Stage 4: Kaslo
Mount Buchanan
Dates: July 14, 2024
The Location:
Kaslo, BC, a hidden gem in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, offers an idyllic setting that perfectly encapsulates the serene beauty of the area. Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake and set against the stunning backdrop of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, Kaslo combines breathtaking natural scenery with a tranquil, lakeside atmosphere. This small yet vibrant village is a paradise for those seeking both relaxation and adventure, with its diverse range of landscapes offering everything from peaceful lake views to rugged mountain adventures.
The history of Kaslo is deeply rooted in the indigenous heritage of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples, whose presence has left an indelible mark on the region. The village itself, established during the silver rush of the late 19th century, is a living testament to the area's mining past. The beautifully preserved buildings and the iconic SS Moyie, the world's oldest intact sternwheeler, speak volumes about Kaslo's rich historical legacy. This fusion of indigenous history and European settlement has shaped Kaslo into a community with a unique and diverse cultural identity.
In present-day Kaslo, the village thrives as a quaint yet dynamic community. It's renowned for its arts and culture scene, embodied in events like the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival, and for its commitment to preserving its historical charm. While small in size, Kaslo's economy is robust and diverse, with tourism playing a significant role. The village's natural beauty, combined with its historical and cultural attractions, makes it an enchanting destination for visitors and a cherished home for its residents.
When it comes to mountain biking, Kaslo is an emerging star. The village's mountainous terrain and vast network of trails offer a paradise for cyclists, catering to a wide range of skills and preferences. The local biking community, though small, is enthusiastic and dedicated, contributing significantly to trail development and maintenance. Kaslo hosting a stage of the Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Stage Race is a testament to its growing reputation in the mountain biking world. The village's combination of challenging trails, stunning landscapes, and a close-knit community that embodies a genuine passion for the sport makes it an ideal location for this prestigious event. As mountain bikers converge on Kaslo, the village is set to shine, showcasing not just its trails, but the spirit of a community that embraces the thrill and camaraderie of mountain biking.
The Stage:
The fourth stage of the Singletrack 6 in Kaslo, BC, presents an exhilarating yet demanding challenge for mountain bikers. The course starts from downtown Kaslo, leading riders north on Hwy. 31's pavement before veering onto the East access trail's singletrack climb. This phase offers almost 2km of good rideable climbing, followed by a stint on Branch 7 Forest Service Road, then transitioning onto the Bigfoot Trail.
The most formidable part of the stage is the West Access Trail on Mount Buchanan's south face, featuring steep switchbacks that test riders' physical, technical, and mental endurance. After conquering this, cyclists climb the machine-built Friendly Giant trail to the 7 Mile Forest Service Road, leading to a descent on the same trail. This section promises an enjoyable flow trail experience.
Returning to the road, participants descend on a new, unnamed trail to the old Wagon Road, followed by a short drop on the Mr. Skinny trail, which guides them to Hwy. 31A. The final stretch includes pavement descending to a covered bridge over the Kaslo River and a relaxing ride along the Kaslo River trail to Unity Bridge, finishing with a tour past the historic SS Moyie.
This stage, known as the "Queen Stage" for its significant elevation gain and early singletrack challenges, varies for Half pint riders who take a more direct route, missing the most technical sections but still enjoying the Friendly Giant trail.
Riders will appreciate the rugged, flowy singletrack and the scenic, loamy trails deep in BC's woods, providing a mix of flow, technicality, and rhythm. The stage highlights the recent efforts of the Kaslo Mountain Bike Club to develop the local network into a world class mountain biking destination.
$15 per rider will be donated to the Kaslo Mountain Bike Club from Stage 4
Distance: Full Pint 37.4 km, Half Pint 29.6 km
Elevation Gain: Full Pint 1,500 m, Half Pint 1,000 m
Timed Descent: Friendly Giant 2.9 km and 220m of elevation loss
Aid/CP: Full Pint 6km and 19.4km, Half Pint 13.3 km and 19.1 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.