The Grey Ghost Pursuit is returning for its second year on Sept. 27–28, offering gravel riders two days of exploring the rugged backroads linking Christina Lake, Castlegar, and Rossland, B.C. Riders can choose between two fully-supported routes: the “Dig Deep” course—140 kilometers each day with nearly 3,000 meters of climbing Saturday and another 2,110 meters Sunday—or the “Just Right” course, at 65 kilometers with 2,450 meters of climbing Saturday and 1,380 meters Sunday. Both routes are 100% gravel, from rugged forest service roads to double-track trails.
The long “Dig Deep” course begins in Castlegar with a steady climb to Farron Summit, followed by a descent into Christina Lake and a big push north toward Rossland. The shorter “Just Right” course starts in Christina Lake with a 23-kilometer, 1,200-meter climb before merging onto the final steep switchbacks up to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead, then dropping into Rossland for Saturday’s finish-line celebration of food, drinks and live music.
Photos courtesy of the Grey Ghost Pursuit
The weekend is fully supported with mid-point aid stations, first-aid crews, and volunteers along the routes. Riders can travel light, with overnight bags transported by event staff from Saturday’s start to Rossland. A pre-ride breakfast on Sunday fuels riders for another day in the saddle, with gear shuttled back to their starting point in Christina Lake or Castlegar. One-day riders may also check a bag to the finish, but must arrange their own transportation between start and finish points. All bike types are welcome—gravel, mountain, fat, and e-bikes—with results categorized by bike to keep things fair. Given the steep grades, long climbs, and technical descents, organizers recommend tires at least 40 millimeters wide.
The Grey Ghost Pursuit launched in 2024, founded by Rossland resident Steph Wolf after a life-changing accident. As a lawyer, she had long dreamed of organizing a bike race, but lacked the time and energy to make it happen. During recovery, she craved the connection and adventure that gravel events offer, and after moving from Squamish to Rossland—where quiet gravel roads outnumber organized bike events—she launched the inaugural Grey Ghost Pursuit as a way to build community even while sidelined. “As I’m getting older, I’m thinking less like a lone wolf. I understand I can’t do everything on my own. I’m learning how important it is to have a wolf pack,” says Steph. In that spirit, most volunteers come from her own neighborhood. “Our neighborhood has become my wolf pack.”
The event reflects that inclusivity and community vibe from start to finish. Riders can go all-in and race on Saturday, or opt for a social ride on Sunday without the competitive pressure. For Steph, the point is simple: have fun with a group of like-minded people from across the Pacific Northwest. Unlike road cycling, gravel riding avoids busy traffic and appeals to many older mountain bikers, like Steph, who want to trade crashes and injuries for long, lower-risk adventurous rides.
Saturday night’s post-ride celebration includes live music, a barbecue and plenty of prizes. This year’s aid stations will also add a festive flair with sparkles, funky music, and local treats. “We want people to feel supported—that could mean fueling your personal best, or even taking your shoes off if you need it!” Steph says. Adding to the significance of the ride, the event honors the “Grey Ghosts,” the now functionally extinct mountain caribou herd that once roamed the Monashee Mountains, and supports regional conservation. Five percent of event profits will go to the Save Record Ridge Society, which is working to stop a proposed open-pit magnesium mine near Rossland and the famed Seven Summits Trail. By taking on the climbs, loose descents, and rugged beauty of the Kootenays, riders help protect the trails, wildlife, and mountain landscapes that make this event and place so special. Register at Greyghostpursuit.com.
The post 2025 Grey Ghost Pursuit Gravel Ride Sept. 27-28 in Rossland, bC appeared first on Out There Outdoors.
The long “Dig Deep” course begins in Castlegar with a steady climb to Farron Summit, followed by a descent into Christina Lake and a big push north toward Rossland. The shorter “Just Right” course starts in Christina Lake with a 23-kilometer, 1,200-meter climb before merging onto the final steep switchbacks up to the Seven Summits Trail trailhead, then dropping into Rossland for Saturday’s finish-line celebration of food, drinks and live music.
Photos courtesy of the Grey Ghost Pursuit
The weekend is fully supported with mid-point aid stations, first-aid crews, and volunteers along the routes. Riders can travel light, with overnight bags transported by event staff from Saturday’s start to Rossland. A pre-ride breakfast on Sunday fuels riders for another day in the saddle, with gear shuttled back to their starting point in Christina Lake or Castlegar. One-day riders may also check a bag to the finish, but must arrange their own transportation between start and finish points. All bike types are welcome—gravel, mountain, fat, and e-bikes—with results categorized by bike to keep things fair. Given the steep grades, long climbs, and technical descents, organizers recommend tires at least 40 millimeters wide.
The Grey Ghost Pursuit launched in 2024, founded by Rossland resident Steph Wolf after a life-changing accident. As a lawyer, she had long dreamed of organizing a bike race, but lacked the time and energy to make it happen. During recovery, she craved the connection and adventure that gravel events offer, and after moving from Squamish to Rossland—where quiet gravel roads outnumber organized bike events—she launched the inaugural Grey Ghost Pursuit as a way to build community even while sidelined. “As I’m getting older, I’m thinking less like a lone wolf. I understand I can’t do everything on my own. I’m learning how important it is to have a wolf pack,” says Steph. In that spirit, most volunteers come from her own neighborhood. “Our neighborhood has become my wolf pack.”
The event reflects that inclusivity and community vibe from start to finish. Riders can go all-in and race on Saturday, or opt for a social ride on Sunday without the competitive pressure. For Steph, the point is simple: have fun with a group of like-minded people from across the Pacific Northwest. Unlike road cycling, gravel riding avoids busy traffic and appeals to many older mountain bikers, like Steph, who want to trade crashes and injuries for long, lower-risk adventurous rides.
Saturday night’s post-ride celebration includes live music, a barbecue and plenty of prizes. This year’s aid stations will also add a festive flair with sparkles, funky music, and local treats. “We want people to feel supported—that could mean fueling your personal best, or even taking your shoes off if you need it!” Steph says. Adding to the significance of the ride, the event honors the “Grey Ghosts,” the now functionally extinct mountain caribou herd that once roamed the Monashee Mountains, and supports regional conservation. Five percent of event profits will go to the Save Record Ridge Society, which is working to stop a proposed open-pit magnesium mine near Rossland and the famed Seven Summits Trail. By taking on the climbs, loose descents, and rugged beauty of the Kootenays, riders help protect the trails, wildlife, and mountain landscapes that make this event and place so special. Register at Greyghostpursuit.com.
The post 2025 Grey Ghost Pursuit Gravel Ride Sept. 27-28 in Rossland, bC appeared first on Out There Outdoors.