(Photos © Dan Hudson/TransRockies)

The 2008 TransRockies was a full-spectrum epic which tested over 500 riders from 30 countries with a spectacular new route along the western slope of the Continental Divide.

Unique among the epic multi-day events, the TransRockies takes participants deep into remote wilderness areas, cut off from urban amenities and even mobile phone coverage. With a four-day segment in the middle of the event with riders at least 30 miles away from even the nearest hamlet, the TransRockies gives the participants a genuine Rocky Mountain experience where they're more likely to see a bear than a coffee shop.

When the last of the teams had crossed the line and the finisher medals and t-shirts had been given out, the TransRockies marked another first by opening up registration the day after, with 2008 riders getting the first chance at reserving places for 2009. Entry was available to everybody a day later. The latest word from the organisers is that entries are flying in, so if you really want to ride this event next year, we advise get a hurry on.

And to ensure the 2009 event can be made even better than the 2008 edition, the organisers have been running an extensive survey on all the riders who took part, covering all aspects of the event. And the survey results are good, with an overall satisfaction rating of over 94 percent while 92 percent said that the event met and exceeded their expectations.

Event Director Aaron McConnell says: "These are the highest satisfaction ratings that we have ever had, and they're a tribute to the hard work put in year-round by our staff and volunteers. We've set the bar really high for 2009, but we're confident that we'll be able to offer our participants an even better ride next year."

The 2009 TransRockies Challenge is scheduled to take place on 9-15 August, and registration is open at www.transrockies.com.