Round 2 of both the 2012 BCORCS and the 2012 VIHSS is this weekend. The Roots of Doom is this weekend on Vancouver Island. Just outside of Qualicum, this off road riding area has become a trail racing quary. Year after year, race after race the Whiskey Creek trails are evolving, are expanding and are sculpting into a better race loop.

This years loop is mostly the opposite direction of the Roots of Doom. There is approximately 4 km of new trail for this year. This years race design is the look of a bow tie. Racers will do a 12km loop then come right back to the start area for everyone to see where the racers are placed half way through the loop. Then, they will continue with another 10km section to finish up one loop. Which is a total distance of 22 km per lap. The top pros will be flying in with an approximate 42-50 minute lap time. The rest of the A riders will be a 50-65 minute per lap and B riders will be around 60-80 minute laps. Most B riders will only be doing 2 laps. Some might be able to get just under 60 per lap. If the pros can pull off less then 45 minute lap times then theyll be in store for 5 laps which equals a very long race. Last year there were 5 racers that had to push 5 laps. But, this years course is 2km longer per lap, so it will be close!

Mother nature has been up and down as of late. Some sun, some showers, As long as we don't have a full on rain storm on Sunday, the race will be epic. Trails are looking great and traction is ideal right now! Temperatures on the island right now range from 10-17 degrees celcius. Great racing temperatures for sure.

With Big kahuna 2 weeks ago everyone is itching to race again, and race in trails. I have conformation from these pros that they are going to make the trek to the isle. Here's the list:

- Bobby Prochnau KTM
- Geoff Nelson KTM
- Malcolm Hett KTM
- Jarrett May KTM
- Ryan Dey KTM
- Kevin Dyck KTM
- Eric Demoulin KTM
- Al Wilson Gas Gas
- Thomas Cordner Gas Gas
- Tyler Murray Honda
** Josh Allen and Tim Dyck are both sidelined with injuries. Heal quick boys!
Hopefully a few more can make it to make a dozen on the front line.

Bobby Prochnau is last years winner at the Roots of Doom. Local man and race organizer Jarrett May gave him a run for a few laps, but Prochnau steam rolled ahead and left everyone behind. Nelson has never been to the island to race. His coastal riding experience will serve well and look for him to impress. Cordner is feeling great after taking the win at the first round of the 2012 VIHSS. Fraser Valley natives Dey, Dyck, Demoulin and Murray are ready to race some Coastal style trails and show everyone what they're made of. Murray also won the last race at Whiskey Creek, The mooshy Pumpkin last November. Just edging out Cordner for the win. hett has been training hard in the interior and is ready to make a stand against a mostly coastal pro Field. Finally Wilson and May, the 2 local favorites are going to give it everything they have to step onto the podium at their hometown track. Wilson easily won last years Roots of Doom in the Expert class and was the only non master to do 5 laps. This year, the 36 year old is stepping up his game and lining up with the top guys. Dont let his age fool you, he's in better shape then most 20 year olds! I call him the Kevin Windham of B.C. trail racing. A-dub!
The final question is, and always is, does anyone have anything for Bobby Prochnau? Or is his training regime and experience too much for the rest of the field. Come see it all unfold at this years Roots of Doom!

Racing doesnt stop there of course. The Expert class has some fast fast up an comers. Colton Hall, Dallas Johnson, and Mike Laycraft lead the way in the Expert field. These guys are just on the brink of jumping up to masters, but would like some more experience before they do so.
Vet expert here on the island is a huge class , and a FAST class. Throw in 5 or so more super fast 30 + guys from the mainland and you have some intense racing.
Senior Expert is more of the same. A few local guys are ready to make a statement at their home turf and show they have been working really hard over the off season.
The rest of the classes are also going to have competition, there always is at the Roots!
Last, but not least, CHantelle Bykerk and the possible chance of Victoria Hett will be there as well. These two, on my account, are the two fastest and talented female trail racers in Canada. Chantelle is the 2011 CEC womens Champion and Victoria rode in the Intermediate class in the PNWMA and made it on the podium at a few races! These two are fast, watch out guys!!!

go to http://www.dirtbiker.ca/racing/race/roots-doom-0 for directions, more details, and to view some videos from racers riding at WHiskey Creek.
Some more details on the race:

location; WHiskey Creek, Qualicum

Sign Up: 8-10 am

Riders Meeting: 10 :30

Kids race: 10 am sharp ( duration of 30 minutes)

Main race start: 11 am.

Length of loop= 22km

A rider cut off = 3 hours
B rider cut off= 2 hours

t-shirts to first 120 sign ups

Pro cash Purse:
1st- $500
2nd- $250
3rd $125
Fastest lap by a woman = $125

Mystery class= Junior Under= $100
** there might be another Mystery class. Decision will be made at riders meeting.

Some prizes at awards, and trophies to top 3 in each class.

Concession at start area. tons of parking

Thats about it, if you have any other questions before the weekend feel free to email Jarrett at Jarrett@dirtbiker.ca

Time to go racing again British Columbia!!! See ya at WHiskey!