Stage 5: NEW DENVER

Rosebery Trail Network

Dates:  July 15, 2024

The Location:

New Denver, BC, nestled in the heart of the majestic Slocan Valley in British Columbia, is a picturesque village that offers a tranquil yet captivating experience. Located on the eastern shores of Slocan Lake and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Valhalla and Selkirk Mountains, New Denver's stunning natural setting is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its unique location provides a perfect blend of serene lakefront views and rugged mountainous terrain, ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

The history of New Denver is rich with layers of indigenous and settler narratives. The area is traditionally the land of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples, whose historical and cultural influence remains deeply embedded in the region. The village, established in the late 19th century during the silver mining boom, has a well-preserved legacy that reflects its past. Historical sites, such as the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, dedicated to the Japanese Canadians interned during World War II, add depth to the village’s historical tapestry, illustrating a diverse and complex heritage.

Today, New Denver is a vibrant community that prides itself on its peaceful lifestyle, rich history, and natural beauty. The village's economy is largely driven by tourism, arts, and small-scale enterprises, with visitors drawn to its historical sites, cultural events, and stunning natural surroundings. Despite its small size, New Denver offers a compelling mix of amenities, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing destination for both tourists and residents.

In the mountain biking world, New Denver is a hidden gem. The village's diverse and scenic terrain offers a range of trails, from leisurely lakeside rides to challenging mountain tracks. The local biking community, though modest in size, is passionate and actively involved in trail development, fostering a growing mountain biking culture. Hosting a stage of the Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Stage Race in New Denver is a natural fit. The village’s array of trails, breathtaking scenery, and a community that embraces the mountain biking lifestyle make it an exemplary location for this esteemed event. As mountain bikers gather in New Denver, the village is ready to showcase not just its trails, but the spirit of a community that cherishes the joy and adventure of mountain biking.

The Stage:

As the riders gather at the Centennial Campground in New Denver, BC, the anticipation for Stage 4 of the Singletrack 6 Race is palpable. The race begins with a neutral start along Hwy. 6, stretching over 7 km to Rosebery. This initial section offers a chance for the riders to warm up, find their rhythm, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

The journey then takes a turn onto a forest service road, guiding the riders over 4.5 km to the base of the new Butter Me Up trail. This adaptive trail, recently completed, winds elegantly through dense woodland, offering a consistent ascent to gain a significant 630 meters in elevation. The grade is steady, allowing riders to maintain a good pace while navigating the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.

Checkpoint 1 is reached via a short connector, marking a brief respite before another climb on the road to Checkpoint 2. This point is uniquely situated where the course loops back over itself, creating an interesting dynamic for the race.

The Rolling Thunder loop, back on trail, presents an enchanting forest ride interspersed with occasional breaks for stunning lookout views. The loop circles back to the checkpoint, offering a moment of familiarity in the midst of the race's ever-changing landscape.

From this juncture, the race descends on the Spine trail, known for its fun, adaptive design. The trail then narrows as it merges into Butter, marking a shift to more challenging terrain. Approximately 1.7 kilometers in, the gradient steepens, signaling the start of the Timed Descent. This segment tests the riders’ technical skills and speed, continuing to the end of the upper section.

The excitement doesn't wane as the course leads onto the lower Butter, a hand-built singletrack that delves into a shady old-growth forest. This section offers a different kind of thrill, with its natural canopy and serpentine path.

The final stretch sees riders emerging back onto the forest service road, crossing the finish timing point. Although the clock stops here, the race isn't over until the riders safely cross the highway and take a neutral roll back into New Denver on the Galena Trail. This multiuser pathway, with its serene lake views, provides a picturesque cooldown to an exhilarating race.

For the Half Pint riders, their adventure begins in Rosebery at the bottom of the Forest Service Road, bypassing the initial sections and diving straight into the heart of Butter at the top of the Butter Me Up trail.

$15 per rider will be donated to the North Slocan Trails Society from Stage 5

Distance: Full Pint: 45.9 km, Half Pint 22 km

Elevation Gain: Full Pint 1,400 m, Half Pint 900 m

Timed Descent: Butter (upper) 2.0 km and 250 m of elevation loss

Aid/CP: Full Pint: 19.6 km, 21.8 km, 25.6 km; Half Pint: 12.9 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.