Belgian Waffle Ride BC

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.