Rider Guide
Rider Guide
We hope you’re looking forward to July 27!
To ensure you feel as prepared as possible, we’ve put together a handy Rider Guide containing everything you need to know for the event.
The guide includes:
- A route map
- The schedule of events
- Package pick-up details
- Spectator and volunteer information
- Parking instructions
- Rider safety and guidelines
- Bike maintenance and training tips
- Celebration details
- And much more!
Road Safety for Cyclists
Before riding in the Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, review pages 12-14 of the Rider Guide to ensure the health of your bike and to remain safe while sharing the road with drivers and other cyclists.
On the day of the event, be sure to follow the below guidelines:
- Bike Maintenance: Make sure your bike is in good operating condition, including tires, brakes and gearing
- Personal Equipment: Certified helmets are required at all times and the chinstrap must always be buckled while riding. It is also encouraged to carry a patch kit, tire levers, a spare tube and a pump
- Traffic Awareness: Know and obey all traffic signals, signs, markings, laws and regulations
- Ride Predictably: Always ride in control and in a straight line (in single file whenever possible). Avoid excessive weaving. In most vehicle-bicycle accidents, motorists report not seeing the cyclist in time
- Passing Safely: Always use hand signals to indicate when overtaking another rider. Overtake on the rider’s left only and do not cross over lanes to overtake
- Stopping Protocol: Move completely off the road to rest or make repairs
On the Course
Ascending Cypress Mountain
The climb up Cypress Bowl Road is long and sustained, with steady elevation gain and limited shade. Pace yourself, hydrate regularly, and listen to your body. Use the right-hand lane at all times and stay as far to the right as safely feasible to allow for passing riders and vehicle traffic. Be courteous and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in narrower sections or near blind curves.
Descending Cypress Mountain
Please note that the ride is unsupported on the descent down the mountain with no closures in place. After the event concludes, please use extreme caution on the descent or arrange a personal ride down if you do not feel comfortable descending. Cypress Bowl Road is steep, winding, and open to public vehicle traffic. Riders should control their speed, stay to the right, and maintain a safe distance from others. Be especially mindful of sharp turns, changing road conditions, and vehicles sharing the road. Use both brakes evenly and feather them on long stretches to avoid overheating. Always descend in control and with heightened awareness.
Be safe and enjoy the ride! And thank you for taking part in this iconic climb up Cypress Mountain, fuelling pancreatic cancer research and care at BC Cancer.