2014
Clear Directional Drilling Solutions Stage 1: Kananaskis
Date: July 26th, 2014
The Location: Bragg Creek bills itself at the ‘Gateway to Outdoor Adventure in Kananaskis’. Winter or summer, this hamlet SW of Calgary has something for every outdoor enthusiast. What can you expect in Bragg Creek? A picturesque mountain town perfectly placed in the foothills of the Rockies.
The Plan: Kick off your morning with a short drive to the start line SW of Calgary. Ride classic Kananaskis Country trails built and maintained by groups like the Moose Mountain Bike Trail Society, Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association, and the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance. After a finish in the heart of K-Country we’ll send you off on a relaxing drive to world famous Canmore where we’ll have dinner and awards waiting for you. Head out for a relaxing evening on Main Street.
The Clear Directional Drilling Stage: Combining Kananaskis Country’s classic front-range singletrack with newer purpose-built mountain bike singletrack, Clear Directional Drilling Solutions Stage 1 will start outside of the hamlet of Bragg Creek at the West Bragg Creek trailhead.
Highlights include descents on Ridgeback, Race of Spades and Strange Brew with some challenging climbs and great views mixed in. Race of Spades will be the first of four timed descents for the week.
All routes are subject to change at any time to allow for permit approval, quality control and safety of the riders.
Distance: 40km
Elevation Gain: 1800m*
Scat Belt Stage 2: Nipika Mountain Resort
Date: July 27th, 2014
The Location: Nipika Mountain Resort is a unique mountain bike setting that brings to life the dream of Lyle & Dianne Wilson to create a wilderness haven that is in harmony with it’s spectacular Rocky Mountain setting. Purchased in 1979 the Wilsons have worked to create an outdoor wonderland for the endurance sport enthusiast.
Nipika is an eco-resort, and generates all its electricity utilizing green technologies and takes pride that its beautiful cabins are energy self-sufficient. There is an emphasis on self-propelled recreation at Nipika. With its 100-kilometre trail network and rivers nearby, the rocky mountain resort beckons visitors to hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, trail run, canoe and kayak and, of course, mountain bike.
The Plan: After a relaxing night in Canmore, with coffee in hand, we’ll transfer to Nipika for the Scat Belt Stage 2. Enjoy the drive through the majestic Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, via the Trans Cananda Highway, and south through Kootenay National Park into British Columbia. Post stage, stay at the resort or shuttle a short distance to Radium where you can bunk down for two nights.
The Stage: Beginning at 10:30am, we’ll send you off in a unique time trial format that will allow you to soak in all that Nipika has to offer: singletrack through pristine forest, bluff hugging trail high above the Kootenay River and never ending views. Finish where you started, at the resort, and hang out and enjoy a day in the Kootenay Mountains. All routes are subject to change at any time to allow for quality control, safety of the riders and wildlife.
Distance: 38km
Elevation Gain: 1100m*
Santa Cruz Stage 3: Radium
Date: July 28th, 2014
The Location:
The Santa Cruz Stage 3 will be hosted in The Village of Radium Hot Springs, a Columbia Valley recreation hot spot. Perched high above the Columbia River and nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges this village of 1000 serves as the southern gateway to Kootenay National Park.
The Stage: Beginning at 9am, we’ll send you off for a 47km ride on trails built and maintained by local riders and members of the Columbia Valley Cycling Society. This day will blow your mountain biking mind by startimg off with a climb to the edge of Horsethief Canyon followed by a descent along the rim. You’ll drop to the bottom of the Columbia Valley before climbing back up to the Kloosifier and Johnson trail systems where you’ll be greeted by flowy trail and punchy climbs
leading to expansive Columbia Valley views.
Distance: 47km
Elevation Gain: 1300m*
Golden – Stages 4 & 5
Dates: July 29th – 30th, 2014
The Location:
Golden, BC, located in the heart of what is known as Kicking Horse Country, serves as an access point to no less than 6 National Parks (Banff, Glacier, Kootenay, Jasper, Mt. Revelstoke and Yoho). With the support of local government and the Golden Cycling Club trail builders, this town of 4500 is mad for mountain biking, skiing, hiking and anything outdoors.
The Plan: After your 2nd night in Radium we’ll hop on HWY 95 for an 1 hour shuttle to Golden. Beginning at 10:30am, you’ll mount up in Downtown Golden for an epic day in the saddle on trails expertly built and maintained by the Golden Cycling Club.
Day 1: The Smith Optics Stage 4 – Mtn. Shadows
We’ll kick off the Smith Optics Stage 4 in Golden showcasing the newly sanctioned Mtn. Shadows trail network. Get ready for a long, steady climb followed by descents below towering Mount 7. Be sure to hone your skills for this one as we’ll be throwing steep, and wickedly fun, slopes, rock gardens, berms, switchbacks and more your way. We’ll end the day back in Golden with a finish in Spirit Square on the banks of the Kicking Horse River. All routes are subject to change at any time to allow for quality control, safety of the riders and wildlife.
Spectators: Be sure to check out the Golden Cycling Club Fan Zone! GCC will be hosting a cash BBQ to raise funds for trail building and maintenance. Head over to the base of the timed descent, cheer the riders on and enjoy some lunch! Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Directions.
Distance: 30km
Elevation Gain: 1400m*
Timed Descent: 2.4km, 373m descending
Day 2: Stage 5
After a night of well deserved rest you’ll be ready to switch gears on the Moonraker trail system. Fast and flowy best describe this day. You’ll be grinning ear-to-ear while gliding through lush forests and flying down trails like CBT, Moonrakers, Canyon Creek and Arrowhead. There are over 150km of trail in this system and we’ve hand picked the best to ensure this is a day you’ll never forget. All routes are subject to change at any time to allow for quality control, safety of the riders and wildlife.
Please note that due to a sensitive goat habitat spectators are not permitted on the Canyon Creek portion of this stage.
Spectators: Be sure to check out the Golden Cycling Club Fan Zone! GCC will be hosting a cash BBQ to raise funds for trail building and maintenance. Cedar Lake Recreation Site, cheer the riders on and enjoy some lunch! Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Directions.
Distance: 53km
Elevation Gain: 1400m*
Timed Descent: 1.8km, 200m descending
Red Racer Stage 6: Revelstoke
Date: July 31st, 2014
The Location: Revelstoke, BC is quickly developing a reputation as one of North America’s top mountain bike destinations. Located on the banks of the Columbia River and surrounded by the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, this town calls out to the two-wheeled traveler.
The Plan: Arise, bid adieu to Golden, and ready yourself for one beautiful drive through Glacier National Park along the TransCanada Highway. We’ll descend into downtown Revelstoke, line up and roll out at 11am for your final day on trails built and maintained by the Revelstoke Cycling Association.
The Stage: Your destination for the Red RacerStage 6 will be Mt. Macpherson where a seemingly endless amount of singletrack awaits to delight your mountain biking senses. ‘Variety is the spice of life’ and this final stage will be like no other in the ST6 line up. This day will test your legs and skill as you navigate your way through lush green forest over rocky and rooty terrain. Finish off your ST6 six-pack with a ride back to town where the party awaits! All routes are subject to change at any time to allow for quality control, safety of the riders and wildlife.
Distance: 47km
Elevation Gain: 1200m*
Timed Descent: 5km, 300m descending
*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.