Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

What are the distances?

50km, 75km, 100km, and 163km.

Please note: all riding distances are approximate. We have done our best to ensure that each distance is accurate but based on the routes chosen, for the 50km and 75 km, it is sometimes difficult to be exact. Rest assured if you are riding the full distance, you will ride a full 100 miles/163 km (based on our GPS) or even a bit more. We know how you hate to be short-changed!

I want to enter but do not have a road bike. Can I still participate?

Absolutely! Road bikes and triathlon (TT bikes or bikes with aerobars) are the most common bikes out there, but a pathway bike, mountain bike or an e-bike are all more than welcome. We also welcome tandem bikes with permission from the race director.

What if I want to change the distance I registered for?

No problem at all! Please email regsitration@transrockies.com before July 1 if you would like to change the distance you’re registered in. If you’re moving to a longer distance, you’ll be responsible for paying the price difference, if you’re moving to a shorter distance, there won’t be a refund for the price difference – it will just be a straight across switch. On event day if you decide to ride a shorter distance than you registered for please come to the announcer/timing tent immediately following your ride and notify them before you make your way to lunch.

I cannot race or have decided to not race, can I get a refund?

There are no refunds, roll-overs, or credits issued by Transrockies Inc. if you cancel your entry. Transfers of entry to another participant for the Gran Fondo Badlands event in 2025 may be permitted at the discretion of TransRockies Inc. for an admin fee of $25. All transfers must be completed no later than midnight on June 1, 2025.

Our full cancellation policy can be found here (scroll to the bottom of the page)

I cannot race or have decided to not race, can I transfer my entry?

Transfers of entry to another participant for the Gran Fondo Badlands event in 2025 may be permitted at the discretion of TransRockies Inc. for an admin fee of $25. Please email registration@transrockies.com for more information. All transfers must be completed no later than midnight on June 1, 2025.

What about smokey conditions?

Smoke from fires either nearby or distant may also impact the
event and conditions can be variable from location to location.
In the case that wildfire smoke is present, we willuse the Canadian
AQHI rating from the closest reliable source to measure air quality.
If the AQHI is 7 or higher at the time of the start the stage will be
cancelled. If the AQHI is less than 7 but higher than 4 the race director
may modify the stage by neutralizing or shortening it in the interest of rider safety.

PRE-RACE QUESTIONS:

When is package pick up?

  • Thursday, July 3th: 3pm - 7pm - TCR Sport Lab (1817A 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB), 

  • Friday, July 4th: 3pm – 8pm - Badlands Community Facility in Drumheller (80 Veterans Way, Drumheller, AB) (start/finish line)

  • Saturday, July 5th: 6:30am - 7:30am - Badlands Community Facility (80 Veterans Way, Drumheller, AB) 

*You (or a friend) must pick up your package at one of these times. You cannot race without picking up your package. 

Can a friend pick up my event package?

Yes, they can… as long as your online waiver has been signed! Please ensure the friend who is picking up your package has been authorized by you to pick up your package. 

What is the exact location of the event?

The start (and finish) of the event is at the Badlands Community Facility (80 Veterans Way, Drumheller, AB)- which is about 300m east of the world’s largest dinosaur.

Where can I park my car?

The Badlands Community Facility (80 Veterans Way) has limited parking. Neighbouring residential streets have ample parking. Please do not park in No Parking designated areas – we take no responsibility for parking tickets!
*We ask if you are riding your bike to the start, you please wear a helmet. 

What if my bike isn’t working event morning?

We will have on-site bike support provided by TCR Sport Lab on event day to help with any bike repair emergencies. We ask you carry at least 1 spare tube for your bike. 

What time is breakfast? 

Breakfast is available from 6:30am - 8am. We will be serving breakfast burritos. You can grab and GO! if need be, and Stoked Oats will be on-site serving their incredible oatmeal! (Vegan and Gluten Free options available.)

COURSE QUESTIONS:

Schedule - JULY 5th, 2025

  • 6:00am: Badlands Community Facility Opens

  • 6:30am - 7:30 am: TCR Sport Lab and TR Mechanics on-site for any emergency bike repairs

  • 6:30am - 7:30 am: Package pick up

  • 6:30am - 8:00am: Breakfast (PARTICIPANTS ONLY)

  • 7:30am: 163km event riders start

  • 8:00am: 100km riders start

  • 9:00am: 75km and 50km riders start

  • Course closes for all at 4:00pm

*163km event riders have 8.5 hours to complete their distance.

*100km event riders have 8 hours to complete their distance.

*75km and 50km event riders have 7 hours to complete their distance.

  • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Lunch

  • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Beer Gardens

  • 5:00 pm: Clean up 

How long do I have to complete the course?

The course closes for EVERYONE at 4:00 p.m.  

  • 163km event riders have 8.5 hours to complete their distance

  • 100km event riders have 8 hours to complete their distance

  • 75km and 50km event riders have 7 hours to complete their distance

If you have not finished by that time, please be prepared to ride in the sag wagon.

How does the ferry work?

When you get to the ferry, fully expect that there will be a line up to get on the ferry… but rest assured that the friendly ferry operator will do everything he can to get as many people over in as short a time as possible.  It is a 10-minute round trip, so just relax and enjoy the scenery.  There is a short steep grade immediately after disembarking so make sure you are in your easiest gear before you get to the other side. This is also where the first KOM/QOM starts – be prepared!

How many lanes of road will be open to cyclists for each event?

There are no designated lanes to cyclist as the roads are always open to traffic. All cyclists will ride to the far-right hand on the road – on the shoulder – alongside traffic.

What are the road surfaces like?

The road surface is pavement.

What if I am not feeling up to the distance I registered while out there? 

No trouble, simply come to the timing tent after you cross the finish line and give your name and they can make the change for you, so you are in the correct results.

Where are the aid stations located and what will be at them?

  • 50km Course: 24.5km, 44.7km

  • 75km Course: 24.5km, 44.7km, 61.1km

  • 100km Course: 24.5km, 44.7km, 61.1km, 88.6km

  • 163km Course: 24.5km, 44.7km, 61.1km, 94.1km, 127.7km, 150.5km 

​*Washrooms/Porta Potties will be available at ALL aid stations. 

AID STATION QUESTIONS:

Water Station 1: 24.6km

Location: Ferry Crossing
Distances Serviced: 50km, 75km, 100km, 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes

Aid Station 1: 33.1km

Location: Roadside pullout
Distances Serviced: 50km, 75km, 100km, 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes, Xact fruit bars, PB & J sandwiches, cookies, bananas, watermelon, chips, and Dino-sours

Aid Station 2: 61.2km

Location: Last Chance Saloon (“Bacon Station”)
Distances Serviced: 75km, 100km, 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes, Xact fruit bars and Bacon or tomato sandwiches

Aid Station 3: 80.6km

Location: East Coulee Fire Hall (100km Turnaround)
Distances Serviced: 100km, 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes, Xact fruit bars, PB & J sandwiches, cookies, bananas, watermelon, chips, and Dino-sours

Water Station 2: 111.6km

Location: Secondary Hwy 570/Range Road 16-0 (163km Turn around)
Distances Serviced: 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes

Aid Station 4: 127.6km

Location: Dorothy Community Centre
Distances Serviced: 163km
Includes: Water, Xact electrolytes, Xact fruit bars, PB & J sandwiches, cookies, bananas, watermelon, chips, and Dino-sours

RACE SUPPORT QUESTIONS:

TransRockies and TCR SportLab mechanics will be the roving bike support vehicles. They are equipped with tools, tubes, tires, bike pumps and other items to assist cyclists with minor repairs which may be required while on the course. Please note that if there are any major repairs necessary to a bike, the mechanics may not have the required tools or parts to assist you, but they will do their best to get you to the finish line. Any repairs required to your bike other than a spare tube will be charged back to you. However, we encourage everyone to carry a spare tube and tools with them.

We will also have mechanics offering free basic adjustments at the start of the event and helping to keep riders going while on course.

PLEASE NOTE: We are happy to provide spare tubes and other minor repairs during the course of your ride, however if you have any other mechanical issues, we will ask you to be prepared to cover the cost of these items. Please make arrangements with the mechanics to pay for them when you arrive at the finish line. Thank you for your cooperation.

In the event your bike cannot be repaired on course, we have sag wagons available to transport you and your bike back to the finish line.

The Badlands Search and Rescue team will also be on the course should medical assistance be required. As well, there will be limited first aid supplies at each aid station. If additional medical assistance is required, participants should notify a volunteer at the closest aid station, and they will telephone for further help. However, all participants should be carrying their own cell phone in case of emergency and should dial 9-1-1 if immediate assistance is required

SPECTATORS QUESTIONS:

Can my friends, family or coach come out on the course to cheer me on, support or pace me?

No, anyone riding on the course must be a registered participant.

Can my friends and family have lunch with me? 

Yes, but you must pre-purchase your extra lunch tickets during registration.

POST RACE QUESTIONS:

When are the beer gardens open?

The beer gardens will open after noon – please bring cash. Valley Brewing will be selling their craft cans (473ml) for $7.​

What time is lunch? 

Lunch is available from 12 - 4pm. We will be serving a hearty, delicious lunch to fill each rider up! Additional lunch tickets can be purchased during registration.
*Vegan and Gluten Free options available

How can I get cleaned up?

Showers are available at the community centre; the cost is included in your entry fee. Bring a towel!

Massage

Massage therapists from the National Spine Institute will again be giving massages at the finish line for a cost of $1/minute. Please bring cash.

Where will official results be posted?

Official results will be posted at Zone4.ca by the end of the day. There are no awards. Results will be posted by distance only and not by age group.

Will you be subtracting my ferry wait time and time from the results?

We don't subtract the ferry time, so it is included in your total ride time. You can monitor your ferry time and deduct it from the overall race results for your own knowledge and data-keeping.

Where is the lost and found?

The lost and found will be located at the finish line. After event day contact info@transrockies.com for lost and found items. All unclaimed lost items will be donated after 30 days.