2011 Summer Race Guide

photo by V. Croome

June 5 Elkord Triathlon
Classic sprint distance, the 750m swim takes place at the Elkford Aquatic Centre, followed by a 20k bike ride, and topped off with a 5km run out towards the Elk Lakes and back to the finish line where racers can enjoy a hot tub, shower and BBQ.
www.elkfordtri.ca

June 11-12 Wasa Lake Triathlon
A sprint or Olympic distance triathlon at Wasa, both courses are beautifully set in a provincial park. The Swim is a rectangular loop from Horseshoe Bay Beach, the bike along the Rocky Mountain Trench, and a flat run is a flat out and back to the finish. www.rmevents.com

June – July, Weather Dependent Two Knee Race Series, Tuesdays
An opportunity to support the Fernie Mountain Bike Club. Typically suitable for all levels unless otherwise noted, courses vary from downhill to cross-country, are always a lot of fun, with prizes, refreshments, appies, and bragging rights to follow at The Pub.
www.bikefernie.ca

July Long Weekend Furious3
Fernie’s newest endurance race premieres this summer! This is a 3-day mountain bike race, starting and finishing in downtown Fernie, and taking riders on a beautiful and grueling ride each day on Fernie’s singletrack. www.furious3.com

July 9 Lungbuster
This is a great challenge – climbing up 2100 vertical feet. Bikers start at the base and finish at the top of the Timber Chair, where they can celebrate at the Lost Boys Café with a bite to eat, refreshment and music. www.skifernie.com

August 6 Highline 100
This fun road biking ride lets you choose between either 100km or 100miles, starting at the Highline Close at Fernie Alpine Resort, across the US Border, and back with stops along the way and a BBQ to follow. Raising funds for the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation and the Fernie Alpine Ski Team. www.highline100.com

August 7-13 TransRockies
Celebrating its 10th year, North America’s first multi-day mountain bike race starts with two days of singletrack riding in Fernie before heading off towards Canmore where it finishes after 7 days and 400km of mountain biking on a course that includes the most singletrack, biggest mountains, best support, and a host of new services to make it the best to date. www.transrockies.com

August 20-21 FAR Mountain Bike Festival
Fernie switches from multi-day enduro to exciting downhill at Fernie Alpine Resort. The FAR Mountain Bike Festival celebrates all things mountain bike related, including Dual Slalom, Super D Enduro Race, and the popular Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam (presented by the Fernie Mountain Bike Club at the City Dirt Jump Park). www.skifernie.com

September 9 Project 9 Race
This race gains popularity yearly as individuals test their times ascending, descending, or both on one of Fernie’s most popular trails. Project 9 is known for its quick but steep climb and a downhill that takes you through multiple types of terrain. www.bikefernie.ca

September 11 Tears and Gears
In its second year, this mountain duathlon tests your mountain running and/or mountain biking skills. Whether you compete individually or on a team, this event is fun yet still challenging and attracts all types and levels of runners and bikers. Lots of prizes, unique trophies, great music, and a social dinner celebration. www.fernietearsandgears.com

September 17 Dirt Diggler
Another Fernie Mountain Bike Club event, this race is a strictly downhill affair on one of Fernie’s most prized trails from the top of Morrissey Ridge to the valley bottom. www.bikefernie.ca

September 24 Poker Ride
Whether you ride here a couple of times a months, every weekend, or daily, the Poker Ride is a great way to finish the season and join the community of bikers. Held by the Fernie Mountain Bike Club, the course changes yearly and always includes the favourites. www.bikefernie.ca

October 3 Fernie Half Marathon
Growing in popularity each year, particularly since its move to an off-road course, this route takes participants through majestic areas that showcase the amazing scenery and historic aspects of Fernie. Set your goal to compete in this event and stay motivated all summer long. www.ferniehalfmarathon.com

Close and Noteworthy
Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run May 28
www.nipika.com/crazy-soles-nipika-trail-run
Rundle’s Revenge – Mountain Running and Biking June 25-26
www.rundlesrevenge.com/
GranFondo Highwood Pass – Road Biking July 9
www.granfondohighwoodpass.com/
Sinister 7 - Mountain Running July 9-10
www.sinister7.com/
Bow 80 – Mountain Biking September 18
www.bow80.com/
Kootenay Krusher Mountain Bike Race September 25
www.nipika.com/kootenay-krusher-mountain-bike-race
Raidum Hot Springs Headbanger Trail Challenge – Mountain Running September 25
www.friendsofkootenay.ca/headbanger
6 in the Stix - Mountain Biking October 9
www.favorit-cycles.com/6%20website/about6.html