One- or Two-Day
Gravel Bike Challenge
The Grey Ghost Pursuit presents the West Kootenay's first gravel race on some of the area's finest dirt. Registrants have the option of participating in a one- or two-day adventure cycling between Christina Lake and Rossland.
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WHEN: September 28-29, 2024
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WHERE: Christina Lake <-> Rossland, BC, Canada
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EARLY PRICING ends July 15, 2024!
Welcome to Rossland & the West Kootenays
Rossland is a four-season outdoor adventure town located at 1,025 m high in the
Monashee Mountains in the West Kootenays.
THE
GREY GHOST
PURSUIT
As an outdoors pursuit organization, The Grey Ghost Pursuit is cognizant of its responsibility in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation efforts, implementing sustainable land practices, and supporting organizations that work towards maintaining wildlife habitat and protecting endangered species in the Kootenay region.
The last caribou in the south Selkirk Mountains have been disappearing for the last several years and are now functionally extinct. Known as 'Grey Ghosts' because they were only rarely glimpsed, the southern mountain herd differed from other types of caribou found on the arctic tundra. These animals were also called deep snow caribou for their unique feeding behaviour. As snow built up in the winter, the herd headed higher into the mountains where they stood on the snow to reach and feed on lichen that grew on the branches of old-growth trees.
​In 2009, the Grey Ghost herd had about 50 animals and was declining. Wildlife officials in Canada attempted to protect them by killing wolves, which occasionally preyed on the few remaining caribou. But, according to some experts, the cause of the extirpation of this herd and the decline of other caribou in Canada is extensive industrial development. Permitted logging road building, unsustainable recreation, oil and gas development, and mining in caribou habitat has predictably led to the functional loss of this herd in southern British Columbia. ​
THE LAST GREY GHOSTS
Your Registration Accelerates Land and Wildlife Conservation Efforts​
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The Grey Ghost Pursuit is committed to preserving the natural environment and wildlife that surrounds us. We are heartbroken to see the devastating impact that extensive industrial development has had on the Grey Ghost herd of caribous in the Selkirk Mountains. To aid efforts to protect priority habitat and endangered species and to prevent their disappearance, The Grey Ghost Pursuit will donate 5% of any profits to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). With your registration, you are accelerating conservation efforts and helping find solutions to rapid biodiversity decline and climate change.
We Love
Our Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of making sure that race day runs smoothly and that all athletes and spectators have a great time. We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team and help out with a variety of tasks. Whether it be helping with set up and tear down, providing support at aid stations, or cheering on the racers, your contribution is appreciated! All volunteers will be provided with food, beverages, access to the post-race event and pre-ride breakfast, a t-shirt, a volunteer only celebration, and other awesome perks (including random draw prizes). Sign up today and help us make this event a success!