Stage 3: NELSON

Smallwood Trail Network - Bear Spring Eco Resort

Dates:  July 13, 2024

The Location:

The West Kootenays, a region in British Columbia renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant communities, serves as a picturesque backdrop for the Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Stage Race. This area, characterized by its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests, offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. It's a place where the rush of rivers and the tranquility of the wilderness create a perfect harmony, making it a paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Stage 3 of the Singletrack 6 will be hosted near Beasley, BC, a location just west of Nelson that epitomizes the beauty and ruggedness of the West Kootenays. This area is a true jewel for mountain biking, featuring diverse landscapes that challenge and exhilarate riders. The trails weave through dense forests and open onto stunning vistas, offering a riding experience that is both physically demanding and visually rewarding.

Bear Spring Eco Resort and the Smallwood Trail Network, the host venue for this stage, are quintessential examples of what makes the West Kootenays a special place for mountain biking. Bear Spring Eco Resort, with its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, offers an immersive nature experience. It provides a serene and eco-friendly base for riders and spectators, blending comfort with the raw beauty of the Kootenays. The Smallwood Trail Network, renowned for its well-designed and meticulously maintained trails, offers a variety of routes that cater to mountain biking enthusiasts. The network's trails are a testament to the local mountain biking community's passion and dedication, featuring everything from smooth, flowing singletracks to challenging technical sections.

Hosting Stage 3 of the Singletrack 6 at Bear Spring Eco Resort and the Smallwood Trail Network is a perfect showcase of the West Kootenays' mountain biking prowess. The combination of top-notch trails, stunning natural scenery, and a venue that echoes the region's commitment to nature and sustainability makes this stage a highlight of the race. Participants and spectators alike will not only experience the thrill of mountain biking but also the unique spirit and beauty of the West Kootenays, making it an unforgettable part of the Singletrack 6 experience.

The Stage:

Stage 3 of the Singletrack 6 Stage Race, set against the backdrop of Nelson's stunning natural landscape, is a true testament to the spirit and challenge of mountain biking. Beginning at the Bear Spring Eco Resort, riders face an arduous 5 km climb on a forest service road, setting the tone for a day of physical demands and scenic rewards.

The ascent continues on the Smallwood singletrack trail, renowned for its steep and challenging incline. Described as a "hard, heavy stomp up the slope," the Smallwood trail is notorious for its intense 100m elevation gain over roughly 1.5 km. This challenging mountain biking trail winds through dense spruce forest, presenting a relentless test of endurance under the canopy​​. If you’re want to take in an amazing view of the valley, check out the viewpoint to the right just before the start of Bigwood.

Next, riders experience their first descent of the day on the Bigwood trail, a more forgiving path known for its moderate difficulty. This trail, characterized by its smoother turns and gentler switchbacks, offers a brief respite from the intense climbing. Bigwood navigates through a less scenic, dark pine plantation, providing a contrast to the earlier, more rugged terrain​​.

As the course progresses, riders encounter the Crowsnest Trail and confront the day's most formidable challenge: the Sweet Sally trail. Locally known as "Savage Sally," this trail is a grueling climb, gaining 367m in just 2.9 km. The ascent continues moderately on the Smallwood Creek Forest Service Road leading to the "Vallelujah" singletrack. Vallelujah, a rolling trail with numerous punchy climbs, reaches its highest point at 19 km, marking the transition to a gradual descent.

Riders then face a unique section of the course, the "Below the Gods" trail, known for its exceptional flow and loamy descent over 3 km. This segment is a standout, offering a masterclass in downhill riding. A brief road section loops riders back to the Smallwood climb for a second lap.

The timed descent of the day takes place on the Bigwood trail, bringing riders all the way back to the road. The final stretch includes a singletrack descent back to the Bear Spring Eco Resort, where cold drinks await in the event tent. The Half Pint Riders, facing a slightly different challenge, bypass the first lap on Smallwood/Bigwood, the Sweet Sally Climb, and most of Vallelujah, yet still enjoy ample singletrack descending.

Overall, Stage 3 of the Singletrack 6 offers a diverse and challenging mountain biking experience. From steep climbs through dense forests to exhilarating descents on flowing trails, riders are tested to their limits while being treated to the breathtaking beauty of the Kootenay River Valley and the Bonnington Range peaks

$15 per rider will be donated to the Nelson Cycling Club from Stage 3.

Distance: Full Pint: 31.5 km, Half Pint: 17.9 km

Elevation Gain: Full Pint: 1,400 m, Half Pint: 850 m

Timed Descent: Bigwood 2.6km and 320 meters of elevation loss

Aid/CP: Full Pint: 12.6km and 23.9 km, Half Pint: 6.1 km and 10.4 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.