The Mount 7 Psychosis MTB Race in Golden, British Columbia, is a raw encounter with the Selkirk Mountains’ wild heartbeat. This race is not for the faint-hearted. Covering roughly 65 kilometers with an elevation gain close to 2,000 meters, you'll face continuous climbs and heart-pounding descents on terrain that demands focus and respect. The course snakes through dense cedar and spruce forests where tree roots seem to challenge your every pedal stroke, while the mountain’s steep ridges stretch out ahead like a gauntlet daring you to push forward.

The trail itself alternates between jagged rock faces, loose gravel, and narrow singletrack where every turn carries a new test of bike handling. Alongside technical muscle, you'll need steady stamina as the race unfolds at high altitude, where the air thins and the mountain’s raw energy sharpens your senses.

Expect to encounter rushing streams that seem to cheer on your efforts, their waters cold and insistent, urging you onward. Above the treeline, panoramic views open into sweeping valleys with rivers cutting through green expanses — a rugged but breathtaking reward for your trials.

Practical preparation is crucial. Hydration cannot be an afterthought; carry at least two liters, as aid stations are spaced and conditions can shift suddenly. Footwear should offer strong grip and support—consider trail shoes with reinforced soles to handle rocky sections and steep climbs.

Aim to start early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the stable mountain weather that tends to shift by afternoon. Layered clothing will help you adapt quickly—expect temperatures to dip sharply at higher elevations.

While the race format is geared toward expert riders, the trails blown open by this event are accessible for anyone with moderate mountain biking experience prepared for long climbs and fast descents. It’s a dynamic relationship with nature’s fierce and ever-changing force — not to tame but to read and respond to.

In short, the Mount 7 Psychosis MTB Race offers a challenging yet achievable test of grit, technique, and endurance grounded in some of British Columbia’s most commanding mountain landscapes. For riders looking to step up their game, this race represents a clash with something fiercely itself, a mountain unwilling to give up its secrets without effort.