze it and see where I can go faster."

The end of August saw a lot of rainfall, making a technical course even trickier.

"It was muddy," said Garstin. "The first half of the course turned into kind of like a river in spots. There are a lot of rocks and roots on the course. So there was a thin layer of mud on top of all that -- it's quite slippery. It's easier to make mistakes when it's like that.

"Mount Washington did a good job on the course. I look forward to next year."

The race ends Garstin's season. Next year he will compete with the top riders in the senior elite division.

"What I'll be doing now is just preparing for next year, trying to get sponsors and just getting everything ready so that, come spring time, things are in place to just train and race," he said. "I'll be training all winter."

Garstin wanted to thank his sponsors: Mountain City Cycles, Giant Bicycles, Gary Murdoch Chartered Accountant, Eddy Betinol Physio, Canadian Tire, Brian Mclean Chevrolet, Theme Gardens Landscaping, River Meadow Farms, Rotary Club Of Cumberland, VIMSS, Bank Of Montreal and Ascent Coaching.

mtetrault@comoxvalleyecho.com

Mount Washington Hosts BC Cup Finals This Weekend

Skifreak — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:03:00 GMT

After hosting Canada Cup races two years in a row, Mount Washington returns to its provincial roots with the return of the BC Cup Finals and Provincial Championships this weekend. The downhill takes place this Saturday, August 30th and cross-country racing begins Sunday, August 31st.

British Columbia’s best up and comers in the downhill (DH) and cross-country (XC) disciplines will be battling it out for provinical bragging rights. The Monster Mile, one of the province’s gnarliest downhill tracks and the grueling 6.5 kilometre long XC loop will definitely test the limits of all the competitors.

“We’re stoked to see the BC Cup Finals return to Mount Washington,” explains race director Mike Manara. “We've made huge improvements to the Monster Mile and XC loop over the last month to get it race ready, and it's great to see the province’s best riders racing here before they head to the national and international stage.”

Even though British Columbia’s finest merchants of speed will be in attendance this weekend, racing opportunities exist for amateurs and locals in the citizen categories. So you don’t have compete on the BC Cup circuit to take part in the action. This is a great way to test your skills against the province’s best!

In between race days, Sixgun Buddha make their triumphant return to Fat Teddy’s Bar and Grill on Saturday night. These local favourites will bring peace, love, and rock and roll to a packed house of booty movers for an Island style shakedown. Put on your party hat and dancin’ shoes people, the Sixgun are back!

Mount Washington could use your assistance at this weekend’s races. Do you love mountain biking or have a child or spouse racing this weekend? If this sounds like you then consider giving a few hours of your time to help the races run smoothly and safely! It's a fun environment, you meet some great people and gain some valuable experience. No previous bike race experience is necessary. Perks include bike park or winter day tickets, meals, and lots of fresh air!

If you’re looking to ride the bike park during the BC Cup Finals, the trails off the Eagle Chair will be closed to public on Friday and Saturday. A discounted ticket rate of $29 plus GST will be available at the ticket window. All bike park trails will re-open to the public on Sunday.

For the complete schedule of racing and registration information for the BC Cup Finals and Provincial Championships go to mountwashington.ca/bccupfinals.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a proud member of Bike Parks of BC. The park is open daily until September 21, 2008. For accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to mountwashington.ca for additional information including the live mountain cam.

Comox Valley Century Ride for YANA - Sept 7th 2008

Skifreak — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:42:00 GMT

The Century Ride

What started out as a challenge to road riding enthusiasts has shaped into something much more powerful and beneficial. Originally, the goal of the Century Ride was to complete a 100 mile (or 160 kilometer) road ride throughout the Comox Valley. Then race coordinator Les Black decided that perhaps those who ride for their own health and wellness may be able to support those who are preoccupied with the critical health of someone they love. An extra challenge can been woven into the century ride:

Can you ride 100 miles?

There are no trophies awaiting at the finish line, nor are there points for competi-tors or prizes for age categories. What there will be is other enthusiasts, like yourself who seek challenging rides to keep fit and meet other riders who enjoy similar feats.

I want to ride, but I don’t think I can finish the whole 100 miles.

Because of the emphasis on teamwork and family, the Century Ride will accommodate all abilities of riders and all interpretations of a Century Ride. If you and 4 friends wish to ride 20 miles a piece, and collectively complete 100miles that is fine.

Why Y.A.N.A.?

Black’s Cycle is a family owned, family oriented business that has been established for over 25 years. To commemorate 25 years of business, we wish to celebrate “families” and give back to the community, especially for those in need. Y.A.N.A. is a non profit society in the Comox Valley that provides financial support for families faced with a medical crisis involving children. Y.A.N.A. believes in keeping the family unit intact during and after a child's illness.. Black’s Cycle believes in caring for those who are in time of need.

Race Information and Course Maps

Check out the website for full details

Registration

Pre-registration for number count is anytime up until the ride (contact Black’s Cycle) Ride day check-in 7:00am —9:00am on Sunday at Black’s Cycle

Help needed

Help officiating / volunteering: contact Les at Black’s (250)339-7011

Time

9:00am until finished (may be between 6 – 8 hours for full 160km distance depending on weather and ability)

For more information about The Century Ride, please contact Les at Black’s Cycles.

Pledge forms are available at Blacks Cycles at www.blackscycle.ca or through the Comox Valley Cycle Club
Anyone wishing to make a donation please contact Les.

Sponsored by:

URGENT: Bearclaw Slopestyle Starts Friday!

Skifreak — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:58:00 GMT

The Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle, one of mountain biking's premiere events, begins one day early on Friday, August 22nd.

“We're starting the first runs for all riders tomorrow night,” explains rider and event founder Darren Berrecloth. “We have a perfect weather window for the next 24 hours to run the first round. If the good weather continues, we will run the second and third runs on Saturday as scheduled.”

The decision to run the Slopestyle Friday evening instead of the Free Slalom was made after close examination of Mount Washington's weather forecasting models. Dry conditions are expected to remain until Saturday evening.

This means all of the rider's will get their first runs Friday evening starting at 5:00pm. The second and possibly third runs will continue as scheduled on Saturday at noon. Following the Slopestyle, the Oakley High Air comp will take place beside the huge final drop on the slopestyle course.

To see the revised schedule for the Bearclaw Invitational, check out the main page at mountwashington.ca.

The Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle is sponsored by: Adidas Eyewear, Red Bull, Specialized Bikes, Fox Racing Shox, Dakine, Race Face, Hayes Disc Brakes, Mavic, Kokanee, the Head First Army, Toyota, and Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is host site for the Bearclaw Invitational. The bike park is open daily until September 21, 2008. For accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386. Surf to mountwashington.ca for additional information including the live mountain cam.

BC Cup Finals - Volunteers Needed

Skifreak — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:43:00 GMT

Mount Washington is hosting this years BC Cup Finals DH and XC Races and is looking for volunteers to help on the weekend of August 30th - 31st. DH riders hit up the infamous Monster Mile on Saturday and XC racers test their endurance on the challenging XC loop on Sunday.

http://www.mountwashington.ca/bccupfinals/

Entertainment

Local rock heroes SIX GUN BUDDHA will be cranking out the funky tracks at Fat Teddy's Bar & Grill on Saturday Night. Best of all, it's FREE!!! That's right, no cover charge, just great music all evening. Make sure to get here early.

Become a Volunteer! We Need You!

VOLUNTEER! These races cannot happen without the generous help of loads of quality volunteers. Do you love volunteering, mountain biking, or have a child or spouse racing this weekend? If so then you should consider giving a few hours of your time to help the races go smoothly and safely!

t's a fun environment, meet some great people and gain some valuable experience.

All volunteers will receive the following perks:

Free breakfast on Race Day
Free lunch on Race Day
Party Saturday night in Fat Teddy's Grill for volunteers, featuring live entertainment (Must be 19 or over to attend)
Free camping on Race Weekend
Scenic Chairlift Ride or Bike + Rider Voucher (Valid until Sept. 21, 2008)
Midweek Ski Lift Ticket Voucher valid for the 2008/2009 Winter Season

You may contact us by phone: 250-334-5710
Or Email: Volunteers@MountWashington.ca

Warning - keep your bikes locked up! Simon Cycles attempted burglary

Skifreak — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:29:00 GMT

Two burglars leave Comox crime scene after stealing boat — flee by water for Campbell River

By Jules Xavier - Comox Valley Record

Published: July 31, 2008 3:00 PM
Updated: August 01, 2008 9:08 AM

An early morning break-in at Simon's Cycles in Comox remains under investigation after two men fled the scene Thursday morning in a stolen boat.

According to RCMP Const. Tammy Douglas, police were dispatched to the Comox store after receiving a call around 4:40 a.m.

"A stolen truck was found backed up in front of the store, the front window broken and the security bars bent," said Douglas. "A second stolen vehicle was located behind the Comox Legion. Witnesses stated two males, both with dark hair and wearing all dark clothing, were responsible for the incident."

Mounties report that the men left the Comox Valley after stealing a boat from the Comox Marina. It was recovered in the Campbell River area after 7:30 a.m. along with some stolen property.

An RCMP canine unit was sent from Comox to Campbell River to track the thieves, but nothing was found, the trail going cold by the time the dog arrived to pick up the scent where the boat was ditched on the shoreline.

If you have any knowledge about this break-in and thefts, you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. A reward is offer ed up to $2,000 for any information leading to an arrest. Police don't want your name, only your information.

Meanwhile, local police are dealing with a rash of dirt bike thefts in the Comox Valley.

"It appears someone has been targeting primarily Honda dirt bikes," said Douglas. "There have been five taken in the last month and a half, with two of them stolen July 29."

Mounties are asking for the public's assistance to find the individual, or people, responsible for these thefts.

If you have any information, contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.

news@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Valhalla Pure Outfitters and CVMTB.com give back to local trail builders

Skifreak — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:27:00 GMT

We're lucky in the Comox Valley to have some very dedicated and crafty builders who volunteer their spare time to give back to the riding community. A few months ago I asked one of our local businesses about ordering some Dakine Builders Packs for local builders. Well Jerry at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Courtenay went that extra mile and dontated two brand new builders packs to us a couple of weeks ago. After some nice stitching work by Fish n Stitches in Comox, we had to decide who would be best deserving of the packs. Since we have two trail areas in the valley we chose to give one to each area.

The pack for Forbidden Plateau goes to Darren for his hard work and many new stunts built over the past number of years.

Our second pack has been donated to the United Riders of Cumberland and will be put to use this fall rebuilding Bucket of Blood and a few other gem trails in the region.

Expandable chainsaw pocket
Quick access lopper sleeve
Hammer tool sleeves (Both sides)
Fuel/Oil bottle pocket (Both sides)
Water bottle pocket (Both sides)
Back and top access
Nail bag and first-aid pouch
Multiple storage pockets
Macleod/shovel carry sleeves
Volume: 1800 cu.in. (29L)
Size: 21 x 11 x 8" (53 x 29 x 20cm)
Materials: Cordura Ballistic Nylon

Bearclaw Invitational 3 - Aug 22nd & 23rd

Skifreak — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:07:00 GMT

So here is all the info you need to know about the 3rd annual Bearclaw Invitational at Mount Washington. First of all, I want to say thanks to all of my sponsors. They helped me bring this idea in my head to life, and without them none of this would have been possible. Adidas Eyewear, Specialized, Fox Suspension, Red Bull, Kokanee, Hayes Brakes, Dakine, Shimano, and last but not least, Mount Washington, for providing a location, staff, and all the rest of the pieces of the puzzle to make it awesome.

For riders that are invited: there is a mandatory rider meeting at Fat Teddy's on Mount Washington. The meeting is on August 20th at 8:00pm, be there. Remember that full faces are mandatory and there will be a score reduction for wearing tight pants. What is too tight one might ask? Well, if your girlfriend looks good in them, then they're too tight.

So here's the deal: on August 22nd there will be a free slalom event which is invitation only. If you think you can win it and are not invited, email me. The format of the free slalom is simple; it's a dual slalom course with 3 or 4 dirt jumps in it. It's basically racing with the jumps also being judged, in a similar format to mogul skiing. We're bringing in a mogul skiing judge for continuity and yes, this is the first time a competition of this sort is being held. And just so you know, Kirt Vories is the guy who came up with the idea. Werd Kurt!

On August 23rd the real fun starts with the Bearclaw Invitational slopestyle. The format is two runs for each rider, that's it. The show starts at 12:30 pm sharp, so don't be late. Get up to Mount Washington to watch the best riders in the entire world compete for respect and some serious cash. The purse is currently at $18,000, but I'm sure it will be bigger than that...shhhh don't tell anybody though.

Promptly after the final slopestyle run, riders will be warming up on the high air jump to compete for a rad watch from Oakley. If you don't know what the high air jump is, well, I'll tell ya. It's a dirt jump where you put an elevated pole across the jump, similar to a regular high jump. The pole keeps being raised until nobody can clear it - the end. The rider with the highest jump wins. Last year the record was 16.5 feet, and it was very exciting to watch I must say.

Straight after the high air event, the results will be given for the slopestyle. FYI- watch out for Cam McCaul; he's on the chase to triple this event. Cam won the comp in year one and last year he stomped every trick he attempted for another first place finish last summer. This is his first chance at hat-tricking a slopestyle event.

Meanwhile, a Red Bull dj will be taking care of the music to keep the crowd pumpin'. Oops, I almost forgot to mention all the other important stuff, like the fact that the beer gardens will be serving fresh Kokanee during the entire event. There will also be food vendors at the slopestyle site along with Fat Teddy's Bar and Grill servin' up cold drinks and hot meals in the Alpine Lodge.

See you at the event.

Darren Berrecloth

Update as of July 29th

The rider lineup for the 2008 Bearclaw Invitational:

Berrecloths CAN

Jordie Lunn CAN

Ryder Kasprick CAN

Thomas Vanderham CAN

Dave Smutok USA

Brandon Semenuk CAN

Alex Pro CAN

Kyle Strait USA

Ben Boyko CAN

Eric Porter USA

Geoff Gullevich CAN

Ross Mcmaster CAN

Kurt Sorge CAN

Andreu Lacondeguy ESP

Wayne Goss CAN

Benny Korthaus GER

Trond Hansen NOR

Grant Fielder UK

Lance McDermott UK

Adam Hauck USA

Alex Reveles USA

Andrew Taylor USA

Cameron McCaul USA

Cameron Zink USA

Greg Watts USA

Jamie Goldman USA

Phil Sundbaum USA

Paul Basagoitia USA

Tyler McCaul USA

BC Cup Finals - Mount Washington Bound

Skifreak — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:45:00 GMT

The BC Cup Finals and Provincial Championships return to Mount Washington in late August. DH riders hit up the infamous Monster Mile on Saturday and XC racers test their endurance on the challenging XC loop on Sunday. Categories, costs, and other vital information are coming shortly. Stay tuned!

click here to register online and avoid the $10 onsite late fee!

Travel Grants available to Cycling BC clubs for Provincial Championships - click here for application form and submit via fax to Sport BC at 604-333-3401. Applications must be submitted by Aug 1st/08.

Lucky Thursday's returns!

Skifreak — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:56:00 GMT

Calling all locals!! This is the ultimate fun DH race series sponsored by Lucky Lager and Dodge City Cycles. For $5 you get your race registration, a beverage, and some great door prizes from our awesome sponsors! It's a steal! Each week features a different trail, so get up here and own the mountain for the love of Lucky! Check out the burger and Lucky beverage specials apres-race in Fat Teddy's.

Registration starts at 5pm, race to start 6ish.

Mount Washington Bike Park 2008 - What's new...

Skifreak — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

Mount Washington literally cranks it up another notch this summer! Over 100,000 dollars in project capital has been pumped into one of BC's best bike parks over the last two years. So, what's new at the Mount Washington Bike Park in 2008?

New and Improved Bike Park Skills Areas

The mountain offers three separate skills areas where riders can focus on improving their riding ability on various stunts in a low-pressure environment

Introducing a Quick and Dirty Timewarp!

The renovated and rebranded Quick and Dirty runs from the Alpine Lodge to the bottom of the Hawk Chair. It lives up to it's name! Timewarp is the newest trail winding down the western flank of Mount Washington off the top of the popular Hawk Chair. Intermediates will love the flow and progressive nature of this trail!

Bike Events Rule

Mount Washington is the host site for the world's best mountain bike events! The infamous Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle returns for it's third installment this summer, and some new additions have been created by event founder Darren Berrecloth.

The world's first Free-Slalom event takes place in the evening on Friday, August 22. What is Free-Slalom? It combines the best of mountain bike freeriding and racing. Two riders, side by side, racing against the clock on a course filled with berms and hits. Speed is essential, but judges will be weighing in on the quality of the air and style competitors throw down on course. Judged airs and racing against the clock, let the evolution of mountain bike racing begin.

Claw's Slopestyle and High Air contest return to the slopes of Mount Washington's Green Face on Saturday, August 23. If you could choose to see one unbelievable event in your lifetime, this is the event you should show up for!

After hosting Canada Cup races and the National Mountain Bike Championships two years in a row, the mountain returns to it's provincial roots by hosting British Columbia's finest DH and XC racers at this year's BC Cup Finals and Provincial Championships on August 30-31.

To compliment the early season Norco Learn to Ride Week, the appropriately named Back to Bike School Week fine tunes your bike prowess from September 8 to the 12. There's no better way to boost your confidence at the end the season than with solidly-schooled bike riding!

Late Season Hours Extended!

Riders can take advantage of the bike park enhancements with the mountain's new extended hours starting September 2. The bike park keeps you in the saddle from noon to 6:30 pm daily until the end of the summer season. More time on the bike means more time doing what you should be doing ...having fun! Regular summer hours are 11:00 am to 7:30 pm from June 30 to September 1.