As the days get shorter and the rain more frequent, most cyclists in BC are gearing up on their indoor trainers and patiently waiting for the warmer months ahead. This often involves staring at maps and computers dreaming of new routes and planning trips to some of the many events around BC. We here at Bicycle Broker have put together a list of 10 events, from all cycling disciplines, to help you get your spring and summer plans organized. The following list is not exhaustive but it is full of unique events and has something for everyone no matter how much you ride or what kind of bike you ride.
- Good Ride Gravel (May 12/2024) – A new event for 2024, Good Ride Gravel out in Chilliwack has been promoting a ride out in the Fraser Valley with 3 different length options to provide something for everyone. A 50km/700m ride for those new to gravel, a 100km/1500m for the more experienced, and a 150km/2100m ride with cash prizes for the true sufferfest.
- RideLab Womens Mountain Bike Festival (May 13-17/2024) – “RIDELAB is a mountain bike festival for women who love bikes, camping, music, food, connection, and good times. Our event is based in Squamish, BC – the adventure capital of Canada, one of the most idyllic places in the world to ride mountain bikes. Join our 3 day party and find yourself in an inviting and super fun environment! There will be ample opportunities to develop new skills and to learn from some of the best PMBIA certified guides. Participate in bike demos, tech talks, outdoor music and movies while connecting with like-minded women who have a shared passion for bikes.” -ridelab.ca
- Basecamp Gravel (May 31-June 2/2024) – Over the last two years of running the event, Basecamp has become a gravel bike event like no other. Almost more of a festival or gathering than actual cycling event, with their tagline “Find your Pace, Its not a Race”, sums it up nicely. There is no timing, everyone starts together and finishes at the campground to a huge party and the most stoke you can fit into an old rodeo grounds. We will be there this year and we hope to see you too!
- Valley Gran Fondo (June 11/2024) – Often the first Fondo of the summer, the Valley Gran Fondo is a great road ride through the farm lands of the Fraser Valley with amazing views and good times to get the summer started! With 3 distances offered, this event has something for everyone who wants to ride their road bike.
- X-Fondo Whistler (June 15/2024) – “XFONDO is not a gravel cycling event. Rather, it’s an adventure on all the terrain a bike can take you because we live alongside some of the most awesome terrain going. It’s a splattery, alive and community-fostering experience, dishing up a challenge that’ll test all of your senses.” This quote from XFondo accurately describes the event. Riding bikes on mixed surfaces with friends surrounded by some of BC’s most incredible, natural vistas.
- Trans BC Enduro (July 6-13/2024) – This 6 stage all inclusive mountain bike adventure is all about exploring the best trails BC has to offer. Taking place in the East Kootenays this year, this all inclusive event is an amazing way to see the sights and trails of south eastern BC while racing and having a great time with your friends. With its DH and Enduro focus, this event is for mountain bike riders who want to experience the steep and thrilling terrain makes BC a world renowned destination.
- Anything Goes Event Series (Dates TBD) – The Anything Goes Series is the brainchild of Carter Nieuwesteeg and includes both the Fernie and Cranbrook Gravel Grind events. The series goal is to create a series of inclusive and community based events for riders of all abilities. Check out the website for more info and to keep updated on event dates
- Crankworx Whistler (Juky 19-28/2024) – This one is a no-brainer whether you are looking to actually race or just be a spectator. Hands down the biggest mountain bike event in North America, Crankworx is 10 days of riding, hanging out, people watching, competing and more.
- RBC Whistler Gran Fondo (Sept 7/2024) – A BC classic and the most popular road event around. Get together with 5000 of your best friends on bikes and take over the infamous Sea to Sky highway in this once a year event where they close down the famous highway to keep the event cyclists safe.
- Tuft Camps/ Kokanee Prospector (Dates TBD) – If you don’t know who Svein Tuft is, you better do your research and then get your butt to one of his camps or his Kokanee Prospector event asap. These events, put on by ex-world tour pros Svein Tuft and Ryan Anderson are not to be missed. World class riding, next level storytelling, beautiful locales all led by two of the nicest people in cycling. Keep an eye out for these dates as they are not to be missed.
As we mentioned, there are many more events in BC not listed but these are our favourite road, gravel bike, and MTB events that are sure to fit into everyones summer plans. If you plan on attending any of these events, make sure to get your bike insured and covered for competition with Bicycle Broker. We will see you all out on the pedals once the rain subsides!
