June 20/11 13:25 pm - MTB Racing Returns to Hornby Island

Posted by Editoress on 06/20/11
 

Hornby Island - XC & Super D this weekend

For the first time in almost 10 years, racing returns to Hornby Island.

Located just off Vancouver Island south of the Comox Valley, Hornby was home to the original Bike Fest. We continue the history this coming weekend with a double header Island Cup XC Finals and a Sunday Super Downhill. Many of you older riders will remember the days of morning hill climbs followed by afternoon downhills, all on the same bike. Come join us this weekend and reminisce about days past.

The legendary single track of Hornby Island will leave you grinning from ear to ear, add to that some brand new sections of trail to keep you on your toes and finish it off with an intimate setting and great times with friends.

XC
We've laid out the Spring Classic XC course to provide ample passing opportunities and some nice extended descents. Each lap of approximately 14 K will include 300 meters of climbing, broken up into two main double-track climbs. The descents are made up of several sections of pristine Hornby Island singletrack. Compared to many other areas Hornby trails are very smooth and fast so bring some fast tires and a light bike! Riders will be able to choose one, two, or three laps, depending on skill level.

Registration will be on race day in Strachan valley. To get there drive Central Road to the Co-op Ringside market and then follow the signs to Strachan valley. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and racing goes at noon. While the XC race is underway we will have kids races around the site and the atmosphere will be festive.

Super D
The Super D course will start a the top of Mount Geoffrey and descend along Devils Kitchen, Four Dead Aliens, Test Tube, Chris and Brads and No Horses Trails before breaking out of the woods and entering the finish in Strachan Valley. This is a relatively non-technical Super D, the first minute on Devils Kitchen is steep but after that the course is a moderate speed rolling descent so if you're a Cross-Country racer that's been thinking about trying out Super D then this could be the race for you. We expect times in the neighbourhood of 6 minutes for faster riders. The course is primarily descending with about 75% downhill, 20% flat and 5% uphill.

This is a non-shuttled event, riders are responsible for getting themselves to the top of the mountain.

Registration will be on race day in Strachan valley. To get there drive Central Road to the Co-op Ringside market and then follow the signs to Strachan valley. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and racing goes at noon. While the XC race is underway we will have kids races around the site and the atmosphere will be festive.

Series Wrap-up & Series Prizes
Saturday after our XC Race, we will be awarding our series winners for the XC and DH. We have some great series draw prizes including an XC frameset from Norco Performance Bicycles, XT & XTR goodies from Shimano, Packs from EVOC and a other great draw prizes.

Getting Here
Hornby Island is accessed by two ferries, starting at Buckley Bay, just south of Courtenay. If you're coming from the Mainland, be sure to check out about the Sail Pass and/or the Experience Card. See our website for a quick description of the cost saving options.

Camp overnight at the local campgrounds or local bnb's, relax at Tribune Bay and check out the Co-Op and the artisan food choices on the Island.

For more information and all details including course maps, check out www.islandcupseries.com


If you're a first timer, seasoned pro or just out to have some fun we would love to see you experience mountain bike racing on Vancouver Island. Island Cup Races are sanctioned by Cycling BC.

The 2011 Vancouver Island Cup Mountain Bike Race Series, is BC's premiere grassroots race series spanning the length of Vancouver Island. Cross Country, Downhill, Super D and Marathon disciplines are brought together from numerous local mountain bike clubs.

The Island Cup Series is supported by:

Sponsors
Norco Performance Bikes Shimano Components EVOC Sports BC Bike Race Mount Washington Alpine Resort Island Mountain Rides Van Isle Kitchens & Millwork Cycling BC

Host Clubs
Alberni Valley Riders Arrowsmith MTB Club Everti Cycling Club Hornby Island MTB Association Port Alice Rumblefest Oak Bay Bikes Powell River Cycling Association Pro City Racing River City Cycling Club United Riders of Cumberland

Sponsor Shops
Arrowsmith Bikes Dodge City Cycles Ozzies Cycle Outdoor Addictions Riding Fool Hostel Sooke Mountain Cycle Trek Bikes Victoria

Courtesy Colin Wilson, Island Cup Series Director