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We recently contacted all of our Challenge category participants directly to deliver the news that we have cancelled our Challenge Category. Unfortunately in the three years that we have offered the Challenge category the interest in it has been declining and we have found ourselves in a position this year where we are no longer able to offer it.
"I feel strongly that we owe you an explanation as to why we have made this decision. We originally added the challenge category as a stepping stone to the Epic category. Three years ago we believed that this was what the rider-ship was demanding of us. We were surprised to find that the Challenge category has consistently only made up roughly 10% of our registrations and this year has dropped to only 9%.
We put a lot of resources towards the design and execution of a separate race route and daily timeline for the Challenge category. It has become increasingly clear for us that managing two race courses (Challenge and Epic) divides our team and prevents us from delivering the level of experience that has become a standard for BC Bike Race. In the end this is a business decision for us and it will ultimately allow us to service one race course with more focus and do an even better job for you, our valued participant.
Further, feedback from many of our challenge participants the last couple of years is that they feel they could have completed the Epic course. The Challenge is approximately 2/3 the distance of epic with 2 of the days being the exact same course as the Epic. I believe that if you can do the Challenge, you can do the Epic. Our goal at BC Bike Race is to see everyone become official finishers and take away with you that feeling of accomplishment. We have seen all abilities finish our race with an average completion rate of 94%.
I hope you can understand this tough decision for us. As always our #1 priority is helping you experience 'The Best Week of Your Life'."
- Dean Payne, President
We understand that participating in the BC Bike Race is a major commitment and not something that is decided upon lightly, and therefore this decision is not one that we came to easily. Challenge category racers have been give three option; transfer to the Epic category, defer to 2014 to allow for more training, receive a full refund.
It is important to our entire team that everyone achieves their goals at BC Bike Race and we are committed to making it happen! If you have any questions about this change or anything else, please do not hesitate to email us at danielle@bcbikerace.com
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