Stage 2: NELSON
Morning Mountain Trail Network
Dates: July 12, 2024
The Location:
Nelson, BC, beautifully situated in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, is a picturesque city that effortlessly captures the essence of the Kootenay region. With the stunning Kootenay Lake to the north and the Selkirk Mountains cradling it from the south, Nelson offers a panoramic vista that is both breathtaking and inspiring. The city's geographic splendor is not just a feast for the eyes; it also provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with diverse landscapes ranging from tranquil lakeshores to challenging mountain terrains.
The history of Nelson is as rich and varied as its landscapes. The area is the traditional territory of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples, and their historical presence is deeply ingrained in the region's cultural fabric. The city of Nelson, named after Hugh Nelson, a Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, emerged as a mining town in the late 19th century. Its growth was spurred by the discovery of silver at the nearby Toad Mountain, leading to a boom in population and development. The architectural heritage from this era still defines much of Nelson's downtown charm, with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings.
Today, Nelson stands out as a vibrant and dynamic city. It's known for its artistic community, showcased in the numerous galleries and cultural events that dot the cityscape. The city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, arts, and education, the latter anchored by the presence of Selkirk College. Nelson's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban amenities make it a sought-after destination for both visitors and residents.
In the realm of mountain biking, Nelson is a true jewel. The city's mountainous terrain, combined with a network of well-maintained trails, makes it a haven for cyclists of all skill levels. The local biking community is not only passionate but also deeply involved in trail development, ensuring a rich and sustainable biking experience. Hosting a stage of the Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Stage Race in Nelson is more than fitting. The city's challenging trails, coupled with its stunning natural scenery and a community that lives and breathes mountain biking, positions Nelson as an exemplary host for this prestigious event. As the biking world turns its eyes towards Nelson, the city is poised to showcase its trails, not just as paths in the woods, but as the heartbeat of a community deeply connected to the sport.
The Stage:
Stage 2 of the Singletrack 6 Stage Race at Morning Mountain in Nelson, BC, is a thrilling challenge that begins at the foot of the Blewett Ski Hill Road. This initial climb spreads out the riders before they dive into the heart of the singletrack. The route ascends Morning Mountain, traversing the steady grades of Bottoms Up and Upper Bottoms trails. Surrounded by old growth forest, riders reach the first checkpoint at Giveout Creek Forest Service Road.
The journey continues up Fairly High and Very High trails, offering a stunning viewpoint at the top, a reward for the strenuous climb. A brief downhill relief on Upper Highballer precedes the final climb to the Powerslave Connector and the lower portion of Powerslave. Here, riders encounter rollable features and technical descents, a true test of skill and nerve.
Further challenges await as the route leads back to a short road climb, and then down the Highballer descent to the second checkpoint at Giveout Creek Forest Service Road. A brief road spin transitions riders to the Mister Slave descent, characterized by its faster pace, small jumps, and berms.
The excitement heightens on Blue Steel, a trail that perfectly blends flow and technical elements, featuring both machine and handbuilt features. This section is also the timed descent of the stage, adding an element of competition to the ride. The route then opens up onto Rhythm and Blues, offering smoother, flowy berms and tabletop jumps.
The final leg of the stage takes riders on a short section of Lefty, leading them back to the finish line at Morning Mountain. For Half Pint riders, the route is modified to exclude the initial road climb and the upper portion of the Very High climb, as well as the Powerslave and Bears Den descents, ensuring an experience focused on Blue rated descents.
$15 per rider will be donated to the Nelson Cycling Club from Stage 2
Distance: Full Pint 23.4 km, Half Pint 15.9 km
Elevation Gain: Full Pint 1,200 m, Half Pint 750 m
Timed Descent: Blue Steel, 1.7 km 260 m elevation loss
Aid/CP: Full Pint 7.3 km and 18.8 km, Half Pint: 6.0 km and 11.2 km
Map:
All routes subject to change.
*Elevation data may be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods. Our total elevation gain for the stage is a middle estimate based on readings from multiple devices.