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  • Brown dried trees and vegetation line one side of the Elk River bank and tall conifer pines trees are clustered on the other side with the backdrop of the snow capped Rocky Mountains far in the distance. The Elk River in Fernie, BC on a winter day with brown and dried vegetation, barren trees and sturdy pine trees at the river's banks and snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance.
     Video by Scott Ballingall

Time to get out your bike and dust off your running shoes. The 10th Annual Fernie Tears & Gears is scheduled for September 7 and it’s sure to be a wild ride. This ever-popular trail riding and mountain biking race started to celebrate the rustic beauty of the area, is always a great time.

There are four categories for the race - solo, team, classic, and kids. Entry fees are $70 for classic and $30 for youth. The classic category is suitable for ages 12 and up (there is a discount applied for anyone under 16 registering for classic). Registration is currently open and runs until midnight on September 2. There is no early bird or late registration for the race, so be sure to get in while you can. 

The entry fee gets you more than just a spot in the race. The price includes: a 10th Anniversary hoodie, entry to a post-race BBQ and beer (or kid-friendly version), aid station, draw prizes, cash purse and tons of podium prizes. The earlier you register, the better chance you have of getting the shirt size you want. 

Race packages will be available for pick-up on September 6 at 5pm at Park Place Lodge. Though not a requirement, picking up race packages and signing waivers at this time is preferred as it speeds up the process on race day.
 
On race day, anyone who still needs to pick up their race package must arrive at 7:30 am. All participants are required to attend a race briefing at 8:45 am. At 9:00 am the youth race begins and at 9:15 am the classic race gets underway. Once everyone’s worked up an appetite, it’s time for the BBQ, beer and awards at 12 pm.

If you’re heading in for the big race and need accommodation in the Fernie area, there’s no better place to stay than the Fernie Stanford Resort. With stunning alpine views, spacious rooms, suites and condos, and a host of exciting amenities, it’s the perfect place to recharge at the end of the day.