The TransRockies is proud to introduce a new epic event for 2011, the Gran Fondo Highwood Pass. We’re extremely excited to be able to to take 600 riders up and over Canada’s highest pass this July.
Registration opens March 1st and we expect the event to sell out quickly. Be sure to sign up HERE soon to reserve your place.
TransRockies Inc., creator and organizer of the world-renowned TransRockies, an epic seven day mountain bike race that has been based in FErnie for 10 years, is proud to introduce its newest creation, Gran Fondo Highwood Pass. This 147km Italian-style road bike ride over Canada’s highest paved road will be held for the first time on Saturday, July 9th, 2011.
The Gran Fondo, which literally means “big ride”, is an Italian creation that’s sweeping North America. Like the great Marathons-New York, London, Boston–Gran Fondo rides are mass participation challenges in magnetic settings that are draw everyone from professional racers to recreational participants in costume.
Highwood PassGran Fondo Highwood Pass is a fully supported ride that rolls out from Longview and warms riders up with 30km of quiet roads through surrounding ranch lands. From there, riders pedal through the spectacular scenery of Kananaskis Country: the Highwood River Valley, the Misty Range, Opal Range, and Kananaskis Ranges. After the summit, they past past Nakiska, home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, and then on to Stoney Nakoda Resort, home the finish line and ceremonies, located at the intersection of Highway 40 and the TransCanada Highway.
“If you want to experience the wild intimacy of the Canadian Rockies from a bicycle . . . this is the ride,” said TransRockies President, Aaron McConnell. “The route passes through one of the most spectacular areas in the Canadian Rockies. We’ve also capped entries to just 600 riders to maximize experience and support, two things we value in all of our events.”
Aerial view of Highwood Pass TransRockies is one of North America’s most experienced and creative organizers of epic events and has chosen Highwood Pass because of its scenic splendor, inherent difficulty and the achievement it offers as Canada’s highest pass. Topping out at 2206m/7238ft, Highwood Pass is sure to challenge. “We’ve used Highwood Pass in other events,” added Aaron. “There’s nothing like it in terms of beauty and scenery. Those who feel like hammering it can enter our Monarca de Montagna (Monarch of the Mountain) competition. It’s our way of making 700m of climbing in 37km fun and giving the hammerheads a way to compete with each other. We’ve even thrown in a post-fondo party and pasta-fest. Fondo, food, and fellowship…what else could you ask for in a ride?”
