by admin | Aug 6, 2009 | Fernie TransRockies
On Sunday August 9, 450 riders from 22 countries will roll up to the start line in Panorama Mountain Resort high in the mountains of British Columbia for the 8th edition of the TransRockies, North America’s original epic mountain bike stage race. The seven stages of racing that await them include six massive point-to-point rides along the spine of the Rockies and a technical day 3 time-trial loop. When they roll across the finish line in Fernie the following Saturday, they will have earned their finishers’ medals with 532km of riding and over 14,000 metres of climbing on the wildest ride in mountain biking. The 2009 edition of the TransRockies follows a route similar to last year with a number of modifications made to further improve the riding and to keep the route fresh for repeat competitors. As it does every year, the TransRockies will challenge and thrill with long stages, unpredictable mountain weather, deep rivers to be forded and majestic mountain vistas to be enjoyed—if the riders can find the extra energy to look up while they’re suffering through an average of over 2000 metres of climbing per day. Riders will cross the Continental Divide twice as they work their way through massive river valleys, along the edge of canyons and over remote passes.
After adding the time trial stage in 2008, the TransRockies team is again keeping things fresh in 2009 with the addition of a brand-new event to the schedule. The three-day solo TR3 race was added in response to popular demand from riders who have been asking for a solo category for years. It takes place simultaneously with the first three days of the TransRockies and is intended to be both a stepping stone for riders building toward the full 7-day race and as an epic alternative for TR vets and elite riders. By maintaining the integrity of the team format for the 7-day race, the TransRockies stays true to the original vision of a race which combines immense challenge with an added level of co-operation and camaraderie.
Despite the world economy and the difficulties which have caused the cancellation or modification of many events, the TransRockies is moving forward strongly with 450 riders from over 20 countries scheduled to participate. They’ll spend each night in a travelling village of tents and RVs set up by the organizers, where they are fed and supported by dozens of staff and volunteers who do everything from cooking, to setting up tents, to fixing bikes.
Most of the riders who roll up to the start line of the TransRockies have the simple goals of completing the event and enjoying their epic ride through the Rockies. Every year, though, there’s a group of elite athletes who arrive at the TransRockies with clear competitive goals and a desire to go for a share of the $20,000 final prize purse, daily medals and leaders’ jerseys.
In the Open Men’s Category, Stefan Widmer and Marty Lazarsky of the Rocky Mountain Bicycles Factory Team are back and looking to step a little further up the podium after a 3rd Place Overall finish last year. Marty is a past champion from 2005 and is hungry for another win at the TransRockies.
In the Open Mixed Category, Mical Dyck and her partner Jeff Nielson are looking for redemption after illness cut their 2008 TransRockies short. Since then, they have gone on to win the Mixed Category at the BC Bike Race and Mical finished on the podium at the Canadian National MTB Championships, so they’re set for a good ride in 2009.
The inaugural TR3 is set for some strong competition as past TR Champion and National Team rider Rodi Lega has come out of retirement to take on the TR3. He’ll be challenged by Colin Kerr, solo champion at the BC Bike Race and Cal Zaryski who is a medalist at the Xterra World Championships.
At a very young age, Ryan Correy has already established a track record of amazing success and accomplishments in endurance cycling as the youngest-ever Canadian finisher at the RAAM
(Race Across America) and as the World record holder for riding from Alaska to Argentina. After these rides, the TR might seem like a quick warm-up but the Rockies have a way of those who don’t respect the challenge. One amazing athlete who is coming to take on the TR for the first time is “The Ultramarathonman” Dean Karnazes, who is adding a bike epic to the incredible list of running marathons and ultras in which he has excelled.
by admin | Aug 6, 2009 | Fernie TransRockies
The world-renown TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race will visit Fernie this August 15th for the eighth consecutive year, this being the third year staging the Official Finish and the Kids’ Bike Rally.
When 240 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 single-track, 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 emailed by contacting transrockies@fernie.com.
Start times are every half hour beginning at 10am and ending at 11:30am. The rally route take about one hour and kids must be accompanied by a parent.
Event Overview:
Date: Saturday August 15, 2008
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Location: Victoria Avenue & Station Square
Participants: Children ages 4-8 & their parents
Registration: The Guides Hut
Rally Route:
Start #1– Guides Hut – equipment check and fun accessories
Checkpoint #2 – Carosella plaza – Bike decoration
Checkpoint #3 – Fire Station – Bike safety information
Checkpoint #4 – Overwaitea –Nutrition and hydration information
Finish #5 – Arts Station – Crafts, face painting, and photos.
Email transrockies@fernie.com for a registration form.
by admin | Jun 24, 2009 | 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 transformed in 2007 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 15th 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 15th 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!
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 Tinhorn Creek Winery, Fernie Real Estate, Fernie Brewing Co., 901 Fernie, The Guides Hut, Overwaitea, The Free Press, Fernie Fix, Fernie Getaways, Lizard Creek Lodge, Stanford Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, Pinnacle Ridge Resort and Red Tree Lodge.
For more information, contact:
Dan Savage, Event Director
250 423 4727
dan@fernie.com
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 | 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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