Dave's Report - August 26, 2007

Fernie Finish of Transrockies Bike Race

A week has passed since the Transrockies Bike Race finished in Fernie for the first time. The number of people on 2nd Ave who came out to cheer the riders as they crossed the last finish line, created an enthusiastic and warm welcome to Fernie. For many riders and their support crews, it was the first time they had been in the Elk Valley, and the beauty of this area left many saying they would definitely be back. The smiles on the rider's faces said it all as they crossed the finishing line, after what proved to be a fabulous race over 7 days in the Mountains of Canada.

To all the Fernie riders who competed in and who all completed the race, congratulations. Todd Loewan and Sean Staplin , Arthur Sombrowski and Brendan Morgan, Ron Clark and Pat Gilmar , Derek and Heidi Berry , John O�Shannassy, Tim Girvan, and Brad Pochay - you were all great examples of what hard work, determination, overcoming setbacks and a few cocktails can achieve.

Sorry Tim , Ron and Pat, we missed you coming over the line in Fernie, as there were a lot of group finishes due to the shorter course from Sparwood.

Here are a few pictures of the last, dusty very fast leg from Sparwood to Fernie.


First to finish in the remarkable time of 1 hr 40 mins

3 top teams in the open mens division.

Brad and Dirk

Many riders finished in groups, unlike the other stages.

There were lots of family cheer squads.

John and Jim

Nice moustache Heidi, Derek soldiered on with a very sore knee.

Todd and Sean with "great to be home" smiles.

This beer is going to be GOOD.

Arthur and Brendan, looking most happy.

Brad from Winnipeg delighted just to have completed the course.

Victory walk over the line.

John and Brad with a photo to keep as a memento of this great race.