Start Time: 4:30am August 10 2024

Location: Memorial Park Lane in front of the Cemetary

Route Description: The route starts off with a mix of gravel and road through town until we hit Fyfe FSR and head out into the first real climb of the route which is followed by a nice long descent into West Lake. After looping around the bottom of West Lake we have some road to Baldy Hughes and our first easy water access on the Blackwater River at 90km. Then we have rolling hills and a long descent into Quesnel at 160km where lunch can be had and supplies can be restocked. Following Quesnel there is a bit of highway before we head towards the Cottonwood River at 190km. There is a bit of a bushwhack to get down to the Cottonwood. It’s recommended you refill water as the next bit to Hixon is a long slightly uphill drag with no shade which will leech your energy on a hot day. Hixon is the last refuel at 223km and is followed by a long climb back into the mountains on the East side of the highway. If you need water at 260km there then take a short detour down Stoner FSR and filter water at the lake or continue on to Buckhorn at 280km. After Buckhorn the route moves to some road before heading back into town.

Support: This is a self-supported ride. Feel free to start earlier if you feel you need the time or later if you feel you don’t need the time. If you’d rather do it in 2 days and bikepack or grab a room in Quesnel, feel free. There are many water sources available on this route if you bring a water filter. You are also responsible for your own mechanical needs and any pickup or communication that is needed on the route.

Note: The group will roll out together to start but may not stick together for the whole ride. Be ready to ride solo or bring a friend and stick together. Emergency communication is recommended. Lights are recommended for the early starters as it will be dark for a few hours at least.

See a previous ride of this stage that follows a slightly different route: