A step up in distance and vertical, the GSL GM City TR4 retains the wilderness camp aspect that is a 
big part of TransRockies. The TR4 route has been designed to showcase the best biking trails in Kananaskis Country, a huge playground that lies in the Canadian Rockies between Calgary and Banff, Alberta. The route features trails that have been favourite local rides for decades, plus plenty of trails that have been constructed in recent years by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers. Fully supported tent camps at Little Elbow Campground and Rafter Six Ranch bring the TransRockies community together with communal meals and opportunities to relax in some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
Includes: optional $50 donation to the Fernie Trails Alliance, Louis Garneau jersey, finisher t-shirt, TransRockies duffle bag, fully stocked check points, medical and course support, post stage catering, nightly awards and slideshow, final banquet, 3 nights tent camping post stages 4, 5 and 6 (No accommodations provided post stage 7). Transfers, accommodation information and more HERE.
2013 Dates and Registration:
July 30th – August 2nd, 2013
Pricing:
$999 – Feb 1st – Race Day
Transfers: Click HERE.
Supporter Vehicle Pass
TR4 – $79 + GST (per vehicle)
Supporters in the camps can expect access to the following amenities, all included in the Camping Pass:
- Guaranteed site access and parking for one vehicle
- Tent or RV space
- Access to toilets
- Access to showers (off-peak times)
- Access to garbage disposal
- Admission to daily ceremonies
- Printed stage-to-stage driving directions for the entire week
- Vehicle identification decal
Meal Pass
TR4 $199 + GST (per person) / includes finishers banquet
Finishers’ Banquet
$50 + GST ($30 for kids ages 4-10, free for ages 0-3) (per person).
The Route:
The maps, stages, dates and details below are for the 2012 event. We are still making slight changes to the routing to improve your experience. Please use this info as a guide only. We will post updated information as we approach the event.
Stage 1 (Stage 4 TR7) – North Fork Recreation Area to Little Elbow Campground
Kicking off the TR4 portion of the event, stage 4 starts with a bus transfer from Fernie to North Fork Recreation Area. This strategically placed transfer puts you at the start of the best riding in the Rockies, and skips over the areas most prone to difficult mud in wet conditions. From North Fork you head south on the Gorge Creek Road, which is closed and reclaimed after 7 km. This brings you quickly to the base of the biggest climb of the day to the top of Volcano Ridge. This newly re-built climb is a grunt but all rideable by top riders, and mostly rideable by mid-pack folks. A rolling descent on trails brings you to the spectacular Black Rock Canyon. Then it’s onto the last climb of the day on Wildhorse trail, and a blast down one of the best descents of the week. Stage Animations.
Stage 2 (Stage 5 TR7) – Little Elbow to Moose Mountain
Since we first introduced “big loop” stages at Nipika in 2008, we have seen great reviews for these stages that feature excellent riding based out of an attractive base camp. We return to this concept with our Little Elbow based Stage 5. Stage 5 features an incredible loop of mountain bike trails. The stage combines classic area rides like Prairie Creek, Sulphur Springs and Moose Packers Trail with newly developed purpose-built mountain biking trails like Pnuema and Ridgemont to put together the ultimate combination of trails in the Moose Mountain area. Stage Animations.
Stage 3 (Stage 6 TR7) – Little Elbow Campground to Rafter Six Ranch
Our “Queen Stage” will be one of the funnest days you will have on a mountain bike. Our longest stage with significant climbing, stage 6 will also be the most rewarding, with dozens of kilometers of marquee mountain trails that will challenge your stamina and riding skills, and reward with fantastic ridgeline views and incredibly fun descents. Locals will surely recognize Powderface Creek Trail, Prairie Creek Trail, Jumpingpound Ridge Trail, Coxhill Ridge Trail, and Lusk Pass Trails as some of the best rides in the area. Stage Animations.
Watch the Preview Video! 2010 Stage 6 News Report Video
Stage 4 (Stage 7 TR7) – Rafter Six Ranch to Canmore, AB
Our final stage takes us up the beautiful Bow Valley to the town of Canmore, just outside Banff National Park. This stage features the TransCanada Trail, fun singletrack riding leading to the town of Canmore. Once in the town, the route will explore some of the Quarry Lake trail network, and then into the Canmore Nordic Centre, host venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup racing from 1998-2000. Finally, the route will descend into the Town of Canmore and the cheers of the assembled crowd on Canmore’s Main Street. Stage Animations.
2012 TR4 Route Statistics:
Stage 1 (Stage 4 TR7)
63% trails (49% singletrack)
37% roads
Stage 2 (Stage 5 TR7)
67% trails (67% singletrack)
33% roads
Stage 3 (Stage 6 TR7)
67% trails (40% singletrack)
33% roads
Stage 4 (Stage 7 (TR7)
80% trails (51% singletrack)
20% roads
2012 TR4 Projected Totals:
69% trails (52% singletrack)
31% roads (20% unpaved, 11% pavement)
Projected Total Distance: 230 KM/143 Miles
Projected Total Elevation Gain: 6,850m
GPS data files for TransRockies 2012:
All of our routing has been recorded by GPS and thoroughly checked before the race, but mother nature sometimes has little surprises that mean last minute course changes. Don’t be surprised if there are small changes to the routing or stats before race day. Please note that all information is subject to change. Elevation gain/loss data collected by GPS can be highly inaccurate and varied depending on how it is measured and the equipment used. Our elevation data should approximate the measurements obtained by a portable GPS unit. TransRockies Events does not endorse riding all routes outside of the event. Some trails may not normally be open for riding or may be unrideable at certain times of year. Please obey all signs and respect current trail conditions.