FAQ

As questions come into our office we will add to this FAQ list. If your question is not answered below please contact us.

Registration Questions

What date do you use to determine my age (for classification into age categories)?
We use your age as of the end of the calendar year. For example, for the 2008 event, we will use your age on December 31, 2008.

I would like to take part but I don't have a partner. What do you recommend?
Due to the nature of the event we require that all participants ride with a partner. Your best bet is to find someone who is close to you in ambition level and riding abilities. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. Try connecting with your local cycling club and go on group rides to see who might have an interest. Also, check the various internet forums, including the one on this site, to see who else is looking for a partner. Post a thread looking for partners. Finally, tell all your friends. Word can spread that you are looking for a partner quickly. Someone who may not have considered it will think twice if they have a willing partner who is ready to go.

Can I register for the event, even though I don't have my teammate’s details yet?
Yes, you can register online or by fax/mail. Just leave your teammate information blank (online) or indicate that it is TBA (mail/fax). You will still need to make a deposit for the entire team and provide complete information on the team member prior to the race.

When will the race sell out?
Good question! As the event grows every year, it is difficult to determine this accurately. Our recommendation: register early to avoid disappointment!

What currency is the entry fee in?
The entry fee is in Canadian Dollars. Check with your bank for the latest exchange rate. Note that 6% Goods and Services Tax will be added to your entry.

When is the balance of my registration fee due?
To hold your registration, you must pay the balance of your entry fee in full by May 1, 2008.

Can I upgrade my package at a later date?
You can upgrade your package from Adventure to Epic at any time up to the start of the event. You can upgrade from Epic to Expedition up to one (1) month prior to the event, pending package availability. Note that the Expedition package normally sells out. Upgrades are available pending motorhome availability. Contact us to upgrade.

Camping and Accommodation Questions

Is it possible to stay in hotels throughout the event?
There are a few stages where indoor accommodations are possible, but some where camping is the only option. If you prefer not to stay in tents we recommend that you look into the option of using a motorhome or other recreational vehicle. You can do this on your own, or if you register for our deluxe package (Expedition) we will arrange a motorhome for you and provide a range of other services to enhance your TransRockies experience. Click here for hotel options.

Do I need to provide my own sleeping bag?
If you are staying in a tent, we provide the tent, but you need to provide your own sleeping bag and mattress.

Is tent camping provided at every stage?
There is no tent camping provided at either of the start and finish communities but there is tent camping provided at every other stage. We encourage all participants to book hotel accommodation for the start and finish. Find host hotel details here. Remember to book early.

Can I travel home the same day that the event finishes?
We strongly recommend that participants spend at least one night following the event in the finish community. The finishers' banquet is a real celebration and the last thing you will want to do after 560 kilometres in the saddle is sit in a car or airplane for hours!

Do I need a support team?
No, TransRockies is fully supported with food and accommodation provided throughout, as well as several optional amenities such as massage and bike service. Some participants do choose to have the extra support of friends and family along. To accommodate these additional people we offer several options such as additional food passes, camping passes and tent rentals. Click here for Supporter Information.

How much stuff can I bring?
You are provided with a duffel bag (18” x 18” x 36”) which we will transport from stage to stage. All of the gear you require during the event will be stored in this bag. Additionally, you may bring one bike box and one additional piece of luggage, which we will transport from the start to the finish. You will not have access to these pieces between the start and the finish of the race. You can add an additional duffel bag, including stage-to-stage transportation, for only $50 as part of your online registration.

Travel and Transfer Questions

Which airport do I fly into?
Calgary International Airport has direct flights from many major centres in North America and Europe. Alternatively, Cranbrook airport offers closest access to the start and finish, with connections through Calgary and Vancouver. Most participants fly into Calgary.

How can I get to the start from the airport?
A transfer service is available to the start from Calgary International Airport. Click here for Transfer Details. Transfers are also offered back to the airport following the finish.

Can I leave a vehicle at the start?
Yes, vehicles may be left at the start – please ask us for the designated lot. Vehicles are left at your own risk. Transfers may be available back to the start from the finish. Visit the Transfer Details for more information.

Race Course / Route

Is it possible to ride the route before the race?
While it may be possible to ride some parts of the route in advance, sections of the full course are on private land or land we have special permission to access at race time, so it is not possible to replicate the route in its entirety.

Where can I find distance and elevation information about the course?
Our route generally changes slightly from year to year. While we don’t publish route information prior to the event you can get a very good idea about the course by reading the daily reports from last year. Just click on the Media tab above. Please note that at this time we are not making GPS information about the route available.

How far apart are the control stations?
The control stations, where you can access food and drink, are usually no more than 30km/20 miles apart. Each stage will have 1, 2 or 3 control stations depending on the length of the stage.