THULE Stage 2: Fernie to Sparwood, BC

Dates:  July 14, 2023

The Location:

The Elk Valley of British Columbia has a rich history of mountain biking that dates back to the early 1980s. The first mountain bike trails in the area were built by a small group of local enthusiasts who saw the potential of the valley's rugged terrain for mountain biking. These early pioneers worked hard to create a network of trails that would challenge and excite riders of all abilities.

In 2002, the TransRockies Challenge came to Fernie, BC, and quickly became one of the most popular mountain bike events in North America. The seven-day stage race attracted hundreds of participants each year and takes riders through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Elk Valley. Sparwood first became a stage host of the TransRockies Challenge in 2005 with a stage from Fernie to Sparwood on the Coal Discovery Trail.

Sparwood is a small community located in the Elk Valley, just a short drive northeast of Fernie. The town was established in the early 1900s as a coal mining community, and the industry has remained a major part of the local economy to this day. The area's rich coal reserves have attracted people from all over the world, and the town is now home to a diverse population of miners and their families.

Despite its industrial roots, Sparwood is also known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The town is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and visitors come from far and wide to explore the area's trails, lakes, and wildlife. In recent years, mountain biking has become one of the town's most popular activities, with riders flocking to the Coal Discovery Trail and other local trails for some of the best riding in the region. With its unique blend of industry and outdoor adventure, Sparwood is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers something for everyone.

The 2023 race will mark a return to Sparwood, and a return to the Coal Discovery Trail for TransRockies.

The Stage:

Stage 2 of the 2023 Singletrack 6 mountain bike race promises to be an epic adventure for all participants. Starting at the Fernie Aquatic Centre, riders will roll out on Coal Creek Road before climbing up Ridgemont Road, which will serve to spread out the field. Once riders reach the top, the real fun begins with a series of singletrack trails that will challenge even the most experienced riders. First up is the Eco Terrorist Trail, followed by the Broken Derailleur Trail, both of which offer technical sections and steep climbs that will test riders' skills and endurance. 

After the initial climb, riders will descend to the Coal Discovery Trail, which heads north and becomes the Elk Valley Trail. This rolling singletrack trail will take riders to the first aid station in the Village of Hosmer, 21km into the stage. The next section of the race will be a mix of rolling singletrack and steady climbing, as riders make their way towards aid station 2 at 36.6km.  

The final major climb of the day will take riders up the Lunch Loop Network on Sparwood Ridge. This challenging climb will be followed by a fun descent into Sparwood, where riders will finish the stage in front of the iconic "Titan" mining truck on display. Throughout the stage, riders will be treated to stunning views of the Elk Valley and the surrounding mountains, making this stage a true showcase of the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. 

The Elk Valley Trail is a well-known trail system in the region, featuring a mix of easy and challenging singletrack that offers something for riders of all abilities. The trail is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its varied terrain, which includes everything from steep climbs to rolling singletrack. The Sparwood Ridge Trails are another highlight of the stage, offering riders a chance to explore a network of trails that are maintained by the Sparwood Trails Alliance. The Lunch Loop Network is one of the more challenging sections of the trail system, featuring steep climbs and technical sections that will test riders' skills and endurance. 

Overall, Stage 2 of the 2023 Singletrack 6 mountain bike race promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants. With a mix of challenging climbs, technical singletrack, and fun descents, this stage will test riders' skills and endurance while showcasing the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. At 48 km this is the longest stage of the 2023 Singletrack 6, but it is also has the least climbing of all the stages which means high average speeds and a fun day of cruising on the trails. And with cold beers and refreshments waiting at the finish, riders will have plenty to celebrate at the end of the day. 

Distance: 45.1 km

Elevation Gain: 1,100 m

Timed Descent: 116m descent over 2.1 km - Lunch Loop, Lunch $$$, Sloppy Joe

Aid/CP: CP1: 20 km, CP2: 37 km

Map:

View on Ride with GPS.

All Routes Subject to Change.

*Elevation data may be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods. Our total elevation gain for the stage is a middle estimate based on readings from multiple devices.