As some may know, Damian Parlee is currently on course on the BC Epic 1000 - a 1,000 km bikepacking race on 90% gravel trails and roads from Merritt to Fernie. And, because he's Damian, he's signed up for the yo-yo: once he reaches Fernie, he will turn around and return to Merritt, for a total of 2,000 km (if all goes well). It is a self-supported event, in the style of Tour Divide. The clock never stops - and the leaders don't either! Damian does plan to spend a night in a proper bed in Fernie at his halfway point, but so far his only rest has been 5-6 hours while waiting for this morning's ferry in Balfour.
The "grand depart" was at 7 am in Merritt on Saturday, June 24, so they've been on course for just over 48 hours. There are about 60 people taking on the BC Epic this year.
There are overall winners and FKTs for the eastbound, westbound and yo-yo divisions. Rob Britton holds the eastbound record (completed as an ITT rather than during the main "grand depart" event), which is pretty unattainable for anyone who does the grand depart. However, the westbound and yo-yo FKTs are definitely within Damian's reach.
Follow along here: http://trackleaders.com/bcepic23?fbclid=IwAR3NmZ4CHZBVgK-1Raijiw3DRGYlDelrf7AYtTVXUV_40p6QsD44XpiTFow
And read occasional updates and commentary by checking here: https://dotwatcher.cc/race/bc-epic-1000-2023
Follow-up in case you missed it! Damian rode in for a TIE FINISH with Robyn C, who he rode with for the full third day. Nearly hand-in-hand, haha. They smashed the former FKT for the eastbound grand depart, and finished just after dusk (2215 or so). Damian spent a night in a soft hotel bed, washed his kit and self, ate a big breakfast, and is now back out on course for 1,000 additional kms. His dot should reappear on the TrackLeaders site soon, if it hasn't already.