Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
What are the distances options?
Saturday, July 3rd - 163km and 100km
*please note the 75km and 50km distances are not offered so you must complete a minimum of 100km if your event is on Saturday
Sunday, July 4th - 75km and 50km
Please note: all riding distances are approximate. We have done our best to ensure that each distance is accurate based on the routes, it is sometimes difficult to be exact. Rest assured if you are riding the same distance as everyone in your category.
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.
Are there age requirements for the ride?
Youth must be a minimum of 10 years of age; however, all youth participants must be able to complete their chosen distance independently (no towing or assistance permitted).We strongly recommend that any riders under the age of 16 participate alongside a registered adult, who must also have their own entry. Please note that we do not offer youth-specific entry fees.
Can I bring my child in a chariot or on my bike?
For the safety of all participants, Gran Fondo Badlands does not permit children who are not single-registered riders on course in any capacity. This includes being pulled, towed, carried, or otherwise transported on a bike or trailer, regardless of the event distance. Gran Fondo Badlands is truly designed as an adult-only event. Our safety planning, aid stations, medical support, logistics and the overall event experience are all structured around adult participants. In addition, the event operates within strict permits and operational limits, including ferry capacity and road management, which require us to maintain controlled rider numbers and flow. Introducing children into this environment adds complexity that can impact both safety and the experience of all participants.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
I cannot race or have decided to not race, can I get a refund?
There are no refunds under any circumstances - please do not email us requesting a refund. Our full cancellation policy can be found here.
I bought the optional cancellation insurance, how do I make a claim?
You can find detailed information on how to make a claim here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/registration-protection
How do I defer my registration?
If you fall within the allowed deferral window as indicated by the cancellation policy, you can complete the deferral yourself online by following the instructions found here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/defer-registration
I cannot race or have decided to not race, can I transfer my entry?
Yep! How this will work is that the new rider (who you need to find on your own) will pay you privately (via Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, e-transfer, etc) for the amount that you have paid (or whatever you agree to). Please note that the new rider will also be charged a $25 fee during the transfer process. All transfers must be completed online by June 21st. You can complete the transfer online yourself by following the instructions found here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/transfer-registration
Can I change the distance I’m registered for?
Yep! If you want to drop down to a shorter distance, please email felix.lee@transrockies.com no later than June 21st. If want to upgrade to a longer distance, you MUST make this change online yourself by following the instructions in the article here (please note that you’ll be responsible for paying any price difference & that no credits or refunds are offered for people that move to a shorter distance): https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/change-your-sub-event
IF A WAVE OR DISTANCE IS SOLD OUT, YOU CANNOT MOVE INTO IT - not even by emailing us. If it is sold out, there are no spots available in it.
Can I change which start wave I’m registered for?
As long as it has space in it. You MUST make this change online yourself no later than June 21 by following the instructions in the article here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/change-your-sub-event
*please note that you’ll be responsible for paying any price difference if you registered during a cheaper price tier
IF A WAVE OR DISTANCE IS SOLD OUT, YOU CANNOT MOVE INTO IT - not even by emailing us. If it is sold out, there are no spots available in it.
Will there be a waitlist for the distances or start waves that are sold out? YES. On the registration system, you’ll see the option to “Join Waitlist” if a distance or start wave option is sold out. There will continue to be lots of movement in the event as people will change their distance, cancel, or defer. When a spot opens & you’re up next, you’ll get an email with a link to register. You’ll only have 48 hours to sign up before the system gives the spot to the next person in line.
If I’m already signed up for the event, can I still join the waitlist for a distance or start wave that is sold out?
YES. You’ll join the waitlist the same way as mentioned in the question above. While you wait for a spot to open, you’ll need to "add your event" to your Movemint account. You can do this by following the instructions here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/athlete-profile/how-to-add-an-event-to-your-athlete-profile
Once you have your current event distance added to your account, and a spot opens up, you’ll get an email with a link to make the change. You’ll only have 48 hours to sign up for the new distance before the system gives the spot to the next person in line.
Once you select the Transfer option in the email link, it will only charge you the price difference for making the change.
Where can I buy extra lunch tickets and/or merch?
You can buy those items directly from the online store here. You must purchase by the specific deadlines outlined on each product.
If I cancel, defer, transfer, or don’t show up for the event, can you mail me my t-shirt, medal, & any swag items associated with the entry?
NO. Due to logistical reasons, as well as shipping costs, and admin costs, we will not ship out items for registrations that have been cancelled, deferred, transferred, or if you don’t show up to the event
PRE-EVENT QUESTIONS:
What options do you have for package pick up?
We have several options for you depending on what day you ride.
Wednesday June 30th 1:00pm - 7:00pm
ALL DISTANCES
#3 - 135 Commercial Drive, Calgary
Friday, July 2nd: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
ALL DISTANCES
80 Veterans Way, Drumheller
Parking Lot of the Badlands Community Facility, Drumheller (look for the registration tent)
Saturday, July 3rd: 6:00am - 8:30am
163km and 100km distances ONLY
80 Veterans Way, Drumheller
Parking Lot of the Badlands Community Facility, Drumheller (look for the registration tent)
Saturday, July 3rd: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
75km and 50km distances ONLY
80 Veterans Way, Drumheller
Parking Lot of the Badlands Community Facility, Drumheller (look for the registration tent)
Saturday, July 3rd: 6:00am - 8:30am
75km and 50km distances ONLY
80 Veterans Way, Drumheller
Parking Lot of the Badlands Community Facility, Drumheller (look for the registration tent)
Can a friend pick up my event package?
Yes. You don’t need to tell us ahead of time, but please make sure that everyone involved knows who is picking up. We will not reissue bibs or timing chips due to miscommunication between who is picking up.
My t-shirt doesn’t fit, can I exchange it?
Yes! We just ask that you wait until after you cross the finish line. Come to the Race Office tents to see what we have available.
If I cancel, defer, transfer, or don’t show up for the event, can you mail me my t-shirt, medal, & any swag items associated with the entry?
NO. Due to logistical reasons, as well as shipping costs, and admin costs, we will not ship out items for registrations that have been cancelled, deferred, transferred, or if you don’t show up to the event
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.
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 6:00am - 8:00am. We will be serving breakfast burritos, fresh fruit and oatmeal. You can grab and go if need be. Vegan and Gluten Free options available.
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
COURSE QUESTIONS:
How long do I have to complete the course?
163km event riders have 9 hours to complete their distance.
100km event riders have between 7 - 8 hours to complete their distance depending on their start time.
75km event riders have between 5 - 6 hours to complete their distance depending on their start time.
50km event riders have 4.5 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 for the 75km and 50km riders?
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 5-minute ride across the river, 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.
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 alongside traffic.
What are the road surfaces like?
The road surface is 99.9% pavement.
What if I am not feeling up to the distance I registered while out there?
163km riders may drop to the 100km distance on Saturday. Riders not completing a minimum of 100km on Saturday will not receive an official result.
75km riders may drop to the 50km distance on Sunday.
If you do change distances mid-ride, please come to the timing tent immediately 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.
AID STATION QUESTIONS:
*Washrooms/Porto Potties will be available at ALL aid station
Please refer to your specific distance page for aid station information.
Can we have a support cre or feed station on course or at the aid stations? No. Outside support crew or feed stations are not allowed anywhere on course due to limited access & space on course. We have fully stocked aid stations as mentioned above so you’ll be well taken care of! We also encourage riders to carry whatever products they like with themselves during the ride.
RACE SUPPORT QUESTIONS:
TransRockies and TCR SportLab mechanics will be at package pick-up on Friday night (in Drumheller) to assist with any minor repairs. They will also be on route the day of the event as 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 require
POST RACE QUESTIONS:
When are the beer gardens open?
The beer gardens will open Saturday from 12pm - 4pm and Sunday from 10am - 1:30pm.
What time is lunch?
Lunch is available from 12 - 4pm on Saturday and 10am - 1:30pm on Sunday. Additional lunch tickets for family and friends can be purchased here. The deadline to purchase these tickets is June 18th, 2027. Extra lunch tickets will NOT be available for purchase on site.
*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.
