100% Dirt
No singletrack, no surprises—just pure, rideable fun. Both the “Dig Deep” long course and the “Just Right” short course take place entirely on Forest Service Roads (FSR) and double track. Designed by a die-hard drop bar bike enthusiast, this course is built for gravel grinders but delivers a great time on a mountain bike too. Pick your bike, pick your pace, and enjoy every mile!
Welcome to Rossland & the West Kootenays
WHEN: September 26-27, 2026
WHERE: Rossland, BC
The Grey Ghost Pursuit is the West Kootenay's inaugural gravel race on some of the area's finest dirt. Registrants have the option of participating in a one- or two-day adventure cycling with two route options for 2026. It's all about options, including which bike you ride!
Two Courses
Pick your distance and ride your ride:
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Go all in with the Dig Deep (140 km / 89 miles); or
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Keep it cruisey with the Just Right (65 km / 40 miles) course option.
Whether you’re testing your end-of-season fitness or just soaking up the scenery, there’s a route that fits your vibe.
DIG DEEP: 140 KM (89 MILES)
JUST RIGHT: 65 KM (40 MILES)
Race, Ride, or both
Line up Saturday for the race, cruise Sunday on the social ride, or go all in and ride both days!
Whether you’re chasing a podium or good times with friends, the Grey Ghost Pursuit gives you the flexibility to choose your perfect weekend on two wheels.
SATURDAY: Timed Race
SUNDAY: Social Ride
All Bikes Welcomed!
Ride what you love and join the pursuit!
Gravel bikes, hardtails, full suspension, fat bikes—even e-bikes—are all fair game.
This is your adventure, your pace, and your choice.
Why Rossland?
Rossland isn’t just beautiful in the fall—it’s packed with things to do. Ride or hike the legendary Seven Summits Trail, one of BC’s most iconic alpine routes, or check out the brand-new lift-accessed bike park at Red Mountain Resort, built in partnership with the world-class trail builders at Gravity Logic. Whether you’re here for the Grey Ghost Pursuit or making a full week of it, Rossland serves up nonstop adventure in every direction.
Day One: Sat., Sept. 26
DIG DEEP (DAY 1) Distance: 140 km (89 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,940 m (9,630 ft.)
All Gravel. All Grit. All Glory. Tackle 140 km and 2,940 m of pure gravel from Castlegar to Rossland. Climb the historic rail-grade to Farron Summit, power through a relentless 1,200 m ascent from Christina Lake, and descend steep, technical trails before the final 730 m switchback grind to the Seven Summits. Stunning views, tunnels, trestles—and a celebration waiting at the end. Are you ready?
JUST RIGHT (DAY 1) Distance: 65 km (40 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,450 m (8,020 ft.)
All Gravel. All Grit. No Shortcuts. Crush 65 km and 2,450 m of leg-burning climbs and thrilling descents on rugged forest service roads. Start with a punishing 23 km, 1,200 m climb out of Christina Lake, tackle a fast and technical 16 km descent, then grind through 730 m of switchbacks before dropping into Rossland via the Seven Summits. Tough terrain, epic views, and a finish worth celebrating.
Day Two: Sun., Sept. 27
DIG DEEP (DAY 2) Distance: 140 km (89 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,110 m (6,930 ft.)
140 km. 2,110 m. All Gravel. All In. Start in Rossland and climb to the Seven Summits trailhead before a steep switchback descent and a demanding 16 km climb. Then drop 1,200 m over 23 km of rugged terrain into Christina Lake. Refuel, then grind out a 78 km journey to Farron Summit on the historic Columbia and Western Rail Trail—complete with epic views, trestle bridges, and the 912 m Bulldog Tunnel. Rough, remote, and relentlessly rewarding.
JUST RIGHT (DAY 2) Distance: 65 km (40 miles) Elevation Gain: 1,380 m (4,530 ft.)
65 km. 1,380 m. All Gravel. Full Send. Roll out from Rossland with a steady climb to the Seven Summits, then dive into a steep, technical descent. Dig deep on a 16 km, 740 m climb, then let loose on a fast, 23 km gravel drop into Christina Lake. Rough, rewarding, and wildly scenic—finish strong and celebrate the ride.
what is a grey ghost?
The last caribou in the south Selkirk Mountains 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. 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.
Learn more about the herd by viewing local Bryce Comer's video: The Last Mountain Caribou.
