2025 Gran Fondo National Series

2025

Belgian Waffle Ride BC

June 08 2025
Duncan BC
Date Confirmed
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Distances: 50, 110, 210 km
Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs
Limited to: 1000 Participants

The Hell of the Great White North is Back!

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.

 

Belgian Waffle Ride BC

 
Start Located At: 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC V9L 6B1
 
 
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Early bird pricing starting at $85

 
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bwr
Nov 20 2024 - NEWS: The Hell of the Great White North Returns June 7 - 8, 2025
Oct 14 2024 - NEWS: Belgian Waffle Ride Expands with the Quad-Tripel Crown and New Events in 2025
Aug 22 2024 - NEWS: Registration for the 2024 Belgian Waffle Ride Mexico is Open
Aug 22 2024 - NEWS: Registration for the 2024 Belgian Waffle Ride Mexico is Open
Jun 24 2024 - NEWS: De Crescenzo and Burnett fastest at Belgian Waffle Ride North Carolina
Apr 29 2024 - NEWS: Villafane and Beers fastest at 13th edition of BWR California
Apr 09 2024 - NEWS: Pete Stetina makes it a hattrick at Belgian Waffle Ride Utah
Mar 12 2024 - NEWS: BWR Tripel Crown of Gravel kicked off last weekend in Arizona
Oct 31 2023 - NEWS: Register NOW for the second Annual Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona
Feb 02 2024 - NEWS: Monuments of Cycling Announces New Partnership with Canyon Bicycles
Nov 29 2023 - NEWS: Register NOW for the ALL-NEW 2024 Tripel Crown of Gravel!
Sep 01 2023 - NEWS: Melisa Rollins and Brendan Johnston claim victory in Belgian Waffle Ride Utah
Apr 17 2023 - NEWS: Finsterwald and Jackson fastest at BWR California
Jan 05 2023 - NEWS: 2023 Belgian Waffle Ride Series announces new Mexico event
Dec 27 2021 - NEWS: Meet the Instructors for the January Belgian Waffle Ride Survival Camp!
Apr 29 2015 - RESULTS: 2015 SPY Belgium Waffle Ride Results
Apr 28 2014 - RESULTS: SPY Belgian Waffle Ride
Nov 24 2024 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride Mexico
Feb 28 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona
Apr 25 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride California
May 23 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride Utah
Jun 08 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride BC
Jun 28 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride Montana
Oct 04 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride North Carolina
 
bwrseries
Apr 29 2015 - RESULTS: 2015 SPY Belgium Waffle Ride Results
Apr 28 2014 - RESULTS: SPY Belgian Waffle Ride
Apr 25 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride California
Jun 28 2025 - EVENT: Belgian Waffle Ride Montana