One- or Two-Day
Challenge
Welcome to Rossland & the West Kootenays
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 new route options for 2025.
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ALL BIKES ARE WELCOME (including e-bikes)!
WHEN: September 27-28, 2025
​WHERE: Rossland, BC, Canada​
Day One: Sat., Sept. 27
DIG DEEP (DAY 1) Distance: 140 km (89 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,940 m (9,630 ft.)
A challenging, and sometimes gruelling, 2,940 m across 140 km of ALL GRAVEL forest service road (FSR) and 2-track gravel trail. The ride starts in Castlegar. Warm up your legs across a scenic journey along the former Canadian Pacific Railway line. The ride ascends 785 m to Farron Summit before descending into Christina Lake. This stretch, part of the Trans Canada Trail, rewards with stunning views, trestle bridges, and the 912 m Bulldog Tunnel.
From there, join the Just Right riders to climb 23 km and 1,200 m out of Christina Lake along an ALL GRAVEL road. The climb is long and unrelenting; a true test of your bike season fitness and mental fortitude. Then, get ready for 16 km and 740 m of technical and fun descending before the final push. The descent is steep and loose in sections, so stay sharp! The 11 km, 730 m switchback ascent takes you to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead to descend 12 km and 400 m to Rossland for the post-ride celebration. The ALL GRAVEL surface includes rough sections and switchbacks to challenge you.
JUST RIGHT (DAY 1) Distance: 65 km (40 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,450 m (8,020 ft.)
A challenging, and sometimes gruelling, 2,450 m across 65 km of ALL GRAVEL forest service road (FSR). The ride starts with a true test of your bike season fitness and mental fortitude—a long and unrelenting 23 km and 1,200 m climb out of Christina Lake along the ALL GRAVEL Rossland Cascade Road. Then, get ready for 16 km and 740 m of technical and fun descending before the final push. A 11 km, 730 m switchback ascent takes you to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead to descend 12 km and 400 m to Rossland for the post-ride celebration. The ALL GRAVEL surface includes rough sections and switchbacks to challenge you.
Day Two: Sun., Sept. 28
DIG DEEP (DAY 2) Distance: 140 km (89 miles) Elevation Gain: 2,110 m (6,930 ft.)
A challenging, and sometimes gruelling, 2,110 m across 140 km of ALL GRAVEL forest service road (FSR) and 2-track gravel trail. The ride starts in Rossland with a gentle 12 km and 400 m climb up to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead to warm up your legs. From there, descend 11 km and 730 m of switchbacks to a demanding 16 km climb—gaining 740 m—followed by a thrilling 23 km, 1,200 m descent into Christina Lake along a remote ALL GRAVEL road. The ascent is steep and loose in sections, so stay sharp.
Refuel in Christina Lake before beginning the long, steady climb to Farron Summit—a steady 770 m ascent and 900 m descent across 78 km along the historic Columbia and Western Rail Trail. This stretch, part of the Trans Canada Trail, rewards with stunning views, trestle bridges, and the 912 m Bulldog Tunnel.
The ALL GRAVEL surface includes rough sections, soft patches, and sustained grades—a true test of endurance, skill, and grit.
JUST RIGHT (DAY 2) Distance: 65 km (40 miles) Elevation Gain: 1,380 m (4,530 ft.)
A casual, and sometimes challenging, 1,380 m across 65 km of ALL GRAVEL forest service road (FSR). The ride kicks off in Rossland with a gentle 12 km, 400 m climb up to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead to warm up the legs, followed by an 11 km switchback descent that drops 730 m—technical and loose in places, this switchback descent demands focus and finesse.
Next comes the true test: a leg-burning 16 km climb, gaining 740 m, rewarded with a fast and playful 23 km descent that drops 1,200 m into Christina Lake . The ALL GRAVEL surface is full of character—rough sections, fast corners, and enough challenge to keep you on your toes all the way to the finish line.
Celebrate your grit and fitness at the end of this epic ride into Christina Lake.
Get to Know Us
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.
Have Fun with Us
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!