by admin | Aug 13, 2007 | Fernie TransRockies
On August 18th the citizens of Fernie and TransRockies fans will witness their first Fernie Finish. After five years of spectacular starts in the historic downtown the direction has changed and fernie is ready to celebrate unlike ever before. See the schedule of planned events listed below.
10AM – 12PM
Blackstone TransRockies Bike Rally – Kids’ Aged 4 – 8
A fun event themed around the TransRockies with checkpoints offering bike accessories and decorations, with educational and safety messages. Participation is free, limited to first 100.
Pre-Registration: Guides Hut
11:30AM – 5PM
Official Fernie TransRockies Finish
Location: Victoria Avenue
Watch the drama unfold as the world’s toughest mountain bike race finishes.
11:30AM – 5PM
Official Fernie Champaigne & Beer Tent
Location: Station Square
Celebrate with the finishers.
1PM – 3PM
Official Fernie TransRockies Finish Flower Ceremonies
Location: Station Square
Feel the excitement as the winners are decorated.
by admin | Aug 13, 2007 | Fernie TransRockies
In 2007, the TransRockies Challenge will reverse its traditional northerly direction, and will travel south for the first time. After starting on August 12th at Panorama Mountain Resort in the rugged Purcell Ranges of the Rockies, the 600 participants from 25 countries will face 600km of riding with 12,000 metres of climbing over the course of seven epic days before finishing in the historic downtown of Fernie on August 18th. During the week on their bike, the nearly 300 teams of two riders will travel through the 3000m peaks and steep valleys of the spectacular Kootenay Rockies.
“We’re really excited to have the finish line in Fernie this year,” said TransRockies Event Director Aaron McConnell. “They were one of the first, and have been one of the greatest, supporters of the race. As our start line for the first five years, they have seen the event quadruple in size as it has grown from an idea to become one of the monuments of mountain biking.”
Unlike most other endurance events, the athletes of the TransRockies Challenge spend the full duration of the event together– whether on their bikes, or eating, sleeping and recuperating in the moving rider village which is built and staffed by a dedicated crew of staff and volunteers. The entire infrastructure to support the 1000 racers, crew members and friends is moved in, built and moved in an enormous feat of logistics. The crew work first thing in the morning and deep into the night, preparing meals, fixing bikes, marking the course, setting up and tearing down tents, and doing the hundred other things necessary for the smooth operation of the event.
The TransRockies Challenge would not have grown to its current stature without great riding and from the first year when 65 teams of rode off the start line into the unknown, participants in every edition of have had a full Rocky Mountain smorgasbord of epic riding and conditions. They have taken to the trails in everything from snow, rain and mud, to baking temperatures, dust and smoke. Whatever each year brings, the riders can be sure that they will be tested by hundreds of kilometres of great mountain biking while they’re supported by the best organizational team in endurance sports.
The finish line of any endurance event is an emotional place and the two-person format of the TransRockies Challenge gives the finish line special meaning, as the journey and reward is shared. This year’s finishers will be greeted by friends, family and the entire town of Fernie.
In 2006, the always emotional Finishers Ceremony had a new element as a commemorative “5 Finishes” belt buckle was given to a select group of four riders who were the only riders to complete all five editions of the TransRockies Challenge. This year, several more riders are eligible for the belt buckle that signifies five successful TransRockies attempts including returning three-time champion Andreas Hestler of Team Rocky Mountain/Haywood.
As with any major community event, the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies is in need of local assistance from volunteers. For those who are interested in volunteering, please email transrockies@fernie.com, or call 423-4727.
Blackstone is an environmentally sensitive master plan mountain community that is currently under construction. It will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay Kidd.
Other official sponsors of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies include Fernie Real Estate, Fernie Brewing Co., 901 Fernie, The Guides Hut, Overwaitea, Fernie Getaways, Lizard Creek Lodge, Stanford Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, and Pinnacle Ridge Resort.
by admin | Aug 13, 2007 | Fernie TransRockies
The world-renown TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race announced a new first this year, with a finish in Fernie, BC. Local organizers of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies are gearing up for what promises to be the biggest event of the summer.
Fernie will host more than 3000 participants, volunteers, organizers and visitors as part of the celebrations at the finish line. The race, which draws riders from around the globe, begins in Panorama one week earlier and takes participants through the Kootenay Rockies in a grueling 600 km challenge. Over 500 riders are expected to finish the race in Fernie, and they will be welcomed this year with an array of celebration activities.
Blackstone Fernie TransRockies is celebrating the finish with a new event, the Blackstone Bike Rally, for kids’ aged 4 – 8. This mini-rally will take kids through a fun and educational experience around Fernie’s downtown. Beginning at the Guides Hut, with stops at Carosella, the Fernie Fire Station, and Overwaitea, the rally ends at the Arts Station. Throughout, kids will have the opportunity for fun events like face painting and bike decorating, and enjoy nutritional snacks. Pre-registration is free will be held at the Guides Hut in downtown Fernie.
Fernie locals will no doubt cheer a little louder for their official hometown teams this year. Several legendary local riders have banded together to take up the challenge – the highest number of Fernie teams ever entered into the TransRockies. The Blackstone Fernie Goats are Ron Clark and Pat Gilmar; The Blackstone Fernie Grizzlies are Arthur Sombrowski and Brendan Morgan; and the Blackstone Fernie Wolverines are Todd Loewen and Sean Staplin.
Also new this year is the Official Fernie Champagne and Beer Tent. The first tent of its kind in TransRockies history, it will be a special place for participants to celebrate their finish with a bottle of bubbly and their own designated table. In addition, spectators are invited to partake in a cool beverage alongside the finishers. It will be held adjacent to the finish line at CP Station Square.
As with any major community event, the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies is in need of local assistance from volunteers. For those who are interested in volunteering, please email transrockies@fernie.com, or call 423-4727.
Blackstone is an environmentally sensitive master plan mountain community that is currently under construction. It will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay Kidd.
Other official sponsors of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies include Fernie Real Estate, Fernie Brewing Co., 901 Fernie, The Guides Hut, Overwaitea, Fernie Getaways, Lizard Creek Lodge, Stanford Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, and Pinnacle Ridge Resort.
by admin | Aug 10, 2007 | Fernie TransRockies
Stage 1 Route Overview
Panorama to Invermere: August 12th
Data
Altitude Uphill 1139 m
Altitude Downhill 1453 m
Total Distance 33.0 km
Paved Road 2.7 km 8.0 %
Gravel Roads 5.2 km 16.0 %
Double/Single-track Trail 25.1 km 76.0 %
Description
0 to 2.2km
Beginning in Panorama, the race follows primarily paved roads on a rolling
start through the mountain village of Panorama.
2.2 to 6.5 km
Gravel Forest Service Road on a fairly decent riding grade up. Looking for
a single-track trail to leave on your left 6.5 km into the route.
6.5 to 8.8 km
This is an uphill climb on single track. Very little of this portion will be
riding. Racers will gain approximately 1100 meters in elevation from
Panorama to the summit of Taynton Pass.
8.8 to 13.6 km
Across a breathtaking pass, Taynton Pass to the top of Castle mountain.
Views on a clear day allow riders to see the Royal group of mountains due
East and Mt. Assiniboia to the north east. Rideable single track area.
13.6 to 17.8 km
Technical downhill section, of single track “switchbacks” (approx 36). Do
not take short cuts as they are not cleared, stay on main trail.
17.8 to 33 km
Combination of double track trail along a power line, to the Canyon trails
which are approx 7 km of “outstanding” single track riding to a short
access road which leads to the finish line.
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 2 Route Overview
Invermere to Nipika: August 13th
Data
Altitude Uphill 1302 m
Altitude Downhill 1285 m
Total Distance 60 km
Paved Road 5.3 km 9 %
Gravel Roads 27.3 km 45.5 %
Double/Single-track Trail 27.4 km 45.6 %
Description
0-5.3 Rolling start through Invermere and off of highway 93/95
5.3 – 24.2 Uphill climb on very good surface that eventually
deteriorates as the trail progresses up. The second half is
heavily waterbarred double track.
24.2 – 28.1 Technical single track “flat” with features.
28.1 – 33.0 Hazardous downhill section, very primitive trail, perhaps only
50% or less rideable. Use caution.
33.0 – 44.0 Forest Service Road (FSR) section.
44.0 – 60 Combination of scenic single track and double track riding to
the Nipika resort area.
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 3 Route Overview
Nipika to Nipika: August 14th
Data
Altitude Uphill 1522 m
Altitude Downhill 1522 m
Total Distance 90.1 km
Paved Road 0 km 0%
Gravel Roads 51.5 km 57.1 %
Double/Single-track Trail 38.6 km 42.9 %
KM Description
0 – 7 Nipika trail system of double and single track.
7 – 21 Old forestry road, undulating but generally a gradual uphill ride.
21 – 22 Cross a wide gravel bar and river system
22 – 38 Uphill ride up forestry roads, at times steep grades.
38 – 45 Single track / quad route through Miller pass. Deep back country with various hazards to be aware of.
45 – 64 Down hill gravel forest road.
64 – 82 Double track pass. Up and over a very scenic route with generally a good riding surface.
82 – 90 Single track ride on the cliffs above the Kootenay River.
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 4 Route Overview
Nipika to Whiteswan Lake: August 15th
Data
Altitude Uphill 1342 m
Altitude Downhill 1297 m
Total Distance 113 km
Paved Road 0 km 0%
Gravel Roads 62.0 km 54.9%
Double/Single-track Trail 51.0 km 45.1%
KM Description
0 to 12.5 Travel on a combination of double track and FSR to the Cochran Creek road.
12.5 to 31 Double track riding up Cochrane Creek and down and out little Elk creek.
Fairly good surface, for riding, an elevation gain of approx 450 m on this short section.
31 to 46 Uphill on the Palliser Forest Service road. In very good shape, however,
may be very dusty.
46 to 52 This is a combination of a short section of gravel road, single track riding a couple of river crossings and great double track, (very smooth but uphill). This section courteously made available by the local guide-outfitter. Very scenic section.
52 to 70 A combination of double – single track riding works its way up and over
Lodgepole creek into Schofield creek that connect the main drainages of
the North White river to the Palliser River. At times this section is very rugged, with switchbacks, large cross ditches and rough trail.
70 -79 Two fords of the North white river incorporate a down hill double/ singletrack route.
79 – 113 The race follows the North White FSR down hill to link up with the scenic
Forest Service Road on cliffs above the White river, Ending in Whiteswan,
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 5 Route Overview
Whiteswan Lake to Elkford: August 15th
Data
Altitude Uphill 1528 m
Altitude Downhill 1368 m
Total Distance 93.28 km
Paved Road 1.6 km 1.7%
Gravel Roads 48.09 km 51.5%
Double/Single-track Trail 43.60 km 46.8%
Description
0 to 14.3 km Departing Whiteswan Lake, a gradual climb on gravel Forest Service Road to Elk Creek
14.3 to 27.2 km Uphill double track through the Elk Creek Drainage. Includes a creek crossing and crossing six substantial debris torrents.
27.2 to 30.9 km Pass between Colin Creek and Elk Creek.
30.9 to 49.1 km Descending approx. 600 m elevation on double track and Forestry Road,
down Colin Creek and the North White FSR.
49.1 to 72.5 km An ascent up the East White River Drainage. A combination of gravel, double and single-track riding in a very scenic area. Much of this stretch in on the east side of the river (non-road). This is a nice section generously made available by the local Registered Trapper in the area.
72.5 to 93.0 km A tough climb and decent as the route is characterized by a few boulder fields that are non-rideable. Riders should note the dangerous “Rock Garden” just over the pass that has been the site of injuries in previous years. It is recommended that riders walk this section. Finish in Elkford.
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 6 Route Overview
Elford to Sparwood: August 17th
Profile
Statistics
Altitude Uphill 2300 m
Altitude Downhill 2420 m
Total Distance 116 km
Paved Road 18 km/16%
Gravel Roads 66 km/57%
Double/Single-track/Trail 32 km 27%
Description
0-25: Begin Day 6 in the community of Elkford and climb the paved Fording Mine Road for 5 km. The route then follows Josephine Falls single-track for 5 km. A fast rolling descent of Lost Lake and Sulphur Creek gravel roads for 15 km ends when crossing Line Creek Mine access road.
25-85: After crossing the Line Creek Mine road a 23 km climb on gravel logging roads and ATV trails arrives at Alexander Creek summit. Next a 6 km steep and rocky descent is followed by another 20 km of moderate rolling descent to Highway 3. Cycle along Hwy 3 for 3 km, go under the Michel Creek Bridge and then cycle 8 km up the Coal Mountain Mine paved access road to the Coal-Leach gravel road.
85-116: Climb gravel road and ATV trails for 700 meters vertical over 11 km. Then a mostly downhill 9 km with 900 vertical meter descent on rocky and bushy ATV track to Highway 3. The last 10 km is a roller coaster ride of old roads and single-track that goes past Sparwood and then enters the Sparwood finish on Aspen Drive from the north.
2007 TransRockies Challenge
Stage 7 Route Overview
Sparwood to Fernie: August 18th
Tour Data In
Altitude Uphill 655 m
Altitude Downhill 790 m
Total Distance 48 km
Paved Road 6 km/12%
Gravel Roads 30 km/63%
Double/Single-track Trail 12 km/25%
Description
0 to 28 km: Beginning in Sparwood the route goes north on Highway 43 and then backtracks southward towards Fernie on gravel roads on the west side of the Elk River. The route then drops down to
Highway 3 south of Hosmer.
28 to 48 km: Go north along the highway and cross under the Elk River Bridge. Route winds around Hosmer on pavement and then climbs a power line road towards Fernie. Power line road merges with Ridgemont Logging Road and then descends on single-track down to the Elk River and up to the Fernie finish line.
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