Fernie Bike Events is an initiative that began with bringing the TransRockies Challenge to Fernie from Germany in 2001, a pivotal moment in establishing Fernie as a premier mountain biking destination.
Dan Savage worked closely with TransRockies founders Chester Fabricius and Heinrich Albrecht to help establish the TransRockies Challenge in Western Canada. The management group for these early efforts, the Fernie TransRockies Society (FTS), was led by Savage and went on to oversee numerous national and international races, launch kids’ and adult bike events, fund trail development, and support the formation of the Fernie Trails Alliance.
Fast forward to 2013, when the final year of the TransRockies Challenge led to the introduction of Singletrack 6. The FTS then rebranded and expanded into new events, including the Fernie 3 and the Fernie Enduro. Both races were designed to showcase Fernie’s trails, attract riders from across North America, and maintain local event management.
In 2017, the Fernie Lucky 7’s was introduced as an event designed to be more inclusive and sustainable for riders of all levels. It was a great success and returned in 2018, but that was its final year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fernie Enduro was reintroduced and adapted by shifting to a virtual format. Since then, Dan Savage has remained involved in mountain biking events, continuing to work with event producers, including the TransRockies, while developing new plans for inclusive and sustainable events in Fernie.
Heinrich Albrecht continues to be a partner at TransRockies Inc. and still owns and manages bike events in Germany. Chester Fabricius now resides in the U.S. and works in the golf events industry.
Dan Savage remains an avid rider and active participant in bike events. Last year, he rode in BCBR’s Mega Volt, TransRockies Gravel Royale, and the Anything Goes Fernie Gravel Grind. Beyond events, Dan also rode Fernie Alpine Resort’s Timber Chair while it was running, explored Fernie’s 400 km trail network, and took several bike trips to incredible destinations, including Legacy Bike Park in Montana, 3 Blind Mice in Naramata, Mt. Abriel in Nakusp, Merry Creek Trails in Castlegar, Bootleg Trails in Kimberley, and the Community Forest in Cranbrook.
Fernie’s cycling legacy continues to grow, thanks to passionate individuals and the collective efforts of the Fernie biking community, who continue to push the boundaries of adventure, events, and trail development.
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