New Tour of BC ultramarathon set for 2012

It kicks off in White Rock, BC, and is dubbed the Tour of BC, but a new cycling ultramarathon set for August 2012 will also include Alberta and reaches its northernmost point at Watson Lake in the Yukon. Riders will have to access their suitcases of courage repeatedly during this 5100 kilometre counter-clockwise loop.

The route takes in some tough climbs in the Kootenays, tougher ones in the Rockies and very long stretches through the Peace Region and Northwest and Interior sections of BC.

Ultra-ambitious, ultra-fit riders can tackle the Tour of BC – the world’s longest ultra-endurance cycling event – solo, while merely super-ambitious, super-fit athletes can head out in teams of two, four or eight. On top of these categories, there are levels of accomplishment. For instance, those who complete the enormous loop in under 240 hours are deemed Elite, while those who come in sub-398 hours are considered Competitors. Even a Finisher will feel a fantastic sense of accomplishment.

As a cyclist who has toured 65% of the parcours loaded, I can assure readers that this cycling ultra-marathon holds plenty to challenge anyone who aspires to hurl his/herself into it, including 11 Category 1 climbs and 48 000 metres of ascending. The gun fires August 5, 2012.

More information can be gathered here.