The 2016 edition of Porky Blue was at capacity on July 30, with full shuttles driving riders 1,000 metres up Coal Creek Road to the start of the trail. Riders came from throughout B.C. and Alberta to participate in the 30 kilometre challenge ride and although a lower section of the route on Coal Discovery Trail was temporarily inaccessible due to logging, all riders found their way down with a smile on their face.
After the challenge, riders were encouraged to stay for the post ride events at The Fernie Hotel. Draw prizes, refreshments and a catered barbeque dinner were all on offer after the event as trail warriors swapped stories of the days epic descent.
This year is also the 25th anniversary for the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FTSTC) who host the non-profit event Porky Blue. They have been active in Fernie since 1991 in a variety of ways including trail building and maintenance. On July 30, the Fernie Hotel and Pub donated $5,000 to the FTSTC to go toward Fernie’s trail network.