Fernie Rolls Out the Welcome Mat

One of the complaints I had heard about past TransRockies races was that the finish was relatively anti-climactic due to the remoteness of the location (Panorama Ski Resort) compared to the festive atmosphere surrounding the start of the race in Fernie. Well, it seems that complaint will not be heard this year as the race is set to finish in Fernie. And it seems the town is set to make sure the finish is one to remember.

The following press release arrived in my inbox today, along with a map of the town showing the various points of interest.

Fernie, BC – 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.