“Something different,” is a befitting term to begin any discussion about one of the world’s longest bicycle races.  Simply, there is nothing else like it anywhere on earth. Our Grand Loop, the Watson Lake Circuit is an ultra-endurance bicycle race 1,400 kilometers longer than the Tour de France. It takes place in British Columbia, Canada. A location that ESPN recently called “The World’s Wonderland.”

And why not?

BC is home to Black bears, Brown bears, Grizzly bears, Spirit bears and cougars. There are bison, buffalo, mountain goats, Big Horn sheep, elk, moose and 130 other animals to keep your cameras handy for. In addition to 488 varieties of birds, 37 river systems, 2,200 lakes, more mountains than we can name, glaciers, northern lights and 4.4 million culturaly diverse people including British Columbia’s First Nation population, BC is all wrapped up by the Pacific Ocean, Alaska, Alberta, the Yukon Territories , Washington State, Montana’s big sky country and  Idaho.

The name, “BC 5000” actually represents our grand loop, a 5,000km (approximate) long route that is named after its most northern point, Watson Lake, Yukon Territories. The WLC offers a truly epic undertaking! But, what may initially seem incomprehensible and even impossible is accomplishable in numerous formats. For those ultra-fit experienced cyclists, the circuit may be challenged by soloists. The strongest and fastest of these riders can complete the route in less than ten days. While those that wish to approach the challenge less aggressively have 30 days to complete the circuit.

Still too daunting?

Relay teams of up to 8 riders can also compete. A rider on such a team that completed the course in 15 days would only need to ride 45 kilometers a day to be part of this incredible odyssey.  A top level competitive team should be able to complete the circuit in 6 to 7 days. A single rider at this level would need to ride over 100 kilometers a day and do so at a very, very fast pace.

A tad too far?

No worries, we have you covered. Our lesser loop, the Prince George Circuit is approximately 2,659km (1,650mi). It follows the same route as the WLC but breaks off in Jasper National Park.

Riders separate while passing through World Heritage site number 304, Jasper National Park. There, riders who are contesting the Watson Lake Circuit head north to Dawson Creek, BC, the Alaska Highway and ultimately Watson Lake in the Yukon Territories before turning south and back to Whistler, BC. Riders competing on the Prince George Circuit set a more westerly course in Jasper and pedal off towards, Mt Robson and Prince George, BC. For further information, please see our routes.

These circuits are designed primarily as single-stage ultra-endurance cycling events (full rule book available) or put another way, the clock starts in Whistler and keeps ticking until riders return there. There are no designated rest areas or gathering points. For more information, please see Ultra-Racing & Rules.

However, we want to allow all those riders who wish to participate the opportunity to do so and we invite their participation by offering different styles of racing and longer durations in which to complete.

So who is capable of a successful campaign?

If you really want it, you are capable. If you do your homework and arrive at the start line prepared and suitably conditioned. Preparation and the understanding of both your strengths and weaknesses are paramount to your safety, enjoyment and completion. This is a monumental undertaking, make no mistake about that, but as we all know, each journey begins with a single step. By learning how to approach the challenges and developing a better sense of what to expect, you are positioned much more favorably to be successful. You can be as technical or casual as you desire if you don’t lose track of the core element. It is a lot of bicycle riding; respect it, act, train, prepare and organize accordingly.

The minimum age is 21 years, there is no maximum age and seniors, especially seniors on relay teams, are known to do very well in ultra-endurance bicycle races.

We offer solo, 2 rider, 4 rider and 8 rider relay teams the opportunity to attempt our circuits. These categories are expanded further by our 30 day time limit. This allows riders, either solo or team riders, to contest the courses without support crews or at a pace they feel most comfortable and confident with.

You may ride any bicycle you want and human powered vehicles are also welcome.

Ultra-endurance cycling does not permit drafting for soloists but teams may opt to put more than one rider on the course simultaneously and they may draft off each other. Randonneurs cyclists may follow their discipline’s rules by declaring themselves to be contesting the circuits as such.

All riders in all categories and divisions must report their position every 24 hours. Those racers at the front of the race or near the front may be required to do so more frequently. This will be at the discretion of the race-director.

In addition to the ultra-endurance bicycle racing we provide the opportunity to participate in the Something Different Photographic Safari. Primarily designed for support crew members, team riders may also participate when time permits.

Each team will be provided with a list of images to capture while circumnavigating the course. These images will include animals, birds, man-made structures, specific natural formations and people, places and things. The team that photographs the most of these images will win the safari. If there is a tie, a judgment will take place that selects an overall winner based on the quality, creativity and beauty of the images. All photographs become the property of UltraVelo, (all contributors also keep full publishing rights) and each participant’s team will receive a digital photo album, with commentary, depicting the race and describing the images. (Please see “Safari” for more details.)

The inaugural event begins August 1st, 2010 in Whistler, British Columbia. Register Today!