This September, mountain bikers looking for the ultimate downcountry challenge will have a new reason to mark their calendars. Steep n’ Deep XC, the latest addition to the Anything Goes Event Series, is set to debut at Fernie Alpine Resort on September 12-13, promising a race unlike any other.
A New Age of Racing
Steep n’ Deep XC redefines mountain bike racing with a 35km cross-country-style course featuring four unique timed stages. Riders will experience the full spectrum of mountain biking, from adrenaline-pumping descents to leg-burning climbs, all while soaking in Fernie’s legendary terrain. The format includes more downhill than uphill, but don’t be fooled—each descent will be hard-earned.
With a race format similar to enduro, riders will navigate multiple challenging stages, blending technical skill with endurance. Expect total ride times of 2.5 to 4 hours, covering 1,600m of elevation gain, with cumulative race times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours across the timed sections. Key trails featured in the course include Double Creek, Top Gun, Mr. Berms, the Megasaurus Climb, and the rough and rowdy Rumplestumpskin.
More Than Just a Race
Steep n’ Deep XC isn’t just about competition—it’s a full weekend of festivities, camaraderie, and celebration at Fernie Alpine Resort. The action kicks off with a Rider Social and Package Pickup at Legends Mountain Eatery on Friday, setting the stage for an unforgettable event. Race day brings high-energy finish line vibes, live entertainment featuring Fernie’s own Little Bit Good Band, and an afterparty at the legendary Griz Bar—a must-visit après spot since 1962.
Race Entry & Prizes
Riders who sign up will receive:
• Professional timing and a well-marked course
• On-course refueling stations
• Access to all pre- and post-race festivities
• Swag bag, post-race burger & beer
• A chance to win epic prizes
• A $4,000 cash purse for Pro riders
Top finishers in multiple categories—including Pro, Open, Junior, Locals, and Adaptive/Para—will take home awards and bragging rights, with cash prizes for the Top 5 Pro Men and Women.
How to Get Involved
Register Now – Ready to test your endurance? Sign up now before spots fill up! If a category is full, email info@anythinggoeseventseries.com to join the waitlist.
Volunteer – Be part of the event magic! Volunteers receive a Steep n’ Deep XC T-shirt, sponsor goodies, a post-race burger & beer, and a volunteer bar tab at the Griz Bar party. Email info@anythinggoeseventseries.com to sign up.
Save the Date – Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just here for the party, September 12-13 is a weekend you don’t want to miss!
For full event details, course maps, and registration, visit Anything Goes Event Series. Get ready to ride Fernie like never before!
The City of Fernie is gearing up for another exciting Spring GoByBike Week (May 31 – June 6) and is on the lookout for a GoByBike Community Coordinator to help bring the event to life!
This part-time, temporary contract (approx. 10 hours per week from April to mid-June) is a 100% grant-funded position supported by GoByBike BC Society. The successful candidate will be responsible for event planning, volunteer recruitment, sponsorship coordination, and promotion—all to encourage more people to choose two wheels for everyday transportation.
What is GoByBike? GoByBike BC Society is a provincial non-profit organization that promotes cycling as a convenient, healthy, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Through seasonal challenges and community events, GoByBike encourages British Columbians to leave the car behind and opt for a ride instead.
The City of Fernie is proud to support this initiative for a third year, providing the GoByBike Community Coordinator role to ensure a successful event and help increase active transportation in our community.
How You Can Get Involved:
Apply for the Coordinator Role – Help shape this year’s GoByBike event! Deadline: March 7 More details and apply here
Stay Tuned for Event Details – Log your rides, participate in fun challenges, and encourage friends, neighbors, and coworkers to get involved!
Let’s keep Fernie rolling! Get involved today and help make GoByBike Week 2025 the best yet!
Completely reimagined, from the ground up, the new Rocky Mountain Altitude is built for going fast in Fernie’s Rocky Mountains!
Rocky Mountain is stating that the all-new design makes the Altitude even faster than before. With increased stiffness and a lower centre of gravity, overall ride performance is leveled up. The new suspension designs linear rate curve provides a supportive and predictable feel with minimal unwanted movement or harshness. Mid to large-sized impacts are absorbed effectively without compromising speed or control.
The LC2R™ suspension system is making it’s first appearance on the Altitude and promises to deliver superior climbing and descending. It was first introduced on the 2006 Slayer, and was found on later versions of the Slayer SXC and Slayer SS. The design was then adapted to the popular 2008 Flatline, and then the Flatline WC models.
Mark Hall, Gearhub Sports Manager, commented, “The Altitude has been Gearhub’s and Fernie’s most popular bike for the past decade and the new design will be more popular that ever. We have the new Altitude on the floor, drop by and see what’s in stock or order one today!”
Rémi Gauvin, Rocky Mountain Athlete, commented, “I’ve been riding iterations of the Altitude forthe last 10 years and this one is by far themost exciting yet. The evolution of the bikemakes it without a doubt the most capableit’s ever been, and I’ve never been more excited to take a bike to the races.”
Anything Goes Event Series is stoked to contribute to the boomin’ early season gravel race scene in Western Canada by hosting the Cranbrook Gravel Grind this May 25th followed by the Fernie Gravel Grind on July 12th.
Cranbrook Gravel Grind is it a perfect season opener, it’s also great preparation for Canadian Gravel National Championships coming to our neck of the woods in 2024 hosted by our friends Ghost of the Gravel.
If you’re looking for the ideal Nationals tune up race, the Cranbrook Gravel Grind is prime timing to test the legs three weeks out. Sharpen your bike handling skills in the twists and turns of the Cranbrook Community Forest before really getting the legs burning on the climbing-heavy back half of the course.
Ever since the 2021 atmospheric river that destroyed much of the Fernie Gravel Grind’s routes, they’ve been making due with what was left. Fortunately, thanks to the help of many community members, they are able to bring new roads to this year’s Short Haul.
The 2024 Short Haul is perfect for new racers or those simply looking to have a good time, as it’s not too hot and not too cold, it really is just right. The Short Haul features a roller coaster of a ride with incredible vistas to boot throughout the Elk Valley. As always they’ll have their wild Stoke Stations locked and loaded to support riders topped up with race fuel and premium stoke.
The 2024 Long Haul, is just as beautiful as it is unrelenting and every descent is hard earned. But whether or not you’re in Fernie to be the first across the finish line or to simply take in the scenery with friends, you are guaranteed an epic day out!
Don’t let the distance deceive you! The Updated Long Haul will be sure to challenge riders featuring a wide variety of terrain featuring Forestry Service Roads, tough climbs, flowy double track, and even bits of green singletrack, after all – anything goes with gravel! They guarantee your post race beverage will be well earned. Stay tuned for course files in the coming weeks.
Following their mission, Anything Goes With Gravel, the races are open to anyone and everyone and offers multiple distances, race categories and fun activities for the whole family all weekend long.
The TransRockies Gravel Royale has been cancelled due to Wildfires in the region.
Aaron McConnell, TransRockies President, commented, “It’s with heavy hearts and a commitment to safety as our top priority, we regret to announce the cancellation of the highly anticipated TransRockies Gravel Royale 2023. The decision comes in response to the ongoing wildfire situation that has affected the race route and surrounding areas. Despite our dedicated efforts and consultations with BC Wildfire officials over the past week, it has become apparent that proceeding with the event would pose too great a risk to participants, staff, and the local communities.”
The TransRockies Gravel Royale has been a testament to the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and endurance since its inception. Aaron continued to say that he understands the disappointment that this cancellation brings, but the TransRockies responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved is paramount.
Several key factors contributed to this difficult decision:
1. Wildfire Proximity:
The Horsethief Creek Complex, comprised of the Horsethief, Yearling, and Mia Creek fires, poses a significant threat along the route. All three fires have been classified as “Out of Control,” creating an unpredictable and potentially hazardous environment.
2. Evacuation Concerns and Emergency Respose:
Although the evacuation order for Nipika has been lifted, the area remains under an “evacuation alert”. In the event of further closures or emergencies, the options for transporting a large group of riders out of Nipika are limited, raising safety concerns in case of unforeseen circumstances.
3. Course Disruption:
A section of the race course near Nipika, particularly Cochran Creek, remains closed due to wildfire activity. This closure necessitates a reroute, which could impact the overall race experience.
4. Uncontained Mia Creek Fire:
The Mia Creek fire continues to spread, with limited containment progress. BC Wildfire authorities have expressed apprehension about potential fire spread, especially if wind conditions change. The inaccessibility of the area further complicates firefighting efforts. Portions of the planned route are within the current Area Restriction and closure.
5. Air Quality and Smoke Concerns:
While smoke has not been a significant issue at present, the situation is unpredictable and could rapidly worsen. Given the nature of the race as a point-to-point event, it is challenging to adjust stages to account for poor air quality.
7. Permit Uncertainty:
Ongoing evacuation alerts in the Nipika area could lead to officials withholding of necessary permits, creating additional obstacles for organizing a safe and successful event.
The TransRockies administration have communicated with registered participants regarding deferral options and also express their commitment to exploring future opportunities to bring the spirit of TransRockies Gravel Royale back stronger than ever once the wildfire situation stabilizes and conditions permit. Next year’s event is scheduled for August 23-26, 2024.
The Entire TransRockies Team We would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all participants, sponsors, volunteers, and local communities who have supported the TransRockies Gravel Royale. While this cancellation is undoubtedly disappointing, the health and safety of everyone involved remains our utmost priority.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let us work together to support the firefighting efforts and recovery of the affected communities.
The TransRockies would like to thank all the Fernie supporters including GearHub Sports, the City of Fernie, Fernie.com, Tourism Fernie, Park Place Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, Fernie Lodging Company, Fernie RV Resort, Stanford Resort, Snow Valley Lodging and the Fernie Fox. Fernie was ready for an epic finish…
