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Fernie Gravel Grind

July 21 - July 23 2024

Fernie BC Canada

Unconfirmed

Distances: 60,100 km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

Here in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, there is no such thing as a free lunch – the riding is just as beautiful as it is unrelenting and every descent is hard earned.

But whether or not you’re here to be the first across the finish line or to simply take in the scenery with some buddies, you are guaranteed for an epic day out on the bike.

The Fernie Gravel Grind is all about offering something for everyone and anyone, which is why we have two different course options; the Short Haul and Long Haul.

The Long Haul

For the savvy explorers and seasoned racers alike, the Long Haul showcases gravel riding unlike any event before it. With the route winding its way along the valley bottom away from Fernie, riders will come across a smooth but challenging climb high into the alpine meadows eventually reaching the summit of Morrissey Ridge. Here is where the Mile High Gravel Party is located – a first and only of its kind, something you truly do not want to miss. After quenching your thirst you will drop into a fast and furious 15 kilometre descent into the historical townsite of Coal Creek, capping things off with some incredibly flowy single track to the finish. The Long Haul truly has it all, and then some.

The Long Haul should not be taken lightly, as it features a Hors Category (HC) climb which is accompanied by a ripping fast 15 kilometre descent back into the valley bottom – welcome to gravel racing in the Rocky Mountains, folks! As the age old saying goes; what goes up, must come down, so please know that descending needs to be taken with extreme caution.

Recommended bike set up for the Long Haul are cross, gravel, and cross country mountain bikes. Tires less than 40c will not be sufficient.

The Short Haul

For the ones new to adventure racing or just want to take the scenic route, the Short Haul is not too hot and not too cold, it really is just right. The Short Haul features a roller coaster of a ride with incredible vistas to boot throughout the Elk Valley. No, you will not be climbing to the Mile High Gravel Party, but this route is one hell of a party on its own.

Racers will start off on a cruisey smooth and gentle climb out of the historical townsite of Coal Creek followed by a windy roller coaster down the valley toward the WigWam before turning back on more beautifully crafted gravel finishing downtown Fernie for post race festivities. Ear to ear grins guaranteed.

Recommended bikes for the Long Haul are cross, gravel, and cross country gravel bikes. Tires less than 700x40c will not be sufficient.

Fernie Gravel Grind