The Hell of the Great White North returns to BC this fall

Ron Johnson January 22, 2024 | 8:45 am

In the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) is set to mark its 13th year of audacious cycling on Sept. 22. An extraordinary fusion of roots, rocks, and roads awaits participants beneath the thick canopy of West Coast forest, creating a cocktail of challenges that define the essence of BWR intoxication.

Monuments of Cycling has joined forces with Platinum Racing, the prominent Canadian endurance event producer, to bring back the second Belgian Waffle Ride in British Columbia. Nestled in the Cowichan Valley, BWR BC promises an exhilarating experience with its Belgian Waffle, Wafer, and Wanna Rides, accompanied by the BWR Unroad Cycling Festival, featuring music, a massive beer garden, a variety of food options, and family-friendly activities that capture the essence of Canadian hospitality.

Belgian Waffle Ride

The Belgian Waffle Ride presents a unique twist on gravel racing. Typically, its courses feature an approximate 50/50 balance between paved surfaces and what they term as “unroad” – encompassing anything not paved. During the inaugural BWR Canada, the unroad elements encompassed diverse terrain, ranging from gravel paths along rail grades to steep, rugged FSRs (Forest Service Roads), and even singletrack sections.

Platinum Racing is known for events like Ironman 70.3 Calgary and Chinook Gran Fondo, while Monuments of Cycling aims to cultivate the unroad/gravel racing culture in Canada. The Second Annual Belgian Waffle Ride British Columbia, also known as The Hell of the Great White North, is anticipated to draw top-tier cyclists from Canada, the United States, and beyond.

Taking place in the Cowichan Valley, the heart of Canada’s “Warm Land,” Belgian Waffle Ride BC boasts a dynamic multi-surface race traversing the region’s best roads and “unroads.” The terrain, surrounded by the impressive single tracks of Mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, and Mt. Prevost, promises a unique blend of challenges for racers and enthusiasts alike.

The Belgian Waffle Ride, inspired by the spirit of European one-day Spring Classics, offers three courses: the demanding Waffle Ride covering approximately 130 miles, the half-as-long Wafer Ride, and the introductory Wanna Ride. The event’s extreme variety, from downhill daredevil descending to flowy cross-country trails, showcases Cowichan as an exceptional cycling destination.

The BWR BC is not just a race; it’s a celebration that takes over Providence Farm in North Cowichan, B.C. The venue, surrounded by world-class single track and managed by North Cowichan Municipal Forest Reserve in the territory of the Quw’utson Nations, hosts a weekend-long festival. Social rides, an expo with local crafts and global bike brands, a large beer garden, multiple food options, live music, and family-friendly activities ensure a vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation options, including RV/Van Life parking, tent camping/bike packing, Airbnb, and hotels in Duncan, Nanaimo, and Victoria, cater to diverse preferences. The confluence of glorious mountains, dedicated trail stewards, and a moderate climate makes Cowichan an ideal cycling destination.

The Belgian Waffle Ride BC, with its sweet mix of road and “unroad” dynamics, promises an unforgettable experience for both professional and amateur cyclists. As one of the highlights of the Canadian cycling season, it invites participants to conquer the challenging terrains of Vancouver Island and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of Cowichan Valley. Don’t miss it.