What is the XC8?
The Blocks Cycle XC8: 8 Hour Endurance Race is hosted by the ORS and is the only race of its kind in Saskatchewan.
It's all about challenging yourself, having a great time, and it will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Come and experience the XC8.
XC8 is a massive relay, where solo riders or teams of up to four people compete to ride as many laps as possible in an 8-hour time frame. Whether you’re a strong rider or a recreational rider, our categories have been designed to accommodate all levels.
Le Mans start |
Friendly competition |
Great Trails |
With all accomodations and facilities just steps away from the race course, XC8 is truly a social event. You will enjoy great company with cycling enthusiasts from near and far. The event routinely attracts friendly participants from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The atmosphere is a festive with competitive racers and recreational riders meshing in genuine love for the sport.
Solo Champions 2005 |
Strong female competition |
Enjoying a post-race drink |
The Event Venue
The race course is located in Buffalo Pound Provincial Park north of Moose Jaw, SK.
The park has been a favourite of bikers for many years, and was the site of Canada Cup XC races in 2000 and 2002.
Don't be fooled by the great prairies of Saskatchewan. Racers from across Canada have found that that Saskatchewan is not flat. You will be riding in the 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.
Race Course
The final race course is kept secret until race day, but is designed with safety in mind for the average rider to complete with success. You will enjoy a well marked 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.
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.
XC8 Teams
8 Hours a bit too much for you to handle? Tag out! Form a team with your friends or co-workers to share the experience. We offer open teams of 2 and 4. You are welcome to race with any gender mix you like.
Race entry fees are per person, as follows:
|
registration close |
Solo Racer Entry |
Team Member Entry |
| Early Bird |
July 31st, 2008 |
$40 |
$30 |
| Regular |
midnight, Sept 4th, 2008 |
$50 |
$40 |
| Race Day |
Sept 6th, 2008 |
$60 |
$50 |
Registration Open! Click Here
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:
Camping Friday-Sunday
BBQ Supper at end of race
Food and Drinks during the day
ORS Free Gift (limit first 100 registrations)
FREE Massage Therapy (limited space, donations welcome)
and more!
Camping and Food
Camping on site (Friday and Saturday nights) is included for all racers and volunteers (and their families). The camping area is within eyesight of the start/finish area so you'll never miss a moment of the action. Showers and washrooms are available. You are welcome to setup camp on Friday afternoon and enjoy your stay until Sunday morning.
Hotel accomodation is available in Moose Jaw, which is just a short 20km away from the park.
We feed our racers and volunteers. 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.
Volunteers enjoying camping |
Post-race BBQ meal |
Campers making breakfast |
Post-Race Events
There is a BBQ supper 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 Blocks Cycle and Norco.
A bonfire will be raging at the campground -- socialize and just hang out after one very long day on the bike.
Bring your lights and enjoy our annual tradition, a casual night ride on the XC8 race course.
Medals and Awards |
4-Person Team Podium Ceremony |
Champagne on the Podium |
$1,400 Grand Prize 2007 |
Relaxing after the race |
Annual bonfire social |
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