On August 12th, 2017 biking enthusiasts of the Elk Valley are invited to participate in the annual Highline 100 ride. Highline 100, a not for profit society, is a bike ride that takes place in and around the Jaffray and South Country area. As the name suggests, the complete ride can be either 100 kilometres or 100 miles. The ride begins in the Baynes Lake area early Saturday morning, looping around Jaffray, with a trip out to the Canada/US border and back. The routes are mapped out based on the rider’s preferred distance, as a 40 kilometre ride is an option as well.
Highline 100 began with a group of friends and road biking enthusiasts in 2004. “My friend Brad Zumwalt and I were going up the Boom Chair the winter of 2003, and when talking about riding, we thought ‘well why can’t we organize some type of charity event here in Fernie?’ That was when the seeds were planted…” said Curtis Rytz, one of the founding members of Highline 100. 42 riders completed the ride for the first Highline 100 event. The group has grown throughout the years, with an average of 100 to 120 riders participating each year. But these numbers are starting to decline, and as mountain biking becomes more popular, road biking is slipping into the shadows.
For an organization like Highline 100, the benefits of their event goes beyond road biking lengthy distances. Through the ride, participants get to experience the thrill of being challenged and pushing their limits. To those who are involved, the Highline event is more about taking in the whole experience. “It’s so special for me because it brings a sense of community. Our motto is ‘ride for good’, so it’s all about giving back. To pay it forward, that’s why I do it“. said Jerry Nieuwesteeg, a Highline 100 board member and participant. “My most memorable moment was from two years ago. We gave away awards, the Spirit of the Highline Award, and that year we gave it away to a group of young kids. Just seeing all the young people up there with all their energy and big smiles, it was just so true. They are the spirit of this ride, and that’s why we’re doing what we do, so we can give back to those young kids and the community.” said Tina Brillantes, also a Highline 100 board member and rider. For Mike Low, a Highline member, it’s all about witnessing people complete the ride. “Just seeing those people who are maybe just doing it for the first time, maybe it’s the biggest ride of their life distance wise, and then seeing them afterwards all pumped up about the fact that they were able to complete this distance. It’s a big accomplishment, and that’s the memorable part.” This event also strives to raise funds for three prevalent and local organizations. Highline 100 is proud to support the Elk Valley through donating half of the entry fees of the ride to the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation, Fernie Alpine Ski Team, and FIRE Adaptive Snow Program. The funds generated over the years have totalled approximately $90,000.
Highline 100 would like to encourage all biking enthusiasts from the Elk Valley to participate, as mountain bikers are welcome as well as road bikers. The entry fee for an adult is $110, if purchased by August 4th. For youth under the age of 16, the early bird rate is $75. This includes snacks throughout the ride, such as the “World’s Best Cinnamon Bun”, a full lunch, ice cream at the 3/93 Dairy Bar, T-shirts and more. A delicious dinner celebration of the completed ride is held at the Rusty Edge at Fernie Alpine Resort with awards, prizes, and a silent auction. Early bird dinner tickets can be purchased at $50 for adults and $30 for youth. Highline 100 would like to thank the volunteers who have helped to make the ride successful over the years, including Brad Zumwalt and Mike Delich, who also support the ride in many ways behind the scenes.
To find out more information on the ride, and to catch the early bird registration rate, please visit www.highline100.com. Help Highline 100 continue to change lives and make a difference.
By Grace Brulotte
