TRANSROCKIES 2021 SEASON UPDATE
As spring grows ever closer and our thoughts turn to the coming cycling and running season, we’d like to take the opportunity to update everyone on the status of our 2021 season. Our events span many jurisdictions and for the most part, there is still a lack of clarity about the opportunity to obtain permits for our 2021 events from a multitude of agencies. While we are still hopeful that most of our events will proceed this year, we still have a way to go before this is a reality. Here’s the update:
British Columbia Events
Golden 24, TranSelkirks Run, TransRockies Gravel Royale, Singletrack 6, Golden Ultra
The primary factor in our ability to operate events in BC is the Provincial Health Order restricting events. We don’t currently know the timeline for this to change, although there seems to be growing optimism about vaccination rates in the spring and summer. We have recently heard from BC Recreation Sites and Trails (RSTBC) that they don’t plan to authorize any events this year on designated Rec. Sites or Trails, even if the Public Health Orders restricting events are lifted.
This would affect all of our BC events, except for TransRockies Gravel Royale which can be modified to avoid designated Recreation Sites. RSTBC is citing COVID-19 uncertainty and resource limitations as the reason for this province-wide policy. We’re currently working to clarify and create a path forward for our BC events this year, but there is still uncertainty.
Alberta Events
Rundle’s Revenge, ATB Financial Gran Fondo Highwood Pass
In Alberta, the primary factor is the provincial “Path Forward” which appears to allow for events to resume in Step 4. For our Alberta Events we also require permits from Alberta Parks and the Canmore Nordic Centre, both of which are currently not issuing event permits. We have been working together with other race organizers to develop a path forward in hopes that the province will authorize events earlier. We believe that outdoor events can be safely operated and we jointly developed the #SaveAlbertaRaces campaign in cooperation with other Alberta race directors, including the Principles of a COVID-Secure Event. We encourage all Alberta participants to join the letter writing campaign.
Colorado - Under Armour TransRockies Run
See our recent update from Event Director, Kevin McDonald. The event is subject to State of Colorado, Chaffee County, Lake County, and Eagle County COVID-19 restrictions. We are in touch with all applicable agencies and remain optimistic as US vaccinate timelines accelerate.
Utah - Moab Rocks
Moab Rocks is subject to State of Utah and Grand County health regulations and restrictions. Given the October date, we’re very optimistic that the event will go ahead in October.
Timelines for Go/No-Go Announcements
As we face different scenarios for all our events, we are keeping a few things in mind:
Our participants are trying to make plans for the summer, including travel booking for destination events and balancing other personal priorities.
We require adequate time to order and produce all final event materials and finalize permits, crew, rentals and other logistics.
We realize that permitting agencies are bound by their own restraints and may not be able to issue permits according to our desired timelines.
Based on this, we are setting firm deadlines which will be the latest date that we confirm if our 2021 events will move forward or not, based on whether or not we feel the events can obtain permits. We hope that these timelines will give all our participants adequate time to plan for events and other other priorities. Here are the deadlines to confirm:
Golden 24, Rundle’s Revenge and Gran Fondo Highwood Pass - Announcement Date: April 30, 2021
Under Armour TransRockies Run - Announcement Date: May 14, 2021
TransRockies Gravel Royale and TranSelkirks Run - Announcement Date: June 18, 2021
TransRockies Singletrack 6 and Golden Ultra: July 9, 2021
If we know for certain that events will or won’t go ahead before the dates above, we’ll let you know as soon as we can.
Events that do move forward in 2021
For events that can move forward, we expect a COVID-19 safety plan to be in place. We have published our preliminary COVID-19 Operating Plan - note that this is subject to changes and updates according to local conditions and regulations - we will confirm the details of the plan approx. 1 month prior to each event.
If you are not able to attend a given event due to travel restrictions or are not comfortable due to health and safety issues, you may defer your registration to the 2022 or 2023 event by contacting registration@transrockies.com. For TransRockies Run, please contact emily@transrockies.com. Note that the US-Canada border is currently closed to non-essential travel and subject to quarantine requirements. It is not known when border restrictions will ease.
Events that do not move forward in 2021
For events that cannot move forward, your registration will be moved to the 2022 event, and you may also optionally defer your registration to the 2023 event or transfer your registration to another person with no penalty. We are not able to issue any refunds. At the time we announce that a given event is not able to move forward, we will suspend registration temporarily while we adjust event dates and plans. We will announce the 2022 dates and the reopening dates for registration - where space is available.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past year - it has been a difficult time, and we’re really looking forward to getting back to events in person!
Aaron & the TransRockies Team