Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bike is recommended for the Gravel Royale course?

The course is optimized for gravel bikes, but various bike types are suitable. A hardtail mountain bike with fast-rolling tires is a solid choice. Ensure your bike has a wide gearing range for steep climbs. Recommended tire width is 35-40c, with wider tires on 650b wheels benefiting riders with less technical confidence. Choose the setup that suits your ride style!

What if I don’t make a cutoff time or can’t finish a stage due to a mechanical?

You can always continue the next day. If you don’t make a cutoff at a checkpoint or at the finish line you will receive a time of 9 hours for the stage. If you cannot finish a stage due to medical or mechanical issue, you will receive an official time of 11 hours for the stage.

Do I have to stay in the tents for the entire event?

No, many people choose to bring RVs (motorhomes, vans, or trailers). If you bring an RV, you will need the RV Camping Pass which can be added to your registration. Nikipa has limited availability of luxury cabins which may be booked in advance.

What will the weather be like?

Weather in the Canadian Rockies is highly variable at all times of year. Late August is one of the warmest times of year, but still subject to periods of rain and cool weather. Elevations range from 1,000m to 2,500m, which means that it cools off in the evenings. It is also possible that the event will be subject to heat, dust and risk of forest fires. Come prepared for all conditions – multiple sets of clothing is essential. 

Are there showers in Camp?

Yes, we will have a shower truck for you in camp. Water must be trucked in and waste water is trucked out, so we ask that you keep your shower to 5 minutes to ensure that everyone gets a shower.

Should I bring cash with me?

Yes, we highly recommend that you bring some cash with you. Since there are no lunches provided, we will have a food truck on site, and with limited internet access throughout the event, it’s best to have some cash with you.

Can I have personal gear transported to the checkpoints?

The checkpoints are remote and sometimes require a long drive time to reach them, so you must bring everything you need for the day. This may require investing in a larger pack to carry your gear for the day. You may leave personal items with our crew at the start for transport to the finish. 

Do I need a sleeping bag and mattress?

Yes, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag (rated to 0º C) and an inflatable camping mattress. Use a compression bag to fit your sleeping bag into your duffel bag.

What insurance do I require?

All participants need to have travel medical insurance that will cover ambulance service, air ambulance, and medical transport back to your home country. Your insurance also shouldn’t exclude athletic competition.

What happens if there is a forest fire?

Forest Fires are a reality every summer throughout North America. The cancellation of the 2023 Gravel Royale was the first time that a TransRockies event was cancelled due to fires and we consider it to be a rare exception due to multiple fires along the route. In the case of wildfires in the area we will consult with local authorities and will proceed if we feel that there is a high certainty of being able to proceed safely with normal or somewhat modified operations. If there is uncertainty that we will be able to operate safely, or that we will be permitted to operate such that cancellation is warranted, we will do our best to do that with at least 2 weeks notice to participants. In the case of event cancellation due to wildfire riders will be offered a free entry to next year’s event or equivalent credit to another TransRockies event the next year.

What about smokey conditions?

Smoke from fires either nearby or distant may also impact the event and conditions can be variable from location to location. In the case that wildfire smoke is present, we will use the Canadian AQHI rating from the closest reliable source to measure air quality. If the AQHI is 7 or higher at the time of the start the stage will be cancelled. If the AQHI is less than 7 but higher than 4 the race director may modify the stage by neutralizing or shortening it in the interest of rider safety