Rocky Mountain has done it again, setting a new benchmark in the ever-evolving world of downcountry riding with the latest iteration of the Element. Known for its precision engineering and ability to blur the lines between cross-country efficiency and trail-bike capability, the 2025 Element cements its place as a downcountry machine built for those who crave speed on the climbs and confidence on the descents.
The new Element delivers on what riders have come to expect from the category—progressive geometry, efficient suspension, and just enough travel to handle aggressive terrain. Featuring a 120mm rear and 130mm front travel setup, this bike balances efficiency with control, ensuring that every pedal stroke translates into speed without sacrificing stability on technical sections. With its updated carbon and alloy frame options, Rocky Mountain offers a tailored experience for riders seeking a race-ready machine or an all-day adventure companion.
One of the most exciting updates to the Element is its commitment to weight reduction without compromising durability. The new Smoothwall carbon layup has shaved off grams while maintaining the stiffness and responsiveness needed for technical descents and rapid accelerations. The flex-stay rear triangle eliminates the need for a pivot at the seat stays, reducing weight while enhancing the bike’s natural compliance over rough terrain.
Geometry has also seen refinements, making the new Element even more capable than its predecessor. With a steep 76.5-degree seat angle for optimal climbing efficiency and a slackened 65-degree head angle, riders can expect a stable and planted feel when descending at speed. The adjustable Ride-4 geometry system remains a standout feature, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup based on terrain and personal preference.
Downcountry bikes thrive on adaptability, and the Element embraces this with a longer reach, integrated frame storage, and improved tire clearance for more aggressive rubber setups. Paired with modern cockpit ergonomics and a refined suspension kinematic, this bike is as comfortable grinding up fire roads as it is ripping flow trails or tackling root-laden descents.
Rocky Mountain’s design philosophy continues to evolve, and the latest Element is proof of their commitment to blending efficiency, capability, and outright fun. Whether you’re chasing podiums or seeking out high-alpine singletrack, the Element is designed to push limits and redefine what a downcountry bike can be.
For riders looking for the ultimate balance of lightweight efficiency and technical prowess, the new Rocky Mountain Element is a game-changer. With a pedigree rooted in racing but a design built for real-world trail demands, this downcountry ripper is ready to take on whatever the mountains throw at it.
Fast is fun every day of the week and this Downcountry whip makes having fun easy. Visit Gearhub Sports to get your Down Country solution – a perfect bike for Fernie trails!
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.
