Race Day Approaches!
Hey Royal Gravellers!
We’re just 11 days out from the first ever TransRockies Gravel Royale! Our team has been working hard to cover all last minute details and we are so psyched to greet you at our grand departure in Panorama! With that, we wanted to fill you in on a few of the important points to answer your questions and get you ready!
1. Covid and Communicable Disease Plan
In the ever-evolving world of COVID-19 mitigation, we’ve just updated our information on what you need to know about how we can all stay safe. You can find the details here: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/covid-19-communicable-disease-plan
A few highlights:
You will need proof of vaccination OR a negative test to pick up your race package (participants and crew)
Use hand sanitizer frequently in camp!
Aid stations will have heightened sanitation measures, with minimal contact serving methods
2. Forest Fires and Fire Smoke
As you have no doubt heard, we’ve been experiencing a serious drought this summer. Especially dry conditions have been prime for wildland forest fires which have raged across Western Canada and Western States.
Our courses have been getting drier and forest fire smoke has been affecting our air quality. We are so grateful to report that our region of the East Kootenay has gotten several days of much needed rain and cooler temps over the past few days and more cool, wet days are ahead! This is such good news and huge for our fire hazard.
Air quality conditions change everyday. The best place to monitor air quality forecasts is firesmoke.ca. Note: If we experience smoky conditions during the event, when possible, TransRockies will provide options for riders who wish to limit their exposure duration with shorter distances.
3. Welcoming our neighbours from the United States!
After a 16 month border closure due to COVID-19, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent U.S. residents are now allowed to travel to Canada. We are so excited to welcome our friends from the South as we kick off the first edition of the Gravel Royale!
In order to ensure smooth border crossing, please pay close attention to the travel requirements of the Canadian government explained in the ArriveCAN portal. If you don’t meet all requirements, you won’t be able to enter Canada, so cross your t’s and dot your i’s!
While all the information is clearly explained on the ArriveCAN platform, we’ve pulled out some critical details to help you prepare.
American travelers need to submit information to the portal 72 hours before arrival. Once you finish all required steps in the ArriveCan portal, you’ll be given a receipt. Bring this! The receipt is critical for crossing the border by car or for entering Canada at the airport.
Travelers must be fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before arrival in Canada and must provide official proof of vaccination either with the paper cards from the CDC or digitally.
Quarantining is no longer required however, travelers must submit a backup plan for quarantine including a quarantine address in case requirements are not met at arrival. Travelers must also not present any COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and must provide results from a pre-entry COVID-19 test.
American travelers will need to enter contact information for their entire group in the ArriveCAN portal as well as the purpose for travel- four days of Kootenay dirt surfing of course. ;)
We are so glad that this race will go on and that the borders are open! Americans, please take the time to prepare for your entry! We can’t wait to welcome you at the first Transrockies Gravel Royale!
4. Format Change - Grand Finish in Fernie
With the current COVID-19 restrictions as part of step 3 of British Columbia's restart plan, indoor venue capacity is limited so we’ve been planning a different kind of finish line experience that is sure to be memorable.
The finish line will be at Annex Park in Fernie, located at 11 Street and 12 Avenue on the banks of the Elk River in Fernie. We will have a large tent located at the finish and will be serving an amazing finisher’s dinner from 2-5 PM, catered by our friends at Fresh Kitchen and we’ll have cold beers on ice from Tool Shed Brewing! The final awards ceremony will start at 4:30 PM. Extra tickets to the final dinner will be available for $39 at the race.
5. Accommodations Updates
Remember to book your start and finish accommodations - full details are available on our website: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/accommodations
If you have booked RV camping at Panorama, please check in at Central Check in, which is on your right as you pull into the resort.
If you are leaving a vehicle at Panorama during the event, please park it in the lower parking lot off Toby Creek Road. View the map here: https://www.panoramaresort.com/while-you-are-here/village-map/
Be sure to leave your extra luggage and bike boxes in your vehicle if you’re leaving it at Panorama!
6. Bike Parts
Remember, extra parts are limited! We recommend that you bring a few common spare parts specific to your bike. Find the recommended list in our Blog Post here: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/stage-stories/what-to-pack-for-tranrockies-gravel-royale
7. Menus and Lunch Options
Our caterers for all camp-based meals, Fresh Kitchen, are currently finalizing menus - check back on the website in the next few days, we’ll be posting them here: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/camp-life. You can expect plentiful, nutritious and delicious meals with Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options available! Lunch at camp following stages 1-3 will be available for purchase from the Notorious PIG food truck!
8. Race Guide on Ride With GPS
Our Digital Race guide can be accessed here: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/race-guide
You will need to download the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone and create a free account. Be sure to download the guide prior to the start of the race. It includes important details like all the interactive route maps, event schedule and more. Once downloaded, all the content will be available even when outside of cell coverage (from mid-Stage 1 until the end of Stage 3).
9. Neutralized Sections
Just a head’s up, we have a couple neutral course sections that are untimed - which means these sections are untimed and should not be raced for everyone’s safety!
The first neutralized section is the start of stage 1. After a parade loop through the resort, you will have a long rolling descent on pavement down to the town of Invermere, where you will need to navigate a number of intersections and traffic lights following the rules of the road. After you pass the Tim Hortons and cross over to the Westrock Mine Road, it’s race on!
There will also be a neutralized section on the final descent of the final stage. The clock will stop at the top of the last Panaracer Battle Royale KOM/QOM at Harley Pass so you can relax and enjoy the final downhill and roll into the finish in Fernie. You will encounter some traffic on this stretch of road.
10. TRGR Merch now available!
Check out our amazing collection of TRGR merch on our website here: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/trgr-merchandise! All items will be available on site at sign on, and again at the finish! Fill out your gravel kit wardrobe or take home a souvenir from Garneau’s new custom gravel line!
We look forward to seeing you in Panorama. If you have questions that aren’t answered above? Email Joanne at registration@transrockies.com!
The TransRockies Team
