Ride for water

CHOOSE YOUR GRAVEL ADVENTURE 
AND HELP BRING CLEAN WATER TO A COMMUNITY

LET’S GET ROLLING!

We’re back and so excited to ride with you again! 

Gravel riding is an adventure that escapes the hustle of daily life. Adventure awaits you at this year’s gravel event with exciting rides and breathtaking views in South-West BC’s hidden gem, the Chilliwack River Valley. 

Whether you are coming for a casual cruise with friends, or to lay it out on the race circuit, this year’s Ride For Water will be one of your Highlights this summer!

Ride. Celebrate. Give

AN EXCITING RIDE

Your ride experience is our top priority. Gravel riding can take you to challenging places, but our ride support team has you covered with 3 rider support teams covering the start finish, route marking and traffic control. Our on course rider support includes support motos, pilot bikes, 2 rider aid stations and pilot vehicles. For racers we have a dedicated race marshall to ensure strong and fair competition.  

 

A FANTASTIC CELEBRATION

You rose to the Ride For Water challenge- now it’s time to celebrate! Our event location will have great food, drinks, music, prizes and fun. We’ll make sure you have a hero’s welcome as you cross the finish line and a comfortable place to tell stories from the day. 

 

A GREAT CAUSE

So much more than just a gravel ride. Your Ride For Water entry fee goes directly to our work to bring fresh water to a rural Southern community. 

Access to clean water is key to securing health, education, economic and social wellbeing. Thank you for helping us partner with the people of rural Ethiopia so they can transform their lives forever. 

RIDE FOR WATER

Gravel Routes

INTRO – 20K

New to Gravel cycling? This fun route combines wooded trails and riverside dykes for a complete introduction to a gravel ride. Ride with friends at your own pace with full support if you want to take a break and enjoy the scenery. 

Length 20km | Elevation 50m

MEDIO – 50K

Take your gravel adventure up a notch with a variety of surfaces and a mix of climbs, descents, single track and fast gravel roads through stunning Chilliwack River scenery.


Distance 50km | Elevation 690m

EPIC – 100K

Test your limits with a full-send challenge through unbelievable West Cascades scenery on a wide variety of terrain from technical single track to blazing fast gravel roads. The Epic challenges all competitors with hill climb primes, cash prizes for podium places and a great test against Western Canada’s best gravel racers. 

Distance 100km | Elevation 1555m

Gravel Grinding Essentials

RIDE FOR
WATER KIT

Gear up with essential Ride For Water Kit!
Head over to our Jakroo Online Shop and pick up our new gravel jersey and cargo bib-shorts. With lots of pockets, moisture wicking features and a comfortable fit you will be looking great on your gravel adventure this summer.
Bikepacking Essentials
Gravel Grinding Essentials

What Bike
Should I Ride?

For any Gravel Adventure, you’ll want a capable rig that isn’t going to leave you stranded in the backcountry.

A 29″ MTB may work, but an CX or dedicated Gravel bike is definitely the way to go.

Take a look at the route profiles on the STRAVA SEGMENTS. You should pair the appropriate gearing to the grades of your route.

 

Preparedness

Being 100% self-sufficient should be your goal. We’re recommending a minimum of three tubes, CO2 or pump, sidewall tire boots, levers, a multi-tool and spare links. Extra points for knowing how to use your gear.

Hydration

Two bottles would be the bare bones minimum. Two bottles and a hydration pack is a winning combo. Aid Stations are positioned 1.5hrs to 2.5hrs apart.

Frame Storage

It’s a good idea to have adequate storage for all your fuel, tubes, a light jacket and other supplies. Remember with gels and other onboard fuel, when a one gets pulled out, the wrapper always goes back in.  That’s just good stewardship.

Handlebars

Areo, flare, sweep, hover, draft-legal clip-ons, …. whatever you’re comfortable riding with, is fine by us. Just don’t use your clip-ons pack riding. That’s just a bone head move. Other than that, life already has too many rules, Gravel shouldn’t.

GEARING

Gravel gearing is not Road gearing, especially for BC Gravel. Check your route climbing profile and factor accordingly. Still unsure of what type of gearing to run? Always a safe beat to match the Organizers gearing selection. 11-42 x 32t/44t

single or double?

Either or. As long as you have a gear selection that is capable to keep you in the saddle riding rather that off the bike walking. Too tall of gearing is just punishment.

Tire

The best thing about Gravel bikes, you’ll never have the right tire for the entire ride. It’s about balances and compromises based on your ability and the route profile. But that could go out the window with any bit of rain.

  • Preparedness

    Being 100% self-sufficient should be your goal. We’re recommending a minimum of three tubes, CO2 or pump, sidewall tire boots, levers, a multi-tool and spare links. Extra points for knowing how to use your gear.

  • Hydration

    Two bottles would be the bare bones minimum. Two bottles and a hydration pack is a winning combo. Aid Stations are positioned 1.5hrs to 2.5hrs apart.

  • Frame Storage

    It’s a good idea to have adequate storage for all your fuel, tubes, a light jacket and other supplies. Remember with gels and other onboard fuel, when a one gets pulled out, the wrapper always goes back in.  That’s just good stewardship.

  • Handlebars

    Areo, flare, sweep, hover, draft-legal clip-ons, …. whatever you’re comfortable riding with, is fine by us. Just don’t use your clip-ons pack riding. That’s just a bone head move. Other than that, life already has too many rules, Gravel shouldn’t.

  • GEARING

    Gravel gearing is not Road gearing, especially for BC Gravel. Check your route climbing profile and factor accordingly. Still unsure of what type of gearing to run? Always a safe beat to match the Organizers gearing selection. 11-42 x 32t/44t

  • single or double?

    Either or. As long as you have a gear selection that is capable to keep you in the saddle riding rather that off the bike walking. Too tall of gearing is just punishment.

  • Tire

    The best thing about Gravel bikes, you’ll never have the right tire for the entire ride. It’s about balances and compromises based on your ability and the route profile. But that could go out the window with any bit of rain.

Bikepacking Essentials

Ride for Water

The popularity of Gravel Grind events continues to grow. Riders are looking for new adventures and will target events based on course design, vertical gains, distances, challenge level, geographic location, and awe-inspiring scenery. What if social consciousness was another attribute that determined what events to attend?
What is the Ride for Water?

A Gravel Grind adventure that links multiple mixed surface terrain in a format that showcases the stunning beauty of the Fraser Valley.

Where is Ride for Water?

In the spectacular Chilliwack River Valley. 

How do I get here?

The ride begins and ends in Vedder Park in Chilliwack, BC. Take the #3 Rd or Sardis exit from Hwy 1.

Is this a race?
No, and Yes. The Epic 80k route riders will start in 2 divisions, led by riders choosing to race the event. There will be podium prizes of over $3500 including mens and women podium, and our KOM prime prize. 
Not into competing for podium? No problem. The second division will follow, and riders are free to go at their own pace, enjoying a gravel adventure in epic scenery!
Where will the funds raised go?

Funds raised through the Ride for Water will go to build clean water systems and a school in the rural Southern communities of Ethiopia.

How long will this adventure be?

Expect to be riding between 2.5 and 5 hours for our 80k route. Our intro route is will range between 1- 2.5 hours. Remember, this is a self-supported ride. There will be rider aid stations en-route, but prepare as if you will ride using your own supplies.

How much training is required?

You could try to do it off the couch, but we suggest some amount of base miles training would be ideal for ride enjoyment. Try to fit in some green level mountain bike trail riding too.

New to Gravel – what skill level is required?

A good sense of adventure, with a medium to moderate comfort level for riding on mixed surface terrain.

How do I register?

Please follow the registration button above to sign up!

SPONSORS

HUGE thanks to our generous donors for making this possible! 

Join Us

Abbotsford

Chilliwack

Ride for Water

Clean Water. It's a Movement. Run with it.

Responding to the water crisis in Africa

Copyright © 2022 All Rights Reserved by Run for Water 
Run for Water,  201 - 33933 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford BC V2S 2E8

Registered Canadian Charity 82994 6037 RR0001

Donation Disclaimer: 100% of your donations go directly to Ethiopia to bring clean water and improved education. All of our overhead cost is covered by a group of generous partners. If this year’s designated project is fully funded, Run for Water reserves the right to use excess funds to build additional water and education projects in other rural communities in Ethiopia.