August 13, 2010
The registrations are pouring in and attendance looks great for another season. With the prize cache this year from Western Cycle (including a new bike) why would anyone want to miss XC8?

For the FIRST TIME EVER, we are posting the planned race course in advance. Subject to change, but click here to view the XC8 2010 Race Course. Most notably, for the first year ever, the 1/4 Mile of Death is not part of the race course.


What is XC8?
Saskatchewan isn’t flat... but you’ll wish it was.

The Western Cycle XC8 is an 8-hour endurance mountain bike race for solo racers, and a massive relay for teams of 2 or 4 people.

XC8 is Saskatchewan’s largest and most popular mountain bike event. It has a unique flavour you will not find anywhere else and has become the ultimate grudge-match between British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

No matter if you are a serious racer who wants to win, or a recreational rider who just wants to finish, the XC8 is about challenging yourself, having a great time, and it will be an experience you’ll never forget.

The experience doesn’t end when the clock stops, XC8 is an entire social event. The atmosphere is festive with competitive racers and recreational riders meshing in genuine love for the sport.

Come and experience the XC8.

Event Venue: Buffalo Pound Prov. Park
The race course is located inside Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, north of Moose Jaw, SK. Park Entry fees apply. The park contains a wide variety of trails that have been favourites of bikers for many years. Buffalo Pound was the site of Canada Cup XC races in 2000 and 2002, and home of the XC8 since 2005. Don't be fooled by the grand prairies of Saskatchewan. Racers from across Canada have found out (the hard way) that Saskatchewan is not flat.

You will be riding in the scenic Qu'Appelle valley, overlooking Buffalo Pound Lake. The valley was formed by post-glacier meltwater which created a channel over 2 kilometers wide and stretches 400km across Saskatchewan. It is up to 150 meters deep (492feet) and now contains many creeks, rivers, and lakes primed with great trails.

The XC8 takes over the entire White Track Ski area. The event site provides both camping and washrooms just steps away from the Start/Finish area. Camping is included in your entry fee and is available for both Friday and Saturday nights. Park pass fees of $7 may apply.


The Race Course
Ride the flowy scenic trails of Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, and have plenty of friendly people to share them with. Each season we choose a new combination of trails and keep the race course secret until the day before the race. The course is designed with safety in mind for the average to intermediate rider to complete with success. You will enjoy a well marked and groomed 9-10km loop of trails with challenging technical sections, fast downhills, smooth and flowy singletrack, and over 800ft of challenging climbs per lap. The race course offers something for everyone no matter what your skill, including breathtaking panoramic views of the Qu'Appelle valley. Some maps from previous seasons are available here.


XC8 Solo
Without a doubt, racing the XC8 individually as a solo racer is the ultimate challenge.   Many different people choose to race solo including elite athletes and weekend warriors who just want to know they can finish it. You will complete as many laps as possible and race at your own pace. You can take snack breaks, enjoy the event, or hammer away for the entire 8 hours. You are in contol of your own destiny.


XC8 Teams
8 Hours a bit too much for you to handle on your own?   Tag out!   Form a team with your friends or co-workers to share the experience.   We offer two team sizes: 2-Person (doubles) or 4-Person (team) where you can race any gender mix you like, or you can race the new Female Doubles option.


Racer Bonuses
Our events are high class and we like to give you an experience you won't soon forget. The following is included in your entry fee:

There will be a variety of food and drink available throughout the day to keep your energy and fluids up, but be sure to bring your own food and drinks as we cannot guarantee quantities will last all day.


Post-Race Events
There is a Catered Dinner starting near the end of the race which is included in your race entry fees (and free of charge for all volunteers).

Our official awards ceremony features the complete podium experience to truly congratulate the top three finishers in each category. Race winners will be awarded XC8 medals and the overall solo male and female will take home XC8 Solo Champion Trophies and a combined Cash Prize of $1000!   All participants and volunteers are eligible for a schwack of draw prizes furnished by Western Cycle. Also, don't miss the Impromptu Awards, where we award some 'interesting' prizes you might not like to win.

A bonfire will be raging at the campground -- socialize and just hang out after one very long day on the bike.