The TransRockies Classic riders spent the day racing in Nipika Resort on day three of their seven day journey from Panorama to Fernie. The TransRockies Classic represents the return of one of the world’s most rugged and spectacular cycling events. Crossing the continental divide while traversing from Panorama Mountain Resort to Fernie, the TransRockies Classic is an epic point-to-point 500+km journey for hardy riders. Fernie is the only community to have hosted all of the TransRockies Classic events.
Electrical storms overnight had the start line buzzing with extra energy. Stage 3 featured the trails around Nipika, and light precipitation had the trails in prime condition for the 41 km of high speed racing on tap. The stage highlights included the Natural Bridge trail that followed a raging torrent of a creek down a slot canyon, and the No Right Turns trail, perched atop a precipitous spine over the Kootenay River.
Stage 3 also marked the conclusion of the TR3 edition of the race, a shortened three day version of the classic TransRockies experience.
Troy Nixon, Fernie local, placed second in the Open Mens Solo division of TR3. Here’s what he had to say about his experience the last three days: “I turn 50 this year, and was able to convince my wife I should do the race as part of my 50th birthday present to myself. The three day version gave me the ability to sneak away for a few days of riding amazing trails, and still take the family out to the lake this week.
The racing in our group was super tight. I was third on days one and two. I was about 53 seconds back from the guy in front of me, and was able to chase him down today on the trails and put enough time on him to finish up second overall.
I am the president of the Fernie Mountain Bike Club, and serve on the Fernie City Council as an elected offical as well. My boss, the Mayor of Fernie, was super supportive of me doing the race. When I told her I was planning to do it for my birthdy this year she was fully on board. In Fernie, we are all about team work.”
Thursday the TR7 riders continue on to White Swan, followed by Elkford, Crowsnest and finish in Fernie this Sunday, July 28th. The Fernie team of Krista Turcasso and Mark Elson continue their journey and perhaps face the biggest challenge on their final day coming into Fernie. It’s a good thing they have a strong support from their pit crew!
Stage 7 — Crowsnest Start to Fernie Finish — features 83 kms and over 3000 meters of climbing. This final stage is the queen stage and the riders will most certainly have earned their voyage having completed this epic day. The big drop is Porky Blue!
The 13th Kids’ Bike Rally is also being staged again at the TransRockies classic finish. When 100+ riders roll into the finish line for the Transrockies Classic Finish, 100+ kids’ aged 3 – 9 will be enjoying a fun bike rally starting at Gearhub and finishing at the Aquatic Centre. See the details and register here.
The Transrockies Classic Finish is being held in the outdoor skating rink and the public is invited to attend, participate in the hospitality, and cheer on the racers. Food and beverage will be open from 11am to 5pm and the riders should be arriving during that time frame.
Stage 7 Fernie trails include: Porky Blue, Coal Discovery Trail (TCT), Little Chain Ring, Kush, Contra, Flow Wrkr and the Coal Creek Heritage Trail to the Fernie Aquatic Centre. All trails remain open to the public and Contra should be the most entertaining trail to view the finishers.
The TransRockies has been a large part of shaping Fernie’s mountain bike scene and it will continue to do so.
A big thanks to our sponsors who help make this event happen, including: Gearhub Sports, Teck, Park Place Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, The Raging Elk, Fernie RV Resort, Fernie Slopeside Lodge, Lizard Creek Lodge, Fernie Lodging Company, Snow Valley Lodging, Fernie Central Reservations and Happy Cow Ice Cream.
