About AGES
Anything Goes Event Series is an umbrella organization which stemmed from the Fernie Gravel Grind (FGG), a weekend gravel cycling festival founded in 2019 by Carter Nieuwesteeg.
For Riders. By Riders.
AGES philosophy is that we’re doing this for riders, as riders. By having numerous years of experience in the bike industry, attending races and pursuing our passion for riding, the Anything Goes Event Series knows what people want in an event and what gets them excited to ride.
AGES Mission
- Inspire everyone on all wheels through equality, fairness and community.
- Bring excitement to biking through inclusive and welcoming events to all.
- Provide useful and meaningful resources to all cyclists.
- Promote healthier and more open cycling communities by breaking down norms and stereotypes.
Meet the Team
AGES consists of the same team and ultimately the same passions that built the FGG from the ground up including FGG & AGES founder Carter Nieuwesteeg, and AGES co-founder David Bennison.
Carter Nieuwesteeg
Founder of AGES
Born and raised in Fernie, Carter Nieuwesteeg is the heart and soul behind Anything Goes Event Series. A true multi-hat wearer, he’s a professional mountain and gravel bike racer for Giant Bicycles, a coach and mentor to youth riders, and one of the Elk Valley’s biggest supporters of cycling. Carter channels his energy into racing and organizing events, using AGES to grow the cycling community while giving back to the trails. He works hard and plays harder, because he doesn’t just organize races; he throws one hell of a bike party, combining epic trails, unforgettable experiences, and a welcoming vibe that keeps all level riders coming back year after year.
Hannah Simms
Marketing Lead & Event Director
If you’ve ever stopped to admire an AGES graphic, sign, or design at one of our events, chances are Hannah Simms was behind it. As AGES’ Marketing Lead and Event Director, she brings creativity, energy, and an eye for detail to every aspect of our events. Beyond her design skills, Hannah is a passionate advocate for getting more women and girls on bikes and was instrumental in the creation of Femmduro, helping build a space where female riders feel empowered, inspired, and supported.
Originally from Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, Hannah made her way to British Columbia to pursue her passion for bike racing with Kona Factory Off-Road. No mountain is too high and no valley too low for Hannah as she’s always smiling her way through it all, on or off the bike, ensuring every AGES event looks as good as it feels while helping grow the next generation of female riders.
Robyn Anderson
Rider Experience & Volunteer Lead
Robyn is a Fernie local who recently joined the team as AGES’ Rider Experience and Volunteer Lead. Having participated in every FGG to date, we’re excited to have her perspective, energy, and enthusiasm on the other side of the tape.
She’s been riding for eight years, first getting into mountain biking to fill the summer gap left by skiing. Since then, she’s also fallen in love with gravel riding, using it as a way to explore more of her backyard. While she spent time away earning a chemical engineering degree and playing varsity volleyball at the University of New Brunswick, Fernie’s tight-knit community and the ability to ride and ski right from her door continue to bring her back.
In her role with AGES, Robyn helps keep events running smoothly while creating a welcoming experience for everyone involved. She was also a key advocate in the creation of Femmduro, helping shape an event that inspires and supports female riders. She embodies the spirit of AGES, hardworking, community-focused, and keeping it fun!
While you’ll most often find Robyn ripping it up on two wheels, if you’re lucky, you might catch her unicycle skills!