May 18, 2005 (Calgary, Alberta) – In a few short years, the TransRockies Challenge has established itself as the one true epic for mountain bikers, with the most technical and challenging riding of any of the major multi-day events. The official stage locations for the 2005 TransRockies Challenge were unveiled this week and, with more singletrack and a return to the Highwood Pass region, the course promises to offer the 350 riders who take part the most awesome, authentic mountain bike challenge yet.

“As the TransRockies Challenge enters its fourth year, we wanted to provide a fresh perspective on the race,” said Event Director Aaron McConnell. “The new routing will provide new challenges to past participants and more great singletrack for everyone. It also offers the advantage of being in a town setting for an additional day which means outstanding race services. We are sure that both Sparwood and Elkford will be geared up and ready to offer an authentic Rocky Mountain welcome to the hundreds of riders from all over the world who will come to take on the Challenge.”

Most of the route changes are packed into the first few days ride through the Southern Canadian Rockies. Stage 1 travels from Fernie to Sparwood starting with a taste of the amazing riding which has made Fernie a worldwide mountain bike destination and finishing with a ride along the entire length of the Coal Discovery Trail, a newly-opened 30km singletrack which finishes in Sparwood.

Day Two is a monster of a day that includes two crossings of the continental divide, spectacular high mountain singletrack and a finish in the mountain hamlet of Elkford. Nights one and two are a bonus for the riders as they stay a little closer to civilization with easier access to phones, internet and junk food! Stage three covers part of the 2003 TransRockies route with an epic ride through some of the Rockies most spectacular vistas including a ride over the epic Highwood Pass which tops out at over 2200m.

With great new course changes and new host towns, the 2005 version of the TransRockies Challenge will continue to set the standard for epic mountain biking adventure and competition.

2005 Stages
Stage 1: August 7 – Fernie, BC to Sparwood, BC
Stage 2: August 8 – Sparwood, BC to Elkford, BC
Stage 3: August 9 – Elkford, BC to Etherington Creek, AB
Stage 4: August 10 – Etherington Creek, AB to Sandy McNabb, AB
Stage 5: August 11 – Sandy McNabb, AB to Bragg Creek, AB
Stage 6: August 12 – Bragg Creek, AB to Rafter Six Ranch, AB
Stage 7: August 13 – Rafter Six Ranch, AB to Canmore, AB

For more information contact:
Paul Done
Communications Director, TransRockies Challenge
604-682-8585
paul@transrockies.com
www.transrockies.com