The TransRockies Challenge is an epic mountain bike race through the heart of thewild and rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains. Held for the first time in 2002, the TransRockies has proven to be an adventure and experience like no other.
In its short history, the TransRockies Challenge has quickly earned the reputation as being the toughest and most rugged of the epic endurance mountain bike races. Hundreds of competitors from all over the World--Olympians to amateurs—come every year to spend seven days deep in the Canadian Rockies taking on the trails, the elements and themselves. It is truly the Challenge of a Lifetime.
Several key elements including format, terrain, organization, and riding go into making the TransRockies Challenge a unique test with a singular reward for finishing.
The two-person team format, though driven by the added safety element in the backcountry, adds an element of camaraderie and bonding not seen in solo races. When combined with the remoteness of the surroundings and the moving athlete village it means that that riders, staff and volunteers spend a full week immersed in a tight, multi-national community. During the week, they face challenges together, forging friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.
Though the race is held in early August--the height of Canadian summer--competitors face everything aspect of high mountain weather from heat in the 100s to snow, hail and driving rain. With an emphasis on quality organization and seamless operation, the TransRockies Challenge allows participants to focus on the experience and overcoming the challenges. In fact, an overall satisfaction rating of 96% was recorded in 2006 participant surveys.
Then, of course, there’s the riding. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are one of the birthplaces of the sport of mountain biking and they still have a unique combination of challenging singletrack, epic climbs and raw beauty. Though other events may win the statistical battle to be longer, or have more vertical metres climbed, the TransRockies is the true mountain bikers’ epic choice.
