February 18, 2009 – North America’s original epic multiday mountain bike race is back in 2009 for an 8th year of unmatched adventure, scenery and camaraderie. This year, the TransRockies is stepping up the intensity with TR3, an exciting new three-day solo event that will run concurrently with the first three days of the TransRockies.

Whether for riders who are challenged to make a commitment to the full week of riding, or first-timers looking for a stepping stone to participation in the full epic, the TR3 will provide a full TransRockies experience with great riding and full on-course support from the most professional and effective organization in the sport.

Though shorter in length, the TR3 will still provide an epic backcountry test for riders with a planned routing that will take them from Panorama Mountain Village to Nipika Mountain Resort during the first two days and finish with a time-trial loop around the amazing Nipika trail system on Day 3. Riders will cover between 150 and 200km over the three days with a stiff dose of climbing guaranteed by traversing major passes in and out of the mighty Columbia River Valley. Riders will compete in three categories (Open Men, Open Women, Master 40+ Men) will be featured and rewarded in the nightly awards ceremonies and will have their own leaders’ jerseys, and daily and overall prizes.

“Every year, we are asked about solo riders and shorter versions of the race, and this year we felt like we had a great opportunity to bring something new to the event,” said Event Director Aaron McConnell. “The TR3 should add a highly competitive solo component to our event without compromising the spirit of teamwork and co-operation which is fundamental to the TransRockies experience.”

In 2009, both the TransRockies and TR3 will build on the success of the 2008 race which featured a gruelling new routing with more climbing than ever before and a time trial at Nipika Mountain Resort which added the extra challenge and intensity of head-to-head competition. The Rocky Mountains lived up to their fierce reputation throwing the full range of mountain weather at riders–from snow on day one to heat and dust on the final days. And we can’t forget 2008’s new menus which featured delicious meals from the best local chefs and received the highest-ever post-event survey ratings in the history of the TransRockies.

Even with the world economy limiting people’s travel and leisure budgets, hundreds of riders from all over the World will gather in Panorama Mountain Village in August for one of the great adventures in the sport of cycling. The TransRockies has always prided itself on delivering exceptional value and in 2009, the pricing for the TransRockies will remain unchanged from 2008. The declining Canadian dollar gives US riders a further incentive as their real cost is up to 20 per cent lower than it was in 2008 while the $499 (CDN) early bird pricing and a la carte support options (see website for full details) of the TR3 offer the epic racing experience at an unprecedented price point.

The TransRockies remains unique among the mountain bike epics in the remoteness of the terrain and the scope of infrastructure which must be built from scratch to make the event possible. The expert team of staff and volunteers work around the clock to create a travelling village for hundreds or riders and supports with hot showers, gourmet food, medical crew, race organization, mechanical support and tent accommodations. In 2009, TR3 makes this exceptional experience accessible to a broader range of riders than ever before.

For more information on the TransRockies, visit www.transrockies.com. Find out what’s inside . . . outside.