The 2008 TransRockies was a full-spectrum epic which tested over 500 riders from 30 countries with a spectacular new routing along the western slope of the Continental Divide. Along with unpredictable mountain weather that included everything from snow to crushing heat, riders were challenged with the most climbing in the TransRockies seven-year history and a new time trial format on Stage 3 which sent teams off one at a time to compete directly against their closest competition on the most tricky, technical route of the event’s history.

Unique among the epic multi-day events, the TransRockies takes participants deep into remote wilderness areas, cut off from urban amenities, like shopping, news, and even cell phone coverage. With a four-day segment in the middle of the event when riders are at least 30 miles away from even the nearest hamlet, the TransRockies gives the participants a genuine Rocky Mountain experience where they’re more likely to see a bear than a Starbucks.

When the last of the teams had crossed the line and the finisher medals and t-shirts had been given out, the TransRockies also marked another first by opening up registration the day after the event concluded. 2008 participants got first crack at reserving one of the coveted 2009 team spots while all other interested riders were able to start signing up the next day.

Even with the memories of 17,000 metres of climbing and 550km of raw pain and elation still fresh in their brains, teams began signing up immediately for the next year’s event and 100 team spots for 2009 were reserved within the first few days.

As is done every year, the TransRockies organization immediately began extensive surveying on participants’ satisfaction and suggestions on the full range of race management issues from course and catering to medical services, showers, mechanical support and transport. “We’re really gratified by the responses to our survey,” said Event Director Aaron McConnell, “we’ve received amazing feedback and really high satisfaction ratings from our participants.”

With over 200 surveys completed thus far, the 2008 TransRockies is setting new standards for participant satisfaction across a broad range of measures. This year food was a major area of emphasis for the TransRockies organisers and the survey results indicate that the new food program was a spectacular success with satisfaction ratings of over 97 percent in quality, quantity and overall impression. Likewise, the overall satisfaction rating for the event was over 94 percent while 92 percent of participants said that the event met and exceeded their expectations.

“These are the highest satisfaction ratings that we have ever had”, said McConnell, “and they’re tribute to the hard work put in year-round by our staff and volunteers. We’ve set the bar really high for 2009, but we’re confident that we’ll be able to offer our participants an even better ride next year.”

The 2009 TransRockies Challenge is scheduled to take place August 9th–15th, and registration is open at www.transrockies.com, where detailed event information can be found.