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!
Intro to Gravel – 20k
New to Gravel cycling? No problem! This fun route combines wooded trails, quiet roads and classic gravel climbs 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.
Beginning from our event location, the route prologue travels through Cultus Lake to Vance Rd, then rolls into gravel with a climb up to Liumchen Creek Forest Service Rd.
At Liumchen creek, give a high-five to our support team and head back down for a well deserved celebration cruise back to the event HQ for our after-party.
Epic – 80k
Take your gravel adventure up a notch with 2 loops up Slesse Rd to Bench Rd, a hill climb prime and a sprint prime. Cash prizes for podium places and a great test against Western Canada’s best gravel racers.
Beginning with a prologue from our event location, the race starts when the gravel begins on Vance Rd at Cultus Lake. Racers climb over Liumchen Creek Forest Service Rd, head west over Tamahi Bridge then head uphill on Slesse Rd to Bench Rd. Crossing over Chilliwack River Rd at Foley Creek the race heads west along the Trans Canada Trail back to Tamahi Bridge and back to Slesse Rd for a second lap of the loop. As racers return to Tamahi, the route heads back over Liumchen Rd and back to the Vance Rd Finish line. After finishing the race, enjoy a celebration cruise back down to the Event HQ for our after-party.
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.
SPONSORS
HUGE thanks to our generous donors for making this possible!
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