Comox Valley Mountain Biking Forums and Trail News

Over the years cycling on Vancouver Island has gone through many changes. Starting in the late 80's and early 90's with some classic races such as Burnt Bridge, Millstream Mudfest, Hornby Bike Fest, The Coca Cola Classic, Fat Chance Poker Ride and more. Of those only Hammerfest remains as a regular event. 

As the new 2008 Island Cup Series is in the early stages of organization, a set of questions emerge as to how to get back some of the racing heritage on this island. Has time become too short for people? Bikes too expensive? Racing too expensive? Not enough fun?

Please choose the best answer below and / or post your comments in a reply. 

The best way to make change is get involved and this is your easy way to help shape Mountain Bike Racing on Vancouver Island. 

RIP Rumblefest.

I was thinking of doing some DH races this upcoming season.

mtbman:

I was thinking of doing some DH races this upcoming season.

what would solidify your decision? price? location? level of fun?

flow:

RIP Rumblefest.

I think they're still planning it in the schedule....

I just talked to Brad and I guess he is taking Rumblefest on once again.   Amazing since he was pretty burnt out last year.  Its a big undertaking to run a couple races and only have a handful (thats being generous) of people to help organize it.  Will have to remember to bring him some beers this year for all his hard work.

Skifreak:

mtbman:

I was thinking of doing some DH races this upcoming season.

what would solidify your decision? price? location? level of fun?

Location is not to big a deal as i live in Courtenay so im pretty central. I havent looked into what the are costs but lower is always better as i have a family. Not so much the level of fun but mabye some incentive to attract new riders out to make thier first few races a little less intimidateing/interesting. Possibly haveing a "clinic" the day before the race for new entrants put on by the guys that are more experienced or a pamphlet with things to bring for your first race/how to prepare/riding gear.

Just some ideas dont know how easily they would be to implement though.

I would like to see the Super D race to continue this year its a good warm up to the downhill series.  Overall I like the mix of locations on the island cup downhill race schedule it gives you a chance to tour the island and check out new locations for riding. It would be nice to see Prevost back on the schedule, but all the other locations are good, and there are only so many weekends during the spring to have races before people move onto other activities in the summer.   

A good point brought up by mtbman about some sort of clinic the day before the race to attact people that have not raced before and run them through the course and give them some knowledge of what to expect.  Last year was my first attempt at racing. I made the first two downhill races, but after injuring myself at some dirtjumps was unable to continue the series. The first race was a little intimidating not knowing what to expect so an introduction would have been nice.  All in all clinic or no clinic it's pretty basic show up with your bike and a helmet, fight your way into the back of one of the shuttle trucks or cube vans jump out at the top of the hill and fly down the hill to the best of your abilities repeat until race time, then line up to race = good times.

great feedback guys - keep the ideas coming!

REALLY?? That sucks.... Rumblefest was totally the highlight of the Island Cup for me. Bummer. 

I talked to the main organizer of Rumblefest and he has committed to putting it on for another year.  But its future is very uncertain as the organizers for this race are only a couple people and they are getting burnt out.  Also there is currently only 1 person that rides in Port Alice, and he doesnt even ride a lot.  Kinda hard to maintain the trails with basically no riders in town. 

Im thinking about trying out a couple of races this year. Ive never raced before and have been on the island for 2 seasons now. I am definatly wanting to do some downhill, but am also interested in xcountry