Belgian Waffle Ride BC Returns June 7-8, 2025: The Hell of the Great White North is Back!

San Diego, CA // Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada – November 19, 2024 – The iconic Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) is bringing its signature blend of suffering and celebration back to Vancouver Island for its third annual BWR BC on June 7-8, 2025, in Duncan, B.C. Co-hosted by Monuments of Cycling and Canadian partner Platinum Racing, this event promises an unforgettable weekend filled with waffles, craft beer, epic racing, and unapologetically polite Canadian hospitality.

Located in the Cowichan Valley, renowned as Canada’s “Warm Land,” BWR BC wraps up the spring cycling season with its unique flair, blending world-class terrain with unroad mayhem. Riders will traverse dozens of gravel sectors, singletrack, and paved roads across a stunning multi-surface course that showcases the island’s rugged beauty. Whether you’re a hardened veteran or a first-time adventurer, this unroad experience has something for every level of masochism.

The Venue: An Unroad Playground
The Cowichan Exposition Grounds in Duncan will serve as race HQ, surrounded by legendary riding zones like Mt. Tzouhalem, Cobble Hill, Maple Mountain, and Mt. Prevost. This idyllic setting offers a mix of technical singletrack, sweeping gravel roads, and breathtaking climbs, making it a bucket-list destination for cyclists worldwide.

Accommodations are plentiful, ranging from on-site RV parking, tent camping, and bikepacking options to charming Airbnbs and hotels in Duncan, Nanaimo, and Victoria. Highlights include the Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, Best Western Cowichan Bay, and Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway.

The Race
Inspired by the European Spring Classics, BWR BC is equal parts grueling and glorious. The main event, the 120-mile (195-km) Waffle Ride, dares participants to tackle Vancouver Island’s most unforgiving terrain. For those not ready to go all-in, the 70-mile Wafer Ride offers a smaller bite of the challenge, and the Wanna Ride gives newcomers a fun, approachable 35-mile course.

Every route features a blend of gravel, singletrack, cow paths, rutted hardpack, sand, and steep climbs, ensuring no comfort zone is left unbroken. Whether you’re a roadie, gravelleur, mountain biker, or cyclocross aficionado, BWR BC guarantees you’ll face challenges that will push you to the brink.

A Festival of Fun
Beyond the racing, the BWR BC weekend promises a vibrant festival atmosphere. The Unroad Cycling Festival will feature live music, a massive beer garden, and culinary delights ranging from frites to the finest Belgian waffles. Family-friendly activities and local craft brews will round out the festivities, making this event as enjoyable for spectators as it is for racers.

Elite Competition and Amateur Glory
With a cash prize purse on the line, BWR BC will attract top talent from Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Professional road cyclists, gravel grinders, and mountain bike legends will face off against a deep field of ambitious amateurs, offering all participants the rare opportunity to race alongside their heroes.

Why BWR BC Stands Out
Now entering its 14th year globally, the Belgian Waffle Ride series has built a reputation as the most unique cycling event in North America. Its unroad format—combining road, gravel, and dirt—challenges riders across every discipline, creating a melting pot of competition and camaraderie. The Cowichan Valley’s diverse terrain perfectly encapsulates the BWR ethos, offering a balance of brutal climbs, technical descents, and serene coastal vistas.

“Vancouver Island offers limitless possibilities of trails, gravel roads, and varied terrain,” said Tom Bamford, President of Platinum Racing. “Paired with our polite Canadian hospitality, amazing food, and world-class brews, this event will be one riders celebrate for years to come.”

The Details
The BWR Unroad Expo will kick off the weekend on June 7, with the main event unfolding on June 8. Riders and spectators can look forward to:

• Three Distances: Waffle (120 miles), Wafer (70 miles), and Wanna (35 miles).
• Epic Sectors: Gravel roads, singletrack, water crossings, and more.
• Top-Tier Amenities: Feed zones, Belgian waffles, Belgian ales, and finisher’s beer trophies.

Register Now!
Ready to join the chaos? Registration for BWR BC is now open. Visit the official website to secure your spot in this celebration of pain and pleasure.

More info

BWR Canada welcomes athletes back to the Cowichan Valley in Duncan, B.C. Hosting one of the most scenic and challenging courses in BWR history with a USD $3,000 prize purse, the BWR BC promises to lure a deep field of Canadian, American and world class road, gravel, cyclocross, and mountain bike racers from around the world looking to take on the uniquely beautiful and challenging terrain that only Vancouver Island can offer. The BWR is celebrating 14 years of pedaling perversity in 2025 and this international affair promises to provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted unroads of this spectacular venue, utilizing dozens of gravel and single-track sectors to connect the best roads of the area for a truly dynamic multi-surface race… the unique complexion of road and unroad dynamics that are hallmarks of the BWR offering. A healthy confluence of glorious mountains, dedicated trail stewards and moderate climate has turned Cowichan into an incredible cycling destination. It’s extreme variety, from downhill daredevil descending to flowy cross-country trails, the area’s terrain is an incredible mix of roots, rocks, roads and unroads that lie beneath the thick west coast forest and the island’s arbutus charm, the likes of which combine into the perfect cocktail for BWR intoxication. And the community of Cowichan is overflowing with passionate locals who build and maintain trails, promote the region, and educate riders. These denizens can’t wait for us to see what they’ve curated for us. The BWR, created as an extremely challenging race in the spirit of the great European one-day Spring Classics, is a truly unique series of races in North America.There will be three distances on offer in BC; the longer Waffle Ride, roughly 130-miles (210km), and the half-as-long Wafer Ride for those looking to get a taste of the glory without the full-time training commitment the full Waffle requires, and the taster, the Wanna Ride (half the Wafer). This Third Annual BWR BC race, like other BWR’s in California, N. Carolina, Utah, Montana, Mexico, and Arizona, will have a field of professional riders and an expansive list of hungry amateur riders drawn to the unparalleled opportunity to race alongside their heroes. The Waffle will be offering a prize purse to the top three riders, both female and male! Racers and event patrons will be treated to Belgian waffles and ales, frites, and a variety of culinary delights, more waffles, and more beer on race weekend. REGISTER HERE (https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=37158) 2025 RACE INFO DATE: Expo - Saturday, June 7, 2025   Race - Sunday, June 8, 2025 LOCATION: Cowichan Exposition, Duncan, B.C., Canada START TIME: Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 am PARTICIPANT LIMIT: 1000 participants, we recommend registering early to secure your spot DISTANCES WAFFLE +200KM (Level: Pro - Intermediate - Advanced - Gravel bike only) WAFER +100KM (Level: Intermediate - Advanced - Gravel or Mtb bike) WANNA +50KM (Level: Beginner - Intermediate - Gravel or Mtb bike) CATEGORIES AND AGE GROUPS Men, women and gender diverse in the following age groups: Under 18 years 18 to 23 years 23 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 to 69 years 70+ years E-Bike Category: Ride the WAFER and WANNA distances with a bit of help from your electric bike. Follow the normal registration process and choose the E-BIKE option in your category. PRIZES WAFFLE DISTANCE +200KM Total cash prize of $3,000.00 USD Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 men and top 3 women overall finishers: 1st Place $750 USD + trophy 2nd Place $500 USD + trophy 3rd Place $250 USD + trophy WAFER DISTANCE Award medals will be presented to the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers in each category.

THE BELGIAN WAFFLE RIDE BRITISH COLUMBIA PRICING  WAFFLE +180KM  CAD$225 until Jan 5 (USD$159) WAFER +100KM  CAD$225 until Jan 5 (USD $159) WANNA +50KM CAD$129 until Jan 5 (USD $92) Note: discounted pricing available for riders under the age of 18. Expo Registration available with limited SWAG. ONLINE REGISTRATION:https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=37158 YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES Commemorative Belgian Waffle Ride souvenir and BWR custom beer koozie for your finish line refreshments. Coffee and Waffles before the race Medical Service Stations during the ride and at the Finish Line Support from Mechanical Service at the Expo, before the start, during the route, and after completing the ride Water, Hammer gels and F2C Glyco-Durance Nutrition at aid stations.https://www.f2cnutrition.com/items/glyco-durance/   Sweep van at various points of the route equipped for your comfort Finish line beer and light lunch.

REGISTER FOR THE BWR BRITISH COLUMBIA

VOLUNTEER! There are many opportunities to be part of race and bring the big day to life.  Volunteers receive a t-shirt, meal and beer ticket!  Course marshal positions earn a $50 transferable race credit! Click here for available positions:  https://volunteersignup.org/4BCQP RACE WEEKEND EVENTS RACE PACKAGE NUMBER PICK-UP PICKUP will be on Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at our start/finish at Cowichan Exposition in Duncan, BC. The BWR START will be on Sunday, June 8, at 7:00 am. Arrive 1 to 2 hours before the start (from 5:30 to 6:30 am); upon arrival.  Parking is on-site.  SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ITINERARY FRIDAY, June 6, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm - BWR Unroad Welkom Party at Red Arrow Brewing (5255 Chaster Rd, Duncan) ITINERARY FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025 6:00 am - Final Expo BWR setup details 10:00 am - Expo BWR begins 10:30 am - Shakeout ride supporting the Cowichan Trails Stewardship Society 11:00 am - BWR Number and Kit Pickup begins 12:00 pm - Beer Garden begins 4:00 pm - Riders Briefing 6:00 pm - End of Kit Pickup  ITINERARY FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025 – RACE DAY! 6:00 am - Medical and mechanical services enabled at the Start 6:00 am - Waffles and Coffee station opens 7:00 am - BWR WAFFLE, WAFER, AND WANNA START 9:15 am - First WANNA participant finishes (Approx) 10:15 am - First WAFER participant finishes (Approx) 2:00 pm - First WAFFLE participant finishes (Approx) 4:00 pm - Awards Ceremony (Waffle & Wafer) 7:00 pm - Route closes / end of event *Times are estimated and may be adjusted according to the progress of the events. ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodation options will include an onsite RV / Van Life parking, Tent Camping / Bike Packing, Airbnb, and excellent hotel selections in Duncan, and nearby Nanaimo and Victoria, including Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn, and the Villa Eyrie Resort. RV/Camping There is overnight camping available at Providence Farm our race venue starting Friday at 3:00pm.  Note that there are no hookups available. Lodging Information  Hotel discount information coming soon! Additional Cowichan Valley accommodations can be found athttps://www.tourismcowichan.com/stay/ Accommodation in Victoria can be found at https://www.tourismvictoria.com/stay