Fernie Cyclists enjoy the Gravel Royale
August 29, 2024
With preparations for the 2nd annual Fernie Enduro underway we’ll be selecting and fine tuning the planned descents in the coming days.
Roots Hyper Extension on Castle Mountain is riding very well and will be technical and long. The 3.0 kilometer and 400 meter descent will be timed from the toip to the absolute bottom and have no uphills.
Slunt to Brokenback Ridge, Mount Fernie’s highest trail, is also riding very well and is will be included in this years event. The 3.3 kilometer and 500 meter descent will be a definite favourite and perhaps the Queen descent. There are a couple of sections that will require a few of pedal strokes otherwise it is technical and flowy with an abundance of Mitchy berms.
http://www.strava.com/activities/163102329
Later today I will be riding Big Money with Martin Vale to make a final assessment on the 3rd descent. There are plans for a rebuild of Big Money by Fernie’s Backcountry Experts however work has not begun, so most likely we will be selecting another trail for the final descent. Fortunately we have several epic options to replace Big Money including Project 9, Red Sonya, Verboten, Deer Trail, Hedonism, and others. What is your suggestion?
Registration is open, step up to Fernie’s epic descents and ride the Fernie Enduro.
The Intense Fernie 3 would like to extend a huge thank you to all the participants, sponsors and volunteers that made the event possible and a success. Over 300 participants braved the spring weather and rode their best in and around Fernie. Our sponsors were a collection of the best that engaged the event and made it spectacular. And the volunteers were there every day with a commitment that was admirable.
A special thanks to our title sponsor, iconic American mountain bike brand Intense Cycles USA (through their Canadian distributor, Outdoor Gear Canada), for their generous support. Intense Cycles USA demoed a fleet of bikes, provided excellent prizing and donated a Tracer 275 bike frame that was raffled off to a lucky winner by the Fernie Mountain Bike Club. Andrew Robinson from Calgary took home the prize and was ecstatic he had won – “This gives me a good excuse to come back and ride in Fernie! I really enjoyed the race, had a great time.”
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Extended gratitude to: Montane Fernie – building local trails and community, and Smith Sport Optics – continuing to set the standard for high performance optics. These sponsors contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
TinHorn Creek Winery, Fernie Brewing Company and Camelbak are to thank for their contributions to prizing for the fastest racers. The top three participants in each category took home a Camelbak each, a bottle of fine TinHorn Creek Merlot or Pinot Grigio, and a six-pack of FBC’s popular Project 9 Pils. The top two contestants each took home a pair of Smith Optics Overdrive or V2 sunglasses.
Teck Coal Ltd supported the U16 and U13 XC race, the first in Fernie, and it was an epic success. All the participants went home wearing a Fernie 3 jersey and a new Camelbak.
Straight Line Bicycle, the Fernie Chamber, the Fernie Fire Hall and the Fernie Heritage Library were key to The Kids Bike Rally; a massive success which had 150 participants. The young cyclists were supplied with Teck packs that included a t-shirt, bike safety guide and light-up spoke decals.
Hammer Nutrition fueled riders throughout the weekend with its diverse line of products. Everything from Heed sports drink, energy bars, gel packets to recoverite were provided to keep energy high and assist participants to perform their best.
Thanks to sponsors The Fernie Hotel, The Bridge Bistro, Extra Foods, The Free Press, and the Fernie Heritage Library for their roles in the event.
Much appreciation to the lodging companies that ensured all riders had a comfortable stay and experienced true Fernie Hospitality. Included were Park Place Lodge, the Griz Inn, Stanford Inn & Resorts, Red Tree Lodge and Fernie Central Reservations.
Partnerships with the City of Fernie, Tourism Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Trails Alliance and Island Lake Lodge were greatly appreciated and ensured the events success.
Planning is already underway for next year, feel welcome to contact the organizers if you would like to participate. fts@fernie.com
Raven Eye Photography took rider pictures on all stages and to view them click here. Enter your plate number to locate photos directly.
Also there is a gallery of “unknown racer” photos where the plate number was not visible, to search the unknown gallery click here.
See you next year!
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The final leg of the Intense Fernie 3 wrapped up with the warmest day yet. Racers took their post once again for the 9am start, this time in the plaza of Fernie Alpine Resort. Being the opening weekend of the resort, the location brought in a large quantity of people to enjoy a variety of biking activities. Participants proved their commitment to the race, giving it their all in the last segment of the long weekend.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Unfortunately due to marking confusion, riders were led astray and the standings were thus discarded in the final counts. Ultimately, the day turned into a bonus ride per-say, still a great ride with ultimate sunny weather. To view the results for stage 3 vists Stage 3 Results. The Kelsey’s patio provided sunny post-ride refreshments, allowing riders and their families to take in the on-going excitement of the day.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The weekend concluded with a delicious banquet and an awards ceremony at Corner Pocket. Here, particpants were able to relax and recount highlights of the weekend. Prizes were awarded to the race’s top participants in each category. Colin Kerr had the top overall time of the weekend while Shane Keyser came first in Men’s 30-39, Doug Krumpelman in 40-49 and Tim Brezsnyak in 50+. Sandra Walter was the fastest female participant and Kate Aardal was first in the women’s 40+ category. Fernie local success story, 17 year old Carter Niewesteeg, placed second in the 16-29 category and an astounding 20th overall. For a complete list of the standings click Fernie 3 Overall Standings or Fernie 3 Overall Category Results
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The Intense Fernie 3 would like to thank our sponsors including Intense Cycles USA who is the title sponsor of the Fernie 3. Both Fernie and Intense are legendary mountain brands with deep roots in pedal powered mountain endurance sports. Other sponsors include Montane Fernie, Smith Optics, Hammer Nutrition, Camelbak, Fernie Brewing Company, TinHorn Creek Winery, Parastone Developments, The Bridge Bistro, The Griz Inn, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Central Reservations, The Cedars, Stanford Inn, Red Tree Lodge, The Free Press, the Fernie Heritage Library, Extra Foods, The Fernie Hotel, and Fernie.com. Our event partners include the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Tourism Fernie Association, Fernie Flyers Cycling and the City of Fernie.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
To the outstanding medical team, all the amazing volunteers and of course, all the racers, thank you for contributing to a great weekend, hope to see you all next year for the two day event!
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Blue skies and sunshine welcomed racers to the Stage 2 race this morning. With ideal riding weather, spirits seemed rejuvenated and the energy was high leaving the start line. The race began with a slow, controlled start behind the old Fernie fire truck then proceeded with a climb up Roots and Hyperventilation.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Jack Viney provides a recap of the ride:
“The beginning climb would be the last of the drier riding for the day as racers picked lines through the tricky steeps back down the other side. The wet weather riders stood out from the pack, putting time on others who we more cautious or bruised from a fall on stage one.
Although muddy, the first decent was still fast and fun, with plenty of sections to open up and really dig into the decent. An open road climb followed and the front pack settled into a fast rhythm which carried them to the top of another technical decent and through to the Ridgemont singletrack.
Another long climb faced the racers, however, this one allowed for some time to spin the legs with multiple switchbacks. Great trail design meant elevation was gained more easily than first climb. As the front end of the group pushed further away from the main field, racers enjoyed more of Ridgemont’s finest. Wet and rooted in sections meant everyone had to be on their game.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
To close out the middle section of Stage Two, riders were tasked with the rolling and tight trail called Kush, one of many local’s favorites. Once out of the forest and onto some more open double track it was time to spin the legs out and hammer down to the start of Coal Discovery Trail. The trail head was the spin around point, flowy and fast at first, then more technical and wooded. Some riders used this long last section of the stage to gain time on rivals or at least blew up trying!”
Standings remained relatively consistent from the first day with Colin Kerr of Bowen Island once again taking the lead at 2:10:23 and Sandra Walter finishing first in the women’s category again at 2:20:56. Doug Krumpelman from Hayden, ID (4th yesterday) came in second overall at 2:12:27 while Shane Keyser from Calgary (2nd yesterday) came third at 2:12:47. Fernie local Carter Niewesteeg came second in his category at 2:25:26. Times took a wider spread today with a more challenging track, wrapping up around 2:30pm. For a complete list of standings, click Stage Two Results
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The 8th Annual Kids Bike Rally, a town favourite, also commenced this morning shortly after the Stage 2 race. The sport’s littlest riders could be seen pedalling their hearts out downtown, in tow with fluorescent swag back packs and balloons attached to their bikes. Each participant received a race plate and report card to get stamped at several checkpoints. This year reached an incredible turn-out rate of over 100 kids. Bouncy castles and a clown were also present to cater to kid’s entertainment.
Riders will be resting up for tomorrow’s race at the ski hill which is said to be the “gnarly-ist” yet most thrilling ride of the set. Stage 3 commences at 9am from the plaza at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Stay tuned tomorrow for further recap and more pictures of Day 3.
The Intense Fernie 3 would like to thank our sponsors including Intense Cycles USA who is the title sponsor of the Fernie 3. Both Fernie and Intense are legendary mountain brands with deep roots in pedal powered mountain endurance sports. Other sponsors include Montane Fernie, Smith Optics, Hammer Nutrition, Camelbak, Fernie Brewing Company, TinHorn Creek Winery, Parastone Developments, The Bridge Bistro, The Griz Inn, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Central Reservations, The Cedars, Stanford Inn, Red Tree Lodge, The Free Press, the Fernie Heritage Library, Extra Foods, The Fernie Hotel, and Fernie.com. Our event partners include the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Tourism Fernie Association, Fernie Flyers Cycling and the City of Fernie.
Photo credit: Raven Eye Photography
Stage 1 of the Fernie Intense 3 kicked off the summer bike season this morning. Starting downtown at 9am, participants set off for the morning through Ridgemont, beginning with a single track technical climb. Despite the impending rain, the weather amounted to a pleasantly cool morning with some relatively tough conditions. The muddy track proved tricky for the course, however, the hardy riders all pushed through with smiles on their faces at the result.
Jack Viney provides a recap of the ride:
“A slippery and challenging Ridgemont loop was followed by the long classic grind that is Hyperventilation / South Castle to Southern Comfort. With great drainage and quality local trail building the second half of stage 1 rode well and allowed for the climbers to peg back a few minutes on others who got caught out with heavy legs due to the tough elevation gain.
Reaching the top of Southern Comfort brought a sense of relief to riders as a long and fast singletrack decent awaited however many let their guard down and came unstuck on the slippery off camber bridges in the top section, resulting in some grazed legs and bruised egos.
The epic decent was a highlight of the stage, finishing it off with a spin back to town to help flush the legs for day two.”
Photo credit: Raven Eye Photography
Colin Kerr from Bowen Island achieved the fastest time of the day at an astounding 1:38:07, followed closely by Shane Keyser from Calgary at 1:39:28 and Ben Parsons at 1:40:05. Sandra Walter was the fastest female competitor at 1:46:09 followed closely by Mical Dyck from Victoria and Kate Aardal from Calgary, both at 1:48:02. Local Fernie competitor Jack Viney came 2nd in his category at 1:47:49. For a list of results by category click Stage One Results.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The first U16/U13 race proceeded the race featuring young up-and-coming bike enthusiasts age 8 – 15. It seemed the only people more excited than the riders were the spectators in an event that extended the biking spirit to the younger generation. Marshals guided both divisions through a challenging Ridgemont course, which was followed by a rewarding BBQ and prizes for all contestants. For results click Kids Race Results
Beer gardens and live acoustic music including the amazing local talent of the Hark Raving Sirens and Michelle Powers provided a pleasant wind down for racers before gearing up for Stage Two tomorrow.
Stay tuned tomorrow for further recap and more pictures of Day 2.
The Intense Fernie 3 is pleased to thank our sponsors for making this event possible, including Intense Cycles USA who is the title sponsor of the Fernie 3. Both Fernie and Intense are legendary mountain brands with deep roots in pedal powered mountain endurance sports. Other sponsors include Montane Fernie, Smith Optics, Hammer Nutrition, Camelbak, Fernie Brewing Company, TinHorn Creek Winery, Parastone Developments, The Bridge Bistro, The Griz Inn, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Central Reservations, The Cedars, Stanford Inn, Red Tree Lodge, The Free Press, the Fernie Heritage Library, Extra Foods, The Fernie Hotel, and Fernie.com. Our event partners include the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Tourism Fernie Association, Fernie Flyers Cycling and the City of Fernie.
We look forward too your participation in the Intense Fernie 3, the ultimate all-mountain singletrack classic, this June 28 to 30th.
This overview is designed to answer most of your questions and ensure a smooth transition to the starting line. Please contact the organizers with any additional requests. We look forward to your having a great experience.
Organization
The organization team is all local and you will recognize some faces from past events including; Dan Savage, Scott Gilmet, Martin Vale, Pat Gilmar, Claude Perreault, Martin Spencer to name a few. The team is a not-for-profit society with revenue going to the Fernie Trails Alliance to maintain and build trails. Our crew of volunteers are from FTA members including the Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club, Fernie Mountain Bike Club and Fernie Flyers Cycling.
Route
The course route selection has been slow due to the above average snowpack however we have the course we desired and with no extreme rain should have ready to go on race day. Our mandate was to make the most enjoyable stages ever and with Martin Vale and Jesse Mong helping design the course, and Pat Gilmar flagging—you will enjoy exceptional flow and intuitiveness. These routes continue to be worked on and improved and will be slightly modified from these files on race day.
GPX files are available on request.
Kids’ XC U16 and U13 Routes
The kids’ XC race routes are age appropriate as defined by the Fernie Flyers spring training program. Parents and adult racers will be riding on the course with the kids to ensure they stay on-course. A Camelbak Aid station will keep them nourished.
The U13 route is final: Fernie 3, U13 – Strava Profile
The final U16 route is complete, see it here: Final Fernie 3, U16 – Strava Profile
Download the route descriptions here:
Aid Stations
The Camelbak aid stations are being fueled by Hammer Nutrition and Extra Foods. The aid stations will be located at the start/finish and at the half way point of each stage.
Lodging
We have a very supportive sponsor accommodations who are helping make the event happen and are offering you special pricing, they are listed here.
Registration
Registration is at the Park Place Lodge (PPL) on Highway #3. Registrations opens Friday June 27th from 3PM until 9PM. We will also open Saturday from 7AM until 8AM at PPL. There will be no morning registration at the start line. U16 and U13 registration is also at the PPL and from 1PM to 2PM at the race start. the Kids’ Bike Rally U9 registration is open every day at Straightline Bikes. A detailed event schedule can be downloaded here: Fernie 3 schedule
Insurance
The Intense Fernie 3 is sanctioned by Cycling BC. (First time Cycling BC members/license holders receive a 50% discount) Fernie Flyers members can race with a general CBC membership, other Canadian participants require citizen race cards and non-Canadian residents require a UCI license. Non-member day insurance is being offered at registration.
The Fernie Hotel Stage 1 & 2 Start and Finish
A beer and food gardens will be available both days starting at noon and on Saturday two acoustic bands are playing beginning at 6PM. Intense Cycles will have a fleet of demo bikes for your use.
Fernie Alpine Resort Stage 3 Start and Finish
FAR is a 10 minute ride from the downtown and is a nice warm up. Kelsey’s patio and restaurant will be open.
Kids’ Events
We are covering Kids’ with a U16 and U13 XC race on Saturday at 3PM. Expect a modest age appropriate course starting at the Fernie Hotel, circling Ridgemont and returning to the Finish—register here.
On Sunday the 8th Annual Kid’s Bike Rally is a free and educational event for 3 to 9 years olds in the Downtown. Register at Straightline Bikes or download the form here.
Final Banquet
The final banquet will be at Corner Pocket in the Griz Inn at Fernie Alpine Resort. The food will be good and prizes will cover everyone. Tickets are available for family members, ask at registration.
Roll & Sole Trails Festival
The Fernie Trails Alliance is organizing this fun event on the weekend and it is everything but serious. Expect group rides, hikes, crazy competitions and more in the downtown adjacent to the Fernie 3.
Fernie Canda Day
Fernie knows how to celebrate Canada Day! Enjoy the small town charm and fun for the whole family at the High School fields beginning at noon and ending with amazing fireworks. It’s worth staying another day!
The Intense Fernie 3 is pleased to announce our sponsors including Intense Cycles USA who is the title sponsor of the Fernie 3. Both Fernie and Intense are legendary mountain brands with deep roots in pedal powered mountain endurance sports. Other sponsors include Montane Fernie, Smith Optics, Hammer Nutrition, Camelbak, Fernie Brewing Company, TinHorn Creek Winery, Parastone Developments, The Bridge Bistro, The Griz Inn, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Central Reservations, The Cedars, Stanford Inn, Red Tree Lodge, The Free Press, the Fernie Heritage Library, Extra Foods, The Fernie Hotel, and Fernie.com. Our event partners include the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Tourism Fernie Association, Fernie Flyers Cycling and the City of Fernie.