by admin | Aug 12, 2008 | Fernie TransRockies
I sit under the awning of the RV, the rain coming down again, waiting for Pepper, Shayne, Michelle and Sebastian, the riders of the “Breath Easy Teams” in support of Asthma Canada.
Pepper is my partner and I love her very much….but right now the word is RESPECT…respect for her dedication to Asthma awareness, respect for her tenacity and courage and respect for her commitment to take care of herself and be an example for other Asthma suffers.
Today, the race is more than 70 KM and over two mountains with 3800 meters of climbing but that does not explain the challenge. There are grades that would challenge a mountain goat and swift rivers to cross. There are swamps and bogs and rain and snow. The descents are full of roots and rocks and mud and many times bordering deep canyons.
I sit and wait…it could be a 10 hour day today and then 5 more days to go after that…my heart goes out to Pepper and all the Breathe Easy Team and wish them a safe journey.
Please help them to reach their goal by donating to Asthma Canada .
Will Matthews
Breathe Easy Support Team
by admin | Aug 12, 2008 | Fernie TransRockies
Day one from Panorama to K2 Ranch was a typical “Transrockies” day. We left with the music blaring, “The Highway to Hell”. From Panorama we immediately began a relentless 2-hour hill climb ( the steepesta dn longest climb in the race) where we were rewarded at the top with snow, hail and fantastic vistas. There was the expected assortment of single-track downhills, rocky climbs, side- mountain shale tracks and muddy bogs. Best of all was the spectacular scenery and my favourite… the rolling fast gravel descent for 20 kms.
All the Fernie teams were in from just after 6 hours to 6:45. All came over the finish line with smiles; tired, but happy to be done for the day. Doug and George had mechanical issues that cost them an hour.
I am tired, but ready to ride tomorrow. Kudos to my partner Shayne for helping on the long climbs often pushing two bikes. Sebastian and Michele are downhill demons and made up several places on those stretches of single track and the Evolution girls are all around good riders.
My goal to arrive before 7 hours, but still ride within my limits was completed. What more could you ask for on the first day of the ‘toughest mountain bike race in the world’. It is an honour to ride for all those that have sponsored the ‘Blackstone Fernie Breath Easy” Teams and to represent Asthma Canada .
by admin | Aug 9, 2008 | Fernie TransRockies
Pledges for the Asthma Society of Canada are starting to roll in as bikes from all over the world are doing the same. Brightly-coloured jerseys decorate the streets of downtown Fernie as riders gather before the first stage in Panorama Sunday morning.
The Blackstone Fernie Teams had a successful Fundraising Dinner Wednesday evening. The generous donation of a wonderful 4-course meal by Park Place Lodge and wine from Tinhorn Creek, allowed all the proceeds from the evening to go directly to the Society of Asthma Canada. Over $3,700 was raised as friends and supporters purchased tickets for the $75 a plate event.
Stories were shared, Dr. Virginia Robinson spoke briefly on the benefits of a non-profit Asthma Society in Canada, and a $1,000 donation was made by the Blackstone Transrockies Society in memory of a well-known local, Peter Sturmhoesel who died of asthma in his early thirties. Peter was a skier, mountain biker, husband and friend to many active Fernie residents. As someone who has struggled with an asthma attack fearfully at times in the Emergency Room, it was a very real and touching moment for me.
The Volunteer Canadian Ski Patroller Association, whom Michelle is an active member, also presented a cheque for $200.
Park Place Lodge’s fundraiser dinner
Gordon Sombrowski presenting Shayne, Pepper, Sebastine & Michelle with a cheque
Ken McRitchie (Blackstone) & Dan Savage (Fernie Event Director) presenting a second cheque
Now Shayne and I are packing his camp trailer, gathering the extra bike parts and nutrition supplements and generally keeping too busy to be nervous. At the last minute yesterday, picking up the motor-home that was pre-arranged, we were turned back at the border on a technicality that Canadian residents can’t use a motor-home rented in the US for Canadian recreation. Is a 7-day mountain bike race through the Rockies raising awareness for asthma recreation? But to no avail, we tried everything … so time to change plans at the last minute.
Michele and Sebastian are dealing with their own preparation issues as Sebastian awaits a new bike frame or the loan of another bike to solve the problem of a last minute cracked frame on the bike he has been riding throughout all the training.
We’ll all get it together in time to join the throng of 500+ colourful, tuned athletes at the race start. One day at a time, one obstacle at a time in preparations and throughout the race.
See you in the mountains.
Pepper
by admin | Aug 9, 2008 | Fernie TransRockies
Fernie has participated as an official stage host of the TransRockies every year since the events inception in 2002. Following five consecutive years of being the Official Start community Fernie juxtaposed last year to become the Official Finish. No other community has staged the event more than four years, or been a Start or Finish for more than three years.
Event Director, Dan Savage, says, “With some of the best singletrack mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies and all the amenities of a ski town, combined with an extremely supportive business community, Fernie has emerged as the cornerstone community of the TransRockies.”
Local riders have been building an extensive network of singletrack trails for over 20 years. More than 60 trails line the valley and ridges overlooking the 100-year-old mining town. A huge variety of trail options offer everything from a formidable riding challenge to a pleasurable scenic cruise. As an international powder skiing destination, local accommodation and dining amenities are in abundance, catering to all budgets and tastes. Combining modern sport and recreation tourism with Fernie’s historic roots as a mining town has created a unique destination where relaxed locals greet visitors with a smile.
The community of Fernie invites all mountain bikers to visit and ride our famous TransRockies trails. You can also participate in the Epic Finish on August 16th in the heart of the Historic downtown and enjoy a public Champagne Tent and Beer Garden at the finish line. If you’re traveling with children aged three to eight, plan to participate in the bike rally starting at 10 a.m. on the 16th of August. The event is fun, educational and free to all contact the Fernie organizers to register.
We look forward to seeing you at the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies Epic Finish!
by admin | Jul 25, 2008 | Fernie TransRockies
The world-renown TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race will visit Fernie this August 16th for the seventh consecutive year, this being the second year staging the Official Finish and the Kids’ Bike Rally.
When 500 + riders from over 20 countries roll up to the start line in Blairmore, AB for the final race stage, they will be facing their seventh tough day of mountain biking which includes more singletrack, more vertical and more distance than before. At the same time in Fernie 100 kids’ aged 4 – 8 will be facing a fun and educational bike rally around Fernie’s downtown.
This mini-rally was a great success last year and will again add to the festivities surrounding the TransRockies Epic Finish. The event is free and is limited to the first 100 kids to register. Registration is at The Guides Hut however registration forms can be obtained by emailing transrockies@fernie.com.
Start times are every half hour beginning at 10am and ending at 11:30am. The rally route take about one hours and kids must be accompanies by a parent.
Event Overview:
• Event Date: Saturday August 16, 2007
• Event Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
• Event Location: Victoria Avenue & Station Square
• Event Participants: Children ages 4-8 & their parents
• Registration: The Guides Hut
• Rally Route
o Start #1– Guides Hut – equipment check and fun accessories
o Checkpoint #2 – Carosella plaza – Bike decoration and Asthma Society Of Canada information
o Checkpoint #3 – Fire Station – Bike safety information
o Checkpoint #4 – Overwaitea – Snacks with Nutrition and hydration information
o Finish #5 – Arts Station – Crafts, face painting, and photos.
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