TransRockies Gravel Royale
Taking on the TransRockies Gravel Royale is a fantastic opportunity for every gravel rider to see what the west coast trails and roads have to offer while you push and challenge yourself to be the very best out on the bike that you can be.
If you have been following me for some time, you would recall that my registration was from 2021 and I deferred it till I moved out to Alberta to continue with my registration. In 2023 the event was cancelled and finally, this year, with a few weeks before day 1, Nipika and TRGR were able to pull together a fantastic 3 days of riding!
This was no easy task as you can tell that they have so much in the way of logistics that go beyond the road, and this was only the 2nd year that the event has been hosted. I look forward to seeing how this event evolves over the coming years. A few changes in this years model: The event is now stationed at Nipika rather than a full point to point from Panoramo to Fernie, and you have options for a Full Pint or Half Pint. The good news is that you can start off in the Full and if you need to switch you are able to on the course. You just aren’t eligeble to be on the podium.
This was my first sanctioned gravel race and I was pretty nervous during the prep dinner the night before. I had it in my head that I might not make the cut off and that I would have to turn around as the rest of the riders went on. Well, I had well made the cut off and overall I remember part of the ride as I did 3 days UNSUPPORTED IN 2023 with Megan. I was pleased that I was able to take the previous years experience and apply it to this years race! We had 2 major climbs with one at 7.3km at 240 meters of climbing and the last big one was 8.7km at 470 meters!
As I rolled into the finish line at Stage 1 I was super excited, relieved and very VERY curious to see how my body held up for the next day.
After an evening in Chillville and a surprisingly good sleep, I was all ready to go for Stage 2. This takes you down Settlers Road and then at km 20 you take on an 11km, 775km climb! Once you reach the top the views are incredible and overall, the climb was steady and strong. Once that’s complete you head down to Ravens nest to fueld up and them make the 30km ride back to Nipika.
When I returned back to the finish I was incredibly surprised in how well that ride went and how great I felt. Thanks to Jen and the other volunteer at the finish line who offered a warm hug and a big smile!
The last prep meeting in the dinner tent showcased quite a group of punchy hills for day 3. Three out and backs on some steep climbs and taking us out on the Nipika XC ski trails made sure that we were never bored out on the race course that day. The first climb was 3km, 2nd climb was 5.7km and last major climb was 4.7 at an 8% grade with 370meters of climbing. All to say mixed with the xc ski trails there was 1650 meters total for the day!
As I rode in all I could think of was a cold beer, a burger and celebrating in Chillville for the night. Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the incredible aid stations and to all the supportive athletes who encouraged one another along the way. I am beyond happy with how my 3 days of riding went and so grateful that my body continues to work with me, explore and push my limits on almost every adventure I take on!
Shoutout to Ray Zahab, my good friend who helped coach me for this event in 2021 and Beth at Peak Performance who helped dial in my nutrition that year as well. Although it’s a few years later, I was able to take all that knowledge and apply it for this years event.
