by admin | May 24, 2017 | Fernie TransRockies
Jikke Gyorki, a Fernie career mother of two, talks about her participation in the Fernie Lucky 7’s.
What category are you riding in the Fernie Lucky 7’s and why?
I’m riding in the Women’s 40+ Solo category because I like the challenge and to be able to do it on my own terms. To me it’s a big goal to achieve by myself.
How old are your kids’ and are they riding?
We have two boys aged 7 & 4. Both boys have been riding since before they were two. We are fortunate to live in a place that is a true mountain bike destination.
What is your experience with mountain bike racing?
My first race was the bike segment of Tears & Gears Duathlon in Fernie in September 2015. I decided to start racing casually to give me the push I needed to get on my bike more regularly and get fit. A friend of mine did the running segment. Doing your first race as a relay team is great because you then have ‘team’ support and excitement.
When you’re a career family with little kids life is busy so making a commitment to a race is a great motivator. My first race was awesome. Though you are nervous to start, once you get going a new mental mindset comes on that pushes you to do your best. It’s a bit of an adrenaline rush. I finished and was happy with my result, and it felt great. All the event organizers and race support that is set up really makes it fun and supportive all around.
After my first race it was the end of the season so I planned for 2016. I looked for other races that were nearby and within my means and entered Round The Mountain in Kimberley in June. This was another super fun yet challenging race that I then got hooked to try more. In September 2016 I did Tears & Gears again, then 2 weeks later did Six in the Stix in Cranbrook. The Cranbrook race was a different format with a shorter route and the objective of riding it as many times as you could within a 6 hour period. Given the route didn’t include any big ascents or descents I wanted to try it. I didn’t know what to expect. Would I get through only 2 laps and be too tired to continue? The great thing about any race event is that the people around you are super supportive and that alone is a great motivator. In the end I managed to do 5 laps!
Fernie’s Lucky 7’s race will be my 5th race.
What do you like about the Fernie Lucky 7’s format?
Having experienced a similar format with Six in the Stix race in Cranbrook last September I found I enjoyed the challenge of a longer race that’s on a course with no major technical ascents or descents. It really tests your endurance while not requiring more than a full day commitment, such as multi-day races. If you want to do it as a relay team to try it out or have fun in a team format you can choice that option or do it solo and see how many laps you can do. You can always cut it short or try to do another lap. The other thing I like about this longer duration format is the laps aren’t too long (10-15km) so you can determine when you’re done versus being stuck out on a long course km’s from the finish line.
How much are you training?
I’m happy if I can get a ride in 3 times a week, even if just for 45 minutes. My time is extremely limited and we don’t have family around to take care of the kids to get out for a ride easily, and babysitters can be hard to access. I never have a goal of winning the race since I don’t have that level of time to train, but being in a race gets me out riding, which in turn gets me fairly fit and makes me happy.
Is your family supportive of your mountain bike racing and how?
Yes they are. My husband is also a rider and having supported me the last 2 years he’s now starting to race too! Having your family at a race cheering you on and being at the finish is a great feeling. For longer endurance races you definitely need a support person to help you each lap with fueling up, giving you encouragement and pushing you to continue. My kids enjoy the environment as well and if there are kids fun races or activities that can make it more fun for all of us.
Will any other family member be racing in the Fernie Lucky 7’s or other bike events?
No, I’ll need my husband to be my support person and babysitter during this race. Not sure yet about the kids events yet. My husband will be racing the next day at Kimberley’s Round the Mountain then we are travelling in August to Kaslo’s IDidARide race. Currently my husband is racing in this event unless we can find a babysitter to come with us to help with the kids then I can race too!
What is your advice to other moms who are considering mountain bike racing?
Just try it. Take your time. Have fun. No one is judging you, everyone is supportive, especially parents that are racing. You’ll be amazed at what you can do in a race environment with the added push and motivation. Then being in an environment where there is so much support if anything happens such as a flat, crash or anything. I luckily haven’t had any of those yet!
What is your favourite mountain bike trail in Fernie?
My favorite riding area is Ridgemont. My favorite trail/route would probably be Sidewinder – Eco-terrorist/Boardwalks – Deadfall – Oh Deer
What is your favourite family activity in Fernie?
Hiking, biking and camping
by admin | Jan 19, 2017 | Fernie TransRockies
Fernie bike events are about to experience a huge boost of fun this June 24th when the the Fernie Lucky 7’s rolls out of the Aquatic Centre!
The Fernie Lucky 7’s is a cross-country mountain bike event that caters to riders of all abilities looking for a fun experience. Competitive endurance and XC racers will be challenged in the 7-hour solo and team category events. Families, youth and company teams will love the two and three person team options and easy course.
Everybody can be a winner in the Fernie Lucky 7’s at the Craps Table! Trail craps, our version of table craps, will be played at the finish. With each lap completed riders get to roll the dice with the high point rollers taking home prizes. We’ll also have great prizes for the fastest riders in all categories.
Fernie Lucky 7’s course:
The Fernie Lucky 7’s course will feature moderate climbs with lots of passing options and fun rolling downhill’s. The selected course is a 13.5 km loop with only 384 meters of vertical climbing.
Adult Course
START – Fernie Aquatic Centre to Coal Heritage Trail to Cemetery Bypass
Kiddy Up, Queen V, Upper Eco Terrorist (Boardwalks)
Deadfall to R-Trail to Kids Stuff to Erics Trail (Great Downhill)
Up Ridgemont Road to Vortex (Fun Downhill) to Elk Valley Trail
Ruby’s Trail to Up Rooted (Fun Downhill) to Montane Trail
Coal Heritage Trail to Aquatic Centre – FINISH
U15 Course
START – Fernie Aquatic Centre to Coal Heritage Trail to Cemetery Bypass
Kiddy Up, Queen V, Upper Eco Terrorist (Boardwalks)
Kids Stuff to Erics Trail (Great Downhill)
Up Ridgemont Road to Vortex (Fun Downhill)
Coal Heritage Trail to Aquatic Centre – FINISH
Professional timing, great prizing, first aid, food stations, trail support, bike support and a well thought-out course will be provided.
The Fernie Lucky 7’s categories are designed to be inclusive. The U15 and U9 events will be great fun for kids’ and the family and corporate categories open new opportunities for great experiences.
Categories include:
One lap: U15 Girls & Boys
Kids’ Lucky 7 Rally: U9 Girls & Boys FREE
Men’s Solo, Open, 40+, 50+
Women’s Solo, Open, 40+
Teams of 2: Men’s Open, Mens 40+, Women’s, Mixed & Family
Teams of 3: Men’s Open, Women’s, Mixed, Family & Corporate
Fernie is famous for its hospitality and the Fernie Lucky 7’s will be taking that to a new level! Food vendors, Beverage Gardens and entertainment will fill the day.
Registration is open and entries are limited. Rally your friends, family and workmates to register, Everybody can be a winner at the Fernie Lucky 7’s!
The Fernie Lucky 7’s is organized by the Fernie TransRockies Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting mountain biking and raising money for trails.
by admin | Oct 28, 2016 | Fernie TransRockies
The Fernie TransRockies Society is pleased to present a new mountain bike event for 2017– the Fernie Lucky 7’s (7 hours – 7 categories – 7 winners) to be held on Saturday June 24th.
The Fernie Lucky 7’s is a cross-country mountain bike event that caters to those looking for a fun experience. Competitive endurance and XC racers will be challenged in the 7-hour solo and team category events. Families, youth and company teams will love the team options and easy course.
The Fernie Lucky 7’s replaces the Fernie 3 for 2017. The Fernie 3 was a three-day XC endurance stage race that raised money for trails and charity, and supported youth cycling. In 2016 $10,000 was raised and in the past 3 years $27,000 was raised overall.
The Fernie TransRockies Society will be managing the Fernie Lucky 7’s and once again will be fundraising for local trail organizations and not-for-profits and focusing on engaging youth and community cycling. With over 15 years of event experience you can expect a well-organized event. Professional timing, great prizing, first aid, food stations, trail support, bike support and a well thought-out course are the standard. The Fernie TransRockies Society was formed in 2002 as a not-for-profit with the objective of growing destination and community biking.
Fernie Lucky 7’s details:
The Fernie Lucky 7’s course will feature moderate climbs with lots of passing options and fun rolling downhill’s. The selected course is a 15 km loop with only 350 meters of vertical climbing. Course details will be released prior to the event.
Lucky winners will be selected from the Lucky 7 Craps table. All participants will have a chance to roll the dice for the winning Lucky 7’s. The top finishers from the categories will also be recognized.
The Fernie Luck 7’s categories are designed to be inclusive. The U15 and U9 events will continue and the family and corporate categories open new opportunities for great experiences.
Categories include:
Men’s Solo, Open, 40+, 50+
Women’s Solo, Open, 40+
Teams of 2: Men’s Open, Mens 40+, Women’s, Mixed & Family
Teams of 3: Men’s Open, Women’s, Mixed, Family & Corporate
One lap: U15 Girls & Boys
Kids’ Lucky 7 Rally: U9 Girls & Boys FREE
Fernie is famous for its hospitality and the Fernie Lucky 7’s will be taking that to a new level! Food vendors, Beverage Gardens and entertainment will fill the day.
Registration opens November 1st and entries are limited. Rally your friends, family and workmates to register early for early-bird pricing. Everybody will be a winner at the Fernie Lucky 7’s!
by admin | Jul 4, 2016 | Fernie TransRockies
The Fernie 3 ended with another great stage route starting and finishing at Fernie Alpine Resort’s Griz Inn. The riders climbed to the top of the Elk Chair and descended Mr Berms and Honey Bee. They then descended Verboten, Project 9 and Happy Gilmar before returning for a deck party and banquet at the Rusty Edge.
Carter Nieuwesteeg stole the show in Stage 3 with a 9:35.5 minute lead over second place finisher Kevin Calhoun. Kevin Calhoun took first place overall and Carter’s two stage victories placed him in second place overall, am amazing feat given his 18 minute deficit following a wheel failure in Stage 1.
Jean Ann Berkenpas from Valemount continued to dominate in the women’s open category. Nicole Knauf of Fernie placed another strong finish and sits in 5th place overll. For overll stage result details click here.
With timed descents Jean Ann Berkenpas posted the fastest women’s time and John Burton was the fastest male. Fernie riders seeded the podium with Carter Nieuwesteeg and JF Deslauriers placing second and third in men’s and Nicole Knauf and Jennifer Mchugh placing second and third in women’s. For timed descent result details click here.
The athletes make this event a success, thank you for participating. Riders participated from all the surrounding Western Provinces and States, and as far away as Australia. The youngest rider in men’s open was 15 year old Talon Vale from Fernie who came 11th overall. Congratulations to all of you who participated!
Without local organizations this event would not have happened. A big thank you to the Fernie Nordic Society, Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club and Fernie Mountain Bike Club for their many volunteer hours. These organizations will receive funding from the organizing group, the Fernie Transrockies Society, who has donated over $20,000 in the past two years.
A big thanks to our sponsor who help make this event happen, including: Gearhub Sports, Fernie Real Estate, Rocky Mountain, Ryders Eyewear, Hammer Nutrition, Jakroo Canada, Fernie Brewing Company, Tinhorn Creek Winery, The Cedars, Teck, The Bridge Bistro, Montane Fernie, Park Place Lodge, The Griz Inn, Fernie Central Reservations, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Island Lake Lodge.
by admin | Jul 2, 2016 | Fernie TransRockies
Day 2 of the Fernie 3 started and finished at the Fernie Aquatic Centre with cooler temperatures and near perfect riding conditions. Hyper-extension, Fernie’s signature big-mountain climb, was almost enjoyable.
The big result of the day was Carter Nieuwesteeg’s come-back from a collapsed wheel in the opening minutes of Day 1 and a 25-minute deficit to win by 6:57.8 minutes. Kevin Calhoun remains in first place overall and Fernie local Martin Vale sits three minutes behind in second place. Carted moved up to 10th place, 18 minutes behind Calhoun.
Jean Ann Berkenpas from Valemount won her second stage to remain in the lead in the women’s open category. Nicole Knauf of Fernie placed another strong finish and sits in 5th place overll. For more stage 2 result details click here.
With timed descents Martin Vale posted the fastest men’s time and Jean Ann Berkenpas in women’s. Fernie rider Nicole Knauf finished 3rd in women’s, 12 seconds behind Berkenpas. For timed descent result details click here.
The 10 Annual Kid’s Bike Rally saw 150 participants; this event continues to bring smiles to kid’s faces. Free bike parts from Gearhub, bike decorations, Happy Cow ice cream and balloon Tom created a magical experience!
Perhaps the stiffest competition of the day was the U13 race! 28 racers ripped up the Montane trail with several tight sprints to the finish line. For U13 & 16 result details click here.
Stage 3 begins tomorrow at 9am at the Griz Inn. Riders will be testing Fernie Alpine Resort trails before heading to Verboten, Project 9, Happy Gilmar and returning to finish at the Griz Inn. The event concludes with a deck party at the Rusty Edge, the public is welcome to join in the festivities and support the riders.
The event is organized by the Fernie Transrockies Society and raises monies for local trail associations and clubs.
A big thanks to our sponsor who help make this event happen, including: Gearhub Sports, Fernie Real Estate, Rocky Mountain, Ryders Eyewear, Hammer Nutrition, Jakroo Canada, Fernie Brewing Company, Tinhorn Creek Winery, The Cedars, Teck, The Bridge Bistro, Montane Fernie, Park Place Lodge, The Griz Inn, Fernie Central Reservations, Happy Cow, Rusty Edge, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Island Lake Lodge.
Page 10 of 34« First«...91011...2030...»Last »
