The 3.2km climb up to Witchcraft Lake was a huge success, with 24 racers taking part, making it one of our best attended climbs ever.

Series sponsor Arrowsmith Bikes went above and beyond, recruiting a crew of racers out who normally would be up on Ridgerunner mountain biking. The influx of fresh faces was a welcome rush of energy, and the post race social afterward a great reward for tired legs.

For the skimmers: results link here. 2015 results link here, for those who asked.

In the female category we had 6 battle it out, with newcomers Megan Nunez and Jessie McGarrigle (of Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club fame) making their debut! Janna Gillick took the womens course record down with a fast 9:06, with Lesley Anderson 55 seconds behind in 10:02. Taking third was Tamara Zavarise in 11:41 (50 seconds faster than last year).

The male race had 17 toe the line with Nick Kupiak taking the win in 7:40, and Elijah Buffalo less than 10 seconds behind for second. Arrowsmith's own Lazarus Difiore was just 17 seconds behind for third place putting in a strong ride. Looking at last years results in the mens, only TWO of last years 14 starters were here tonight (Nick and Lee, who took 26 seconds off his time). It's impressive to see such good numbers even with completely new faces. 

The youth male race went to Ayden Houle, who went off course with compadre Matthys Redelinghuys and decided to do a double hill climb up to the top of Northwood Rd.

The winner of the $50 Gift Certificate to Arrowsmith Bikes went to Peter McCaffery who was yet again volunteering and did a great job at the start line. Thank you also to Liz Halloran and Patrick Burnham for volunteering tonight. Tonight's best Tokyo Drift award goes to Brendan Flanagan pulling a side skid not normally seen on a road bike.

The biggest thanks has to go to Kebble of Arrowsmith Bikes for promoting the race, bringing out a huge posse to come with them, setting up flags, bringing a cooler of post race beverages for everyone, AND giving away a water bottle to everyone who came out.

NEXT WEEK: Nanaimo Lakes Road (apologies to those we told it was Aho). Pre registration is free and helps lay out the start list ahead of time, link here.  

630pm first rider is off. 15 riders signed up ready to climb 162m vertical as fast as they can.

It's almost here.. time to build on last years super popular hill climb series, complete with sponsor Arrowsmith Bikes who have stepped up to help out. All races are at 630pm, all have pre reg links. A start list will be posted at 430pm each race day, any who just show up go to the back, no questions asked. The ipad will have been programmed with the start list prior to arrival. $5 per race, or free if you bought the season pass. Racers will start 30s apart. Each race below has the latest results, a pre registration link, and the strava link. Book mark this page! On the strava link, favourite the segment as it'll then show up for you. VOLUNTEERS will be needed. To run the hill climb we need a minimum of 2 people. The main timekeeper will be at the base and will set the first rider off, leaving the assistant with a start list to set people off in 30s intervals. Main timekeeper then races to the finish line at the top and waits for the arrival.

Hill Climb 1 : Witchcraft Lake : Thursday August 4th : 6:30pm

Pre Reg link Last year 22 racers took the line in this classic climb. Results here. Strava Link here.

Hill Climb 2 : Nanaimo Lakes Road : Thursday August 11th : 6:30pm

Pre Reg link Last year 22 racers took the line in this longer climb climb. Results here. It is a long slog, 7.2km. Don't burn out too soon. Strava Link here.

Hill Climb 3 : Aho Road : Thursday August 18th : 6:30pm

Pre Reg link We skipped Aho last year, opting for 'unnamed road' up Jameson which was perhaps 'not authorized'. We're back to Aho, in 2014 10 racers took it on, with Justin Mark setting the bar with 7:01 and Lorrie Baildham with 9:27. Results here. Strava Link here. This race is out in Yellow Point, one of the best climbs around don't miss it.

Hill Climb 4 : Departure Bay Road : Thursday August 27th : 6:30pm

Pre Reg link An annual favourite, the Departure Bay Climb had a huge turnout last year with 26 (!!!) coming out to hit it hard.  Results here. Strava Link here. 

Hill Climb 5 : Doumont Road DOUBLE POINTS FINALE: Thursday Sept 1st : 6:30pm

Pre Reg link The classic. The difference maker. The standings up ender. The social afterward at the Black Bear. Results here. Strava Link here.