BC Bike Race: The Winning Rig

Rear-end travel is controlled by the Fox Float RP23 custom valved Kashima shock. Intelligent placement makes on-the-fly adjustments easy — and safe — a big consideration on B.C.’s rough and tumble trail systems. Photo Jason Sumner

The carbon Rocky Mountain Element RSL is the “race super light” version of the Element line. They also make an MSL version, which translates to “marathon super light” and they’ve also just rolled out a new aluminum version for the price-conscious consumer. Photo Jason Sumner

Chris Sheppard ran Shimano XTR wheels mated with tubeless Maxxis Ikon tires. PSI was in the range of 28 front, 32 rear. He suffered on flat during seven days of racing, which he claims was his first of any kind in several years. Photo Jason Sumner

A standard and reliable Shimano XTR drivetrain and pedals kept the wheels moving forward. Sheppard’s top-flight technical skills kept rubber side down. Photo Jason Sumner

More Shimano XTR in the rear. That’s a 11-36 10-speed cassette. Photo Jason Sumner

Sheppard’s front cockpit included a pair of slightly unsightly bar-ends. But, hey, you can’t argue with the final results. Photo Jason Sumner

A few titanium bolts sprinkled about the bike was the only divergence between what the average consumer would get were they to plunk down for this same race-ready ride. Photo Jason Sumner

The winning number plate, complete with bar code, which was sued to keep track of Sheppard and the rest of the 500 riders who contested this year’s BC Bike Race. Racers were scanned on the way out of every aid station. There were typically two stations per stage. Photo Jason Sumner

Whenever he needed inspiration, Sheppard need only look down to his top tube. Photo Jason Sumner

The 2011 BCBR finished in the Whistler Olympic Plaza in Whistler. Last February, this is the spot gold medals were handed out. This July it’s were Sheppard celebrated another BC Bike Race win. Photo Jason Sumner