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.
2025 Event Schedule (subject to change).
- FRIDAY, JULY 4TH
- Industry Day 12:00 pm - 8:00 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, athlete panel, local food trucks, rider welcome meeting and great Canadian beer in the lively beer garden!
- Both days of festivities are open to all participants AND the public - bring your friends and family!
- All female riders are invided to join the Women's Group Ride p/b 7MESH Cycling Apparel departing at 3pm from Station Square.
- SATURDAY JULY 5TH
- 9:00 am - 3:00 pm: The Gravel Grinds
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 and enthusiastic volunteers to make sure every rider finishes with a smile. This is the big day for those who are here to race.
- 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Post-Race Celebrations
- 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 p/b Tourism Fernie with vendor village & beer garden.
- 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Alex Maher
Enjoy the soulful and dynamic sounds of Alex Maher, a talented multi-instrumentalist and live-looping artist who blends funk, jazz, soul, and pop. His rich vocals and mastery of guitar, saxophone, and percussion deliver an unforgettable performance.
- 8:45 - 10:30 PM: Rubber Tire Peep Show
Get ready for an electrifying performance by Rubber Tire Peep Show, a high-energy band blending rock, funk, and blues. With raw vocals, masterful musicianship, and improvisational jams, they promise a night of unfiltered, authentic sound
- SUNDAY JULY 6TH
- 10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Full Weekend Experience Sunday Social
- The Sunday Social showcases the perfect day in Fernie by treating riders to local eats and hidden gravel gems accompanied by Special VIP Guest Riders.
- The Sunday Social starts with coffee & pastries at Rooftop Coffee Roaster before splitting into groups for a day of exploring Fernie by bike. All riders will regroup for the Burritos and Margarita Apres at Nevados Tapa Bar to cheers to an epic weekend with the Fernie Gravel Grind.
- Not only do Full Weekend Riders get a bucket list Sunday, they also get their very own 1 in a 100 FGG X 7MESH Sight Jersey. Sunday Social is only available to Full Weekend Experience Riders.
The Experiences
- Single Day Experience
- Adult Single Day - $165 + tax & registration fees
- Junior Single Day - $105
- The Single Day Experience is a great starter pack to the Fernie Gravel Grind, featuring everything from the Friday Industry Day 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 - $275 + tax & registration fees
- NB: The Full Weekend is 19+
- 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 and special swag from 7MESH Cycling Apparell including a 1 in a 100 FGG Jersey. 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
2025 Gravel Grind Race Routes
2025 sees the return of the OG Gravel Grind Route to celebrate year FIVE of the Fernie Gravel Grind!
- The Short Haul
- The 40km Short Haul is a great challenge for gravel-curious beginner riders. The Short Haul is recommended for beginner riders looking for a challenge and intermediate riders looking for more of a mellow ride than the Long Haul.
- Riders should be comfortable riding for 2.5-3.5 hours, climbing more than 700m and descending loose and bumpy roads.
- Distance: 40km
- Elevation: 700m
- Duration: 2.5-3.5 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.
- The 95km Long Haul is a very hard day for intermediate to expert riders, plain and simple. Tthe Long Haul is recommended for intermediate and expert riders who are looking for a big challenge.
- Riders should be comfortable for 4.5-6.5 hours in varying conditions, climbing more than 1,600m and descending steep, loose and bumpy roads with multiple drainages. Do not let the distance deceive you, this is a hard, technical course!
- Distance: ~95km
- Elevation: ~1,600m (including a HC Categroy Climb - 20km & 900m)
- Duration: 3.5-6 hours
- Number of Aid/Stoke Stations: 3
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
Riding in the Heart of the Rockies is steep, loose, and bumpy with varying states of weather. Tires that have good grip and good tread are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The organizers’ daily drivers here in Fernie are 700×50c medium tread tires and we urge riders to do the same. Please note:
- Gravel bikes with wide clearance or hardtail mountain bikes are most suitable for both distances.
- The Long Haul will top out at 1,800m above sea level which can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than in town. Welcome to racing in the Rockies! Come prepared to face the elements.
- You are getting out there! So make sure to bring EXTRA water and rider fuel as well as an emergency jacket incase of severe weather.
- For safety precautions, any tires under 32c will not be permitted.
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.
