BC Bike Race kicked off last weekend in Cumberland, BC, marking the start of seven demanding days of racing across Vancouver Island’s legendary trails. We happened to be in the area for the opening stage and took the opportunity to catch up with a few Steed riders who are taking on the challenge.
Between the excitement at the start line, the anticipation of the week ahead, and the unique atmosphere that surrounds BCBR, it was the perfect way to experience the energy of one of mountain biking’s most iconic stage races.
Andrew Dineen - Retail Store Supervisor
Bike:
What makes this bike your weapon of choice?
This is a brand new platform from Giant which I was really keen to try since it’s moved away from their usual Maestro suspension design. The ‘X’ tag means it has a little more suspension travel on the fork , bigger brakes and in- frame storage which will suit this event and the BC trail conditions.
After a handful of rides since receiving it a few weeks back it feels perfect for what I’ll need for 7 days of racing. Light and efficient climbing, playful and fun on the descents. This bike is amazing.
Is it your first time racing the BC Bike Race?
This will be my second time racing BC Bike Race. I entered solo back in 2018, but this year I’m taking on the challenge in the mixed team category with my close friend, Terrie. It’ll be a completely different experience riding together every day… hopefully I can keep up with her!
Our main goal at the start is simple: survive each stage, settle into a good rhythm, and then hopefully start pushing harder as the week goes on. I originally thought about racing again in 2025, but after a quick conversation, Terrie suggested we wait and do it together in 2026. So here we are, ready to take it on as a team.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Having a week of riding bikes is always fantastic. Then, spending time with my close friend as a team mate will make for a great week. We will see some familiar trails and some new ones to us. Just hope we don’t have too many wet days.
What will be the biggest challenge for you?
I remember from racing in 2018 that after the first few days, the week ahead can feel really long. But once you settle into the routine, it flies by by the middle of the week. I don’t feel like my training has been ideal over the last few months, so the goal is to get through the opening stages, find a good rhythm, and hopefully start feeling strong enough to push the pace as the race goes on.
Anything else you want to share?
Matt Hendriks - Steed Race Team
Bike:
Specialized S-Works Epic 8 XX AXS
What makes this bike your weapon of choice?
It's an absolute XC rocketship! It's light as a feather and the Flight Attendant makes sure that no pedal stroke is wasted and that the bike is in full send mode every time you point it down hill.
Is it your first time racing the BC Bike Race?
Yes! I wanted to give it a go with it being the last year of the traditional (7-day) format, use it as a challenge to spend more time on the MTB and follow a proper training plan over the winter.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Exploring new trails! I have not ridden on Vancouver Island before, really excited to see what all the fuss is about!
What will be the biggest challenge for you?
Making sure I don’t go TOO hard in any of the stages. I want to get to the last day with race legs!
Dan Gronross - Steed Race Team
Bike:
Santa Cruz Blur C GX AXS TR Reserve
What makes this bike your weapon of choice?
It will never win any XC races (like myself), but it is a very capable XC-ish bike that feels at home on our decidedly un-XC trails on the North Shore.
Is it your first time racing the BC Bike Race?
I had previously done a guest rider stage in Squamish a few years ago and also volunteered when BC Bike Race came through North Vancouver. I decided to sign up after a good buddy was going to do it.
It gives me a goal for the year to work towards, and it being the "last" one it kind of felt like a good book end. I haven't raced XC since 24 hour events in the 90's in Ontario.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Just getting out there in a race atmosphere and enjoying the new and old trails.
What will be the biggest challenge for you?
Coming off some interesting age related health issues, it will be interesting to see where I land and how the legs work over the course of several days.
There are Girl Guide Cookies and coffee shops along the route, correct?
Anything else you want to share?
I have zero chance in winning this race, but the experience along the way is bound to be enough of a reward. Plus I managed to get an XC bike out of it. Something I have always wanted.
I want to say thanks to my wife Andrea for allowing me to disappear for weekends to Squamish to ride. Your support means the world.
Tom Flower - Steed Race Team
Bike:
Santa Cruz Blur 4 CC XO AXS TR Reserve
What makes this bike your weapon of choice for BCBR?
Super fast on the climbs and just as fast, and way more fun, on the descents. It’s incredibly light, with wheels that accelerate instantly and carry speed effortlessly. The bike flows through trails and smooths out rough sections without losing momentum. AXS is a must for the constant shifting that comes with unpredictable terrain, and it’s been flawless.
What really sets this bike apart is the style. The big-tube look gives it serious presence without any weight penalty, and the paint job is unreal. I'm using it to bring local trails back to life and racing XC across BC.
My main goal is the Cross Duathlon World Championships Edmonton 2027. The Santa Cruz Blur has a slightly steeper head angle than most bikes in the category, which makes it far more versatile for true XC riding outside of BC. This isn’t a mini enduro bike pretending to be XC. It’s a completely different ride experience.
Is it your first time racing the BC Bike Race?
Yes. I'm here to become a better XC racer, have fun with friends.
Tom and Matt have leapfrogged on the first three stages, turning an unplanned matchup into a great rivalry. On Stage 1, they crossed the line just six tenth of a second apart, and both riders have consistently landed in the Top 20 of their category, out of nearly 200 racers.
What are you looking forward to the most?
What will be the biggest challenge for you?
Anything else you want to share?
Mark Longpré - Steed Ride Club
Bike:
What makes this bike your weapon of choice?
It sits in that sweet downcountry spot at 130mm / 120 mm between an XC race bike and a trail bike, which makes a lot of sense for BC-style XC trails.
Is it your first time racing the BC Bike Race?
I raced in 2024 with an aluminum Large size Giant Reign. My bike setup is completely different this time. Carbon Medium Specialized Epic Evo 8 Comp, SRAM XS 1000 Electronic shifting is a nice bonus. Pacing is so important and I'm trying to do that better this time around.
Dusty, happy faces. Mark crossed the finish line with a rear flat tire, but it didn't affect his good mood.
What are you looking forward to the most?
The challenge of riding hard back to back days in some of the most beautiful trail. And some friendly competition with other nuts.
What will be the biggest challenge for you?
Overcoming age limitations. I'm not getting younger, so physically can only push so hard.
Anything else you want to share?
I'm so happy to be able to participate. Time is precious and experiences like BCBR create lasting memories which I can look back on years from now and have no regrets about not having taken the time to do it.
