Showcasing the greatest gravel in British Columbia!
The Fernie Gravel Grind is a weekend long gravel cycling experience located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, home to some of the best gravel riding that Canada has to offer. Over the course of the weekend, riders will race up picturesque mountain roads, experience historical downtown Fernie and connect with a growing community of Canadian gravel cyclists. Following their mission, Anything Goes With Gravel, the race itself is open to anyone and everyone and offers multiple distances, race categories and fun activities for the whole family all weekend long.
2024 Event Schedule (subject to change).
- Friday - Industry Night 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Start the weekend off right by picking up your race package and hanging out at Industry Night located at Historical Station Square, Downtown Fernie. Live music, industry vendors, local food trucks and great Canadian beer! Both days of festivities are open to all participants AND the public - bring your friends and family!
- Saturday - The Gravel Grind 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
With two scenic gravel routes to choose from, riders will spend the better part of Saturday morning and afternoon racing (or riding!) these iconic routes throughout the Elk Valley. The Short and Long Haul routes will be carefully marked featuring the classic FGG Stoke Stations, fully loaded with the best ride food, XACT Nutrition, and enthusiastic volunteers to make sure every rider finishes with a smile. This is the big day for those who are here to race.
- Saturday - Post-Race Celebrations 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
In similar fashion to the Friday Industry Night, riders are invited to join the community to enjoy the amazing outdoor venue located in the heart of Downtown Fernie. Award Initiative presentations will be held before kicking off Tunes in the Town with the weekend headline act, Pretty for the People. Vendor village & beer garden on site.
- Sunday - Sunday Social Group Rides
Full Weekend Riders features a relaxed Sunday Social Ride with a laid back pace, aimed at socializing and exploring our lovely little town on those tired post-race legs. Offered to 'Full Weekend Riders' only, the Sunday Social showcase Fernie in a way that only a local could by treating riders to local eats and hidden gravel gems, accompanied by Special VIP Guest Riders and bous swag!
The 2024 Sunday Social starts off at Rooftop Coffee Roasters for pastries and coffee before offering various group ride options. Group rides will take Full Weekenders on the Fernie Local's Tour from gravel hits to our favourite spots for mid-ride snack reaks. Not only do Full Weekend Riders get a bucket list Sunday, they also get their very own custom FGG X 7MESH Sight Jersey in addition to more swag from sponsors and a professional photo from the most scenic part of the ride. The day will wrap up at Kodiak Lounge at Raging Elk Adventure Lodging for a post-ride beer and cheers to a great weekend!
The Experiences
- Single Day Experience
- Adult Single Day - $165
- Junior Single Day - $90
- The Single Day Experience is a great starter pack to the Fernie Gravel Grind, featuring everything from the Friday Industry Night through to Saturday's Gravel Grind and Post-Race Festivities Downtown Fernie. Sunday is not included in single-day experience.
- Read more about what's included...
- Full Weekend Experience
- Adult Full Weekend - $250
- NB: The Full Weekend is not open to juniors
- The Full Weekend Experience is the full meal deal and gives you access to everything the Fernie Gravel Grind has to offer from Friday and Saturday's festivities and racing to the laid back Sunday Social Group Rides with custom FGG jersey from 7mesh Cycling Apparel and Lazer-Shimano Canada swag. Space is limited as registration is capped at 30 females and 30 males.
- Read more about what's included...
WAITLIST: Categories may sell out! If you cannot find the category you are looking for, please email [email protected] to be put on a waitlist.
For full event details and updates, visit ferniegravelgrind.com
Race Registration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN - REGISTER ONLINE
2024 Gravel Grind Race Routes
In 2024, the Fernie Gravel Grind will focus on the two most popular distance options to bring riders a new route. Both courses are designed with cyclists with physical impairment in mind, suiting cyclists of all abilities including hand cyclists and tandems.
- The Short Haul
- For those new to adventure racing or those who just want to take the scenic route, the Short Haul is not too hot and not too cold, it really is just right. The Short Haul features a roller coaster of a ride with incredible vistas to boot throughout the Elk Valley. Ear to ear grins guaranteed. NOTE: the 2024 Short Haul is significantly longer than the 2023 Short Haul, comparable to the 2023 Medium Haul.
- Distance: ~42km / Elevation: ~500m / Duration: 1.5-3 hours / Number of Aid/Stoke Stations: 2
- The Long Haul
- Here in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, there is no such thing as a free lunch. The riding is just as beautiful as it is unrelenting and every descent is hard earned. But whether or not you’re here to be the first across the finish line or to simply take in the scenery with friends, you are guaranteed for an epic day out on the Long Haul.
Don't let the distance decieve you! The Long Haul will be sure to challenge riders with an updated route in 2024 featuring a wide variety of terrain including Forest Service Roads, tough climbs, flowy double track, and even bits of green singletrack, afterall, anything goes with gravel. Your post race beverage will be well earned!
- Distance: ~80km / Elevation: ~1,600m / Duration: 4-6 hours / Number of Aid/Stoke Stations: 4
Single Day License
As a Cycling BC sanctioned event, the FGG has purchased Sport Accident Coverage for all of its riders. This means riders do NOT have to purchase a Single Day Race License as the FGG has already purchased them on riders behalf. By signing the liability waiver during the CCN registration process each rider has additional coverage in the event of an accident.
Recommended Equipment
- Gravel, Cross Country or Cyclocross bikes.
- Minimum 32c tire requirement.
- Prepare to be out longer than expected, bring extra food, water and weather-appropriate gear.
- ANYTHING LESS THAN 32C TIRES ARE NOT PERMITTED (WELCOME TO GRAVEL RACING IN THE ROCKIES!)
Supporting the Local Community
The Fernie Gravel Grind is committed to supporting the community. Since 2020 the FGG has given back over $16,000 to various organizations including the Fernie Trails Alliance, Elk Valley Suicide Task Force, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association, Fernie Search and Rescue and many aspiring youth racers through the Fernie Gravel Grind's Write to Race Initiative.
The Fernie Gravel Grind occurs entirely within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa people. The organisers acknowledge their welcome and graciousness to all riders who seek adventure here.
