The British Columbia Bike Race will return for its fifth year in 2011 with the addition of Campbell River to the route.

The seven-day race, from July 2 to July 9, will start with registration in north Vancouver followed by day one in Cumberland and day two in Campbell River, both on Vancouver Island, before moving over to the Sunshine Coast and back onto the tried and tested route.

Though days three to seven (Powell River, Sechelt, Squamish and Whistler) will remain in the same towns as last year, each one will see a small tweak to their course – perhaps even a purpose built trail just for the BCBR.

 “As you would expect, being included in the BCBR is no easy task. Having enough single track of sufficient quality to even be considered worthy is difficult, but the fact that we got the nod – amazing,” said new course designer Martin Ready.

BCBR president Dean Payne added: “The BC Bike Race is in the business of discovering the best single track out there and making it available to our participants.

“By moving the course every year, we continue to offer and improve our product and increase our database of potential towns to ride in.”

While the BCBR prides itself on being the single track epic that sets the bar, the philosophy of inclusion and is highlighted by the ‘Challenge’ course – half the distance, all of the fun.

The event sold out early in 2010 and registration numbers are already well ahead of last year. BCBR 2011 entries, which can be made solo or in teams of two, three, four or five, are being snapped up fast and there are only 500 spots available.

Point your browser to www.bcbikerace.com for more information.