Stage 6: Nakusp
Mount Abriel Trail Network
Dates: July 16, 2024
The Location:
Nakusp, BC, situated in the serene Arrow Lakes region of British Columbia, is a charming village that offers a picturesque and tranquil escape. Perched on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake and encircled by the majestic Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, Nakusp's stunning natural landscape is a haven for those seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure. The village's setting, featuring lush forests, soothing hot springs, and crystal-clear waters, provides a perfect mix of peaceful lakefront ambiance and invigorating mountain terrain.
The history of Nakusp is a tapestry rich with indigenous and settler stories. The land is traditionally home to the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples, whose historical influence is deeply interwoven with the region's character. Founded during the late 19th century, Nakusp grew as a center for mining, forestry, and agriculture, with the village's development closely tied to these industries. Today, Nakusp's historical essence is preserved in its architecture and cultural sites, offering a glimpse into the village's diverse and storied past.
In contemporary times, Nakusp thrives as a vibrant and welcoming community. The village's economy is bolstered by tourism, small businesses, and a growing arts scene. Key attractions, including the world-famous hot springs and the picturesque waterfront walkway, draw visitors from far and wide. Despite its modest size, Nakusp offers a blend of amenities and recreational activities, fostering a quality of life that is both relaxed and enriching for residents and visitors alike.
Nakusp's burgeoning mountain biking scene is a natural extension of its diverse landscape. The village and its surroundings boast a variety of trails, catering to all levels of mountain bikers, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. The local biking community is enthusiastic and committed, playing a key role in trail development and maintenance. Hosting the final stage of the Singletrack 6 Mountain Bike Stage Race and the final celebration BBQ in Nakusp is a significant honor. The village's challenging trails, breathtaking natural beauty, and a community that genuinely embraces the mountain biking culture make it a fitting location for concluding this prestigious event. As riders and spectators gather in Nakusp for the grand finale, the village is poised to demonstrate not just its excellent trails but also the warm, community spirit that makes it a special place in the mountain biking world.
The Stage:
As the final stage of the 2024 Singletrack 6 Stage Race at Nakusp, BC, Stage 6 is set to be a thrilling conclusion on the Mount Abriel Trail Network. The stage commences with a demanding ascent up Turner Road FSR, stretching over a kilometer, strategically designed to disperse the riders. This initial climb leads into the first descent on the Acme trail, known for its well-crafted, flowy design, offering a delightful ride experience. Acme is a short blue singletrack, popular for its fun and fast nature, featuring tight corners and several sneaky trail doubles.
As riders catch a glimpse of the Start finish area, they embark on the day's major climb via the Turn 'Er Up series of trails. This segment demands endurance and skill as it ascends to the peak of the trail network, setting the stage for an exhilarating descent.
The Ride On series of trails marks the main descent of the day. These downhill paths are renowned for their engaging features, including unique rock slabs and an array of jumps and berms, crafted to deliver an unforgettable riding experience. The final section of this descent, spanning a couple of kilometers, hosts the Timed Descent challenge, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race.
As participants complete the timed descent, the finish line is both audible and visible, signaling the near conclusion of the stage. However, the adventure isn't over yet. A final 3.5 km victory lap awaits, featuring an additional 150 meters of climbing. This segment involves ascending the lower Turn 'Er Up and descending via Dusty Panther, a popular lower blue singletrack trail. Dusty Panther is characterized as a flowy and enjoyable trail, perfect for a celebratory ride to the final finish line of the Singletrack 6 event.
For Half Pint riders, the same course is available, albeit with a shorter version that skips the upper reaches of the Turn 'Er Up climb and the Ride On descent. It's important to note that parking for this stage is conveniently located across the highway from the trail network at the Mount Abriel Rec. Site.
This stage promises to be a blend of challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and scenic beauty, encapsulating the spirit of the Singletrack 6 event and offering an unforgettable experience for all participating riders.
$15 per rider will be donated to Nakusp and Area Bike Society from Stage 6.
Distance: Full Pint 27.9 km, Half Pint 18.4 km
Elevation Gain: Full Pint 1,400m, Half Pint 850 m
Timed Descent: Ride On 2.3 km and 300 m of elevation loss
Aid/CP: Full Pint: 9.2 km and 14.8 km, Half Pint: 9.2 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.