BC Bike Race 2014: Day 4 – Earls Cove to Sechelt

The heat has started to take its toll on riders at the BC Bike Race. The medical tent was busy treating dehydration, which affected many riders. An extra feed zone was added for Day 4 to try to combat the intense need for extra fluids. The stage’s climbing was more than 1,400 m and mainly on exposed hydro corridors. I really like how the race uses these monstrous swaths of land in the race, as they are the only stretches where you have unimpeded views of riders minutes ahead and behind.

The course was a great mix of ultra-fast service roads and nicely interspersed singletrack. You never become bored of riding the doubletrack, but you do get to recovery a bit on the wider sections. This terrain also provides some great passing opportunities. Being prepared was key, as well as staying out of the blazing sun before and after the race. Most of the 600 or so riders were sharing any shade they could find all morning while waiting for the ferry and buses. A few lucky riders won a float-plane ride to the start line, which gave spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast area. I feel like every day—while getting tougher with more climbing and increasing distances—has me not feeling worse but the opposite. I think by slowly stepping up the effort everyday I will continue to progress through the ranks. I have placed 10 to 20 places higher everyday so far. [At the end of Stage 4, Brad was 30th overall in the solo masters men category. He was 13th in his category for the enduro competition. —Ed.] The twinges and cramping I felt in the first couple days have since  been absent. As long as my saddle irritations don’t become worse, I think the rest of the race should be a lot of fun. My baby blue custom painted bike has been a blast to ride and has needed nothing but a couple of sponge baths and some chain lubrication. Check in tomorrow for more BC Bike Race 2014.

Support for this trip is provided by Shimano Canada.