Fernie Femmduro

Fernie Tears and Gears was inspired by two friends who loved to trail run (Abi) and mountain bike (Krista), but could never find an event to compete in together. Thus, Fernie’s first Mountain Duathlon was born in 2010 and was held annually until 2019 marking the race's 10th Anniversary. After a six year hiatus, Tears and Gears is back to raise funds for the newly established Abi Moore Scholarship Fund and to continue to encourage people to get out on our amazing trail network, have fun while doing it, support one another, and be a part of an inclusive and welcoming community.

WHEN: Saturday August 29, 10AM

NUMBER OF RACERS: Limited to 200 racers.

START / FINISH: Elk Valley Nordic Centre

RACE INFO: Trail Running and Mountain Biking Duathlon.

CATEGORIES: Classic Solo (Run then Bike), or find a teammate and go Classic Team. Those under 14 can take part in the Youth Race, as a Soloist or Team. Ages 12+ are also welcome to take part in the Classic Race. Please note: Due to the logistics of this race, there is no option to Run or Bike only - you must find a teammate or do it Solo!

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES: On top of a great race day, you also get branded swag, a Post-Race BBQ by donation, FBC Beer (LOGO, sparkling water, and pop available), stacked Aid Station to hydrate and energize before, during and after, Draw Prizes, and Podium Prizes. ALL FUNDS RAISED BENEFIT THE ABI MOORE SCHOLARSHIP.

PRICING: Classic $115 (suitable for 12+) , Youth (7-14yrs) $55. No early bird, no late entries. First come, first serve.

REGISTRATION: Registration closes Saturday, August 15, at midnight and any additional merchandise orders must be placed by this date. Don't miss out!!

About The Cranbrook Gravel Grind

On September 5th, 2026 the Cranbrook Gravel Grind (CGG), proudly presented by Anything Goes Event Series, will return to shed light on the world-class gravel riding that surrounds Cranbrook, BC. Welcoming any and all riders to the fourth edition of the event, the 56km and 101km routes will showcase the Cranbrook Community Forest, Chief Isadore Trail Network, Trans Canada Trail, and Mount Baker Forestry Service Roads. The CGG offers an incredibly unique experience for new and experienced riders with a course that is designed for cyclists with physical impairment in mind, suiting cyclists of all abilities, hand-cyclists and tandems included.

Friday Night, September 4th

Rider Social & Package Pickup 4:00-8:00pm - Idlewild Park

Join us Friday evening and pick up your race package at our lovely weekend venue, Idlewild Park.

Saturday, September 5th - The Gravel Grind 9:00am-4:00pm

Riders will spend the better part of Saturday morning and afternoon racing the most scenic and well designed gravel routes in Canada. The 56km Gold Rush Loop and 101km Big Foot Loop will be well marked with fully stocked Aid Stations located throughout; loaded with the best ride food and enthusiastic volunteers to make sure every rider finishes with a smile.

Our lovely finish line venue at the family-friendly Idlewild Park will have post-ride beverages, food, and music before awards presentations in the afternoon.

Note: Start times TBA. More details on the course, parking, and venue logistics will be announced in the Race Guide.

Entry

Entry Includes:

• Gravel Grind entry for the distance of your choice

• Professional timing and a locally designed course (para and hand-cyclist friendly)

• Well-marked and fully supported route with certified first aid throughout

• On-course Stoke Stations to keep you fuelled and hydrated

• Complimentary post-race meal

• Complimentary post-race beer or other beverage

• Quality rider package with goodies and a custom race plate to keep as a souvenir

Entry Fee:

Adult $165

Junior $100

Categories:

• Junior Men (19 years and younger)

• Junior Women (19 years and younger)

• Open Women

• Open Men

• Open Non-Binary

• Master Men 45-54

• Master Women 45-54

• Master Men 55+

• Master Women 55+

• Adaptive Men

• Adaptive Women

The Routes

The Gold Rush Loop: 56km, 770m elevation

From local riders to BC Epic adventurers, the Gold Rush Loop holds a special place in many hearts, and for good reason. Starting and finishing at Idlewild Park, the CGG’s OG route showcases some of the most unique and beautiful gravel riding in Western Canada, offering a perfect blend of challenge, flow, and stunning scenery unlike any other gravel course. We’re proud to share this highly underrated, world-class course with you.

The Big Foot Loop: 101km, 1,400m elevation

Just like the legend itself, the Big Foot Loop is the 8th wonder of the world, a 101km journey through some of the best gravel you never knew existed.

Introduced in 2023, the route showcases the hidden gems of the Chief Isadore and Trans Canada Trails, and the rolling farmlands below the Steeples mountain range. Riders will experience every flavour of ‘gravel,’ from the smooth machine-built Chief Isadore pathway to the loose and technical ATV track along Lake Koocanusa, capped by the crux of the course, Teepee Creek FSR climb, before a fast and thrilling descent down Gold Creek to finish back at Idlewild Park. You’ll believe us when you ride it, this is one course you’ll never forget.

Recommended Equipment

Road bikes will NOT be permitted for the CGG. Gravel bikes, Cyclocross or Mountain Bikes will be allowed.

Refund and Transfer Policy

Please see below our refund and transfer policy. FOR REFUNDS, the percentages listed below are based on registration prices. Unfortunately, we cannot refund the transaction fees that are applied at checkout. Riders have the option to purchase third-party refund protection at checkout. If you do not purchase refund protection, you will be subject to the following refund protocols:

Registration Open Date - June 30th: 100% Refund

July 1st - July 31st: 75% Refund

August 1st - August 14th: 50% Refund

August 15th - Event Date: 0% Refund

FOR TRANSFERS, transfers between participants can be made through your Participant Race Roster Dashboard up to two weeks before the event date. There is an additional $3.00+tax processing fee for participant-to-participant transfers. If you wish to change distances after registering, please contact [email protected].

The Ultimate Downcountry Experience

This September 25-26th Steep n’ Deep XC returns for its second edition, bringing to life a new era of mountain bike racing on the world-class trails of Fernie BC.

More than just a bike race. Steep n’ Deep XC offers a weekend of festivities at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre and Mount Fernie Provincial Park with Friday Afternoon Rider Social & Package Pickup, Saturday’s racing followed by finish line festivities back at the Nordic Centre with live music, awards, BBQ, and our FTA Fundraiser Beer Garden.

Steep n’ Deep XC showcases a new age of mountain bike racing featuring an enduro formatted course with 4 unique timed stages around the world-class Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Each of the 4 timed stages will vary in terrain, climbing, and descending and will count towards your overall time. In the spirit of downcountry, there will be more descending than climbing throughout the 4 timed stages, but beware, each descent will be hard earned.

New to 2026! Following Saturday’s Steep n’ Deep XC racing, the inaugural Fernie Femmduro (Fernie Women’s Enduro) will be taking place back at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. For all ladies who didn't get enough racing on Saturday, we invite you back for Femmduro Sunday, September 27th.

Rider Social, Vendor Village & Package Pickup| Friday, September 25th

2:00pm to 7:00pm - Rider Social, Vendor Village & Package Pickup at the Elk Valley Nordic Center

Race Day | Saturday, September 26th

7:30am to 9:00am - Late Rider Package Pickup at the Elk Valley Nordic Center

9:45am - Start #1 Long Course Start for Elite E-Bike Category

10:00am - Start #2 Long Course Start for All Other Categories

10:15am - Start #3 Short Course Start

12:00pm - Finish Line Vibes Begin

12:00pm to 3:00pm - DJ & Live Entertainment

3:00pm to 4:00pm - Awards Presentation

5:00pm - Venue Closes

Entry

Entry Includes:

• Race entry for the distance of your choice.

• Race plate, professional timing, local's course design, well marked course, and certified first aid throughout.

• On-course Stoke Stations stocked with hydration, tasty snacks and the most stoked volunteers.

• Complimentary Post-Race Meal.

• Complimentary first drink on the house.

• Rider package with goodies from our sponsors.

Entry Fee

Adult Entry: $150 + taxes and processing fees

Junior Entry (18 years old and younger): $80 + taxes and processing fees

Note: Riders 18 and younger are encouraged to participate in the Short Course. Riders 18 and under who are capable of competing in the Long Course can register for the Open category.

Categories:

• Junior Men (18 years and younger)

• Junior Women (18 years and younger)

• Open Women

• Open Men

• Master Men 50+

• Master Women 50+

• Adaptive Men

• Adaptive Women

• E-Bike Men (Long Course Only)

• E-Bike Women (Long Course Only)

Local Legends Podium

There will be an additional podium awarding the fastest Fernie locals of the Day! When registering, you must select a category listed above in addition to selecting the Local's competition.

Long Course Details

Long course riders will take on a 28km course with 1,200m of climbing. Within the 28km course, there will be 4 timed stages broken down in more detail below. It’s going to be a rough and rowdy race with steep ups and technical descents.

Course details to be released soon.

Short Course Details

Short course riders will take on a 21km course with 900m of climbing. Within the 21km course, there will be 3 timed stages broken down in more detail below.

Course details to be released soon.

Blind Stage Details

Both the Short and Long course last stage will be a blind stage. The blind stage will be released the morning of the race. Riders can expect the blind stage to be rated ‘Dark Blue’, with a bit of technical rooty features, bits of flow, and the majority of the stage being downhill. Slightly more difficult than a true Blue, however not quite a Black Diamond.

Recommended Equipment

All mountain bikes are welcome, but a XC or mid-travel bike will serve you best across all 4 stages. Don’t underestimate the distance, plan to be out longer than expected and pack extra food, water, and weather-appropriate gear.

For tires, we recommend something burly yet fast-rolling, like a Schwalbe 2.4 Wicked Will up front paired with a 2.4 Rick XC or Racing Ralph in the rear.

This is not your traditional XC race. You absolutely will need burly tires.

Refund and Transfer Policy

Please see below our refund and transfer policy. FOR REFUNDS, the percentages listed below are based on registration prices. Unfortunately, we cannot refund the transaction fees that are applied at checkout. Riders have the option to purchase third-party refund protection at checkout. If you do not purchase refund protection, you will be subject to the following refund protocols:

Registration Open Date - July 30th: 100% Refund

July 31st - August 27th: 75% Refund

August 28th - September 10th: 50% Refund

September 11th - Event Date: 0% Refund

FOR TRANSFERS, transfers between participants can be made through your Participant Race Roster Dashboard up to two weeks before the event date. There is an additional $3.00+tax processing fee for participant-to-participant transfers. If you wish to change distances after registering, please contact [email protected].

RCR Event Release Agreement

All competitors must complete the online RCR Event Release Agreement(s) prior to completing registration.

• Competitors 16yrs and older must complete the RCR Event Agreement. The competitor can complete this waiver.

• Competitors 15 yrs and younger must complete BOTH the RCR Event Agreement AND the RCR Parental Agreement. The competitor's parent or legal guardian must complete these two agreements in the competitor's name.

Once complete, you will receive a unique "Agreement ID" for each waiver you fill out. Please save the ID code(s), as you will need to enter the code(s) during the registration process below.

Links to the Release Agreements:

RCR Event Release Agreement - https://passes.skircr.com/event

RCR Parental Release Agreement - https://passes.skircr.com/parental

Volunteer

The event would not be possible without our awesome volunteers! If you or someone you know would like to volunteer please email [email protected] or sign up HERE.