Ride for water

130K Epic Route, 85K Medio Route & 27K Intro to Gravel route to raise funds for clean water

MAY 4TH, 2019

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VOLUNTEER

Presented by Diverse Properties

A Gravel Grind Adventure

Gravel riding has always been about adventures. It is escaping traffic and getting from here to there by any means necessary. This often consists of back roads, gravel roads, FSR, dike trails or even sections of your local mtb network. It takes a bit of planning to be able to escape busy traffic and the like. But when its done right, it's definitely worth it!

Around here, we call the Chilliwack River Valley home. It has hundreds of km's of pristine back country roads, lush old growth forestry roads, paved roads and single track/double trails to explore. The perfect ingredients for all-day adventures.

Saturday, May 4th @8am, we're showcasing some of the routes that have been our local favourites. We'll have three different distance offerings - a 27km Intro to Gravel route, an 85km Medio route and the 130km Epic route.

We've taken care of all the planning to create a premier level Gravel Adventure.

There's rider-priority traffic control at all paved intersections, three fully stocked Aid Stations with satellite phone support, there's moto support, backcountry First Aid attendants, volunteers at every major intersection or trail fork and then,.... there's a beer garden!

We'll also have hotel packages and on-site camping available with prebooking. Keep an eye on our Facebook for promo codes.

Now, it's up to you to come experience one of the most scenic Gravel Adventure routes in North America.

As an added bonus, we're offering something a bit different from other events. We're offering you a slice of social consciousness.

100% of your entire registration goes to provide accessible clean water to thousands of people in Bekyye, rural Oromia, Ethiopia this year. This has only been made possible by all of our generous sponsors covering our event costs.

For detailed race day/package pick-up information, please go HERE.

27K Intro to gravel

Interested in trying a gravel grind event but don't want to tackle a large chunk of climbing? Our Intro to Gravel route only has 420m of climbing and it will give you a bit of everything.

You should have a medium comfort level riding on mix surface terrain. Ride time 2.5hr to 4hrs.

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STRAVA Segment

85K medio

Uses the majority of the Epic Route, except eliminates two major climbs. The Medio Route is for the rider seeking an adventure, but doesn’t see the need for it to last all day.

85kms, 1200m of climbing, ride time between 4.5hrs to 6.5hrs.

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STRAVA SEGMENT

130k epic

Presented by Easton Cycling: this route will showcase high vista lookouts, canyon river banks, old growth cedar giants at the mouth of Chilliwack Lake and 2200m of climbing. It's a beast!

50% gravel, 30% lush doubletrack/singletrack and 20% paved. Ride time 6.5hrs to 9hrs.

Easton Cycling is committed to the growth of gravel adventures events, and Ride for Water just happens to be in their own back yard. As our podium sponsor, they're presenting $3400 in Male & Female podium cash!!! (Epic Route only)

1st - $1000
2nd - $500
3rd - $200

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STRAVA SEGMENT

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.

The MEDIO and EPIC route both have a few grades that peak over 16%.

Find Out More

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.

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 Chilliwack River Valley.

Where is Ride for Water?

In the spectacular Chilliwack River Valley, starting and finishing at Cultus Lake's Main Beach area. See map below.

How do I get here?

From Metro Vancouver - travel East 1hrs on HWY 1 to Chilliwack, then south to Cultus Lake. From the Interior BC - travel West on HWY 1 to Chilliwack, then south to Cultus Lake. Flying in, use Abbotsford's YXX airport, then 30 mins East on HWY 1 to Chilliwack, south to Cultus Lake. There are numerous hotels in Abbotsford that are close to the airport and amenities.

Is this a race?

No and Yes. The Intro to Gravel and Medio routes will be more of a spirited adventure ride. Our 130km Epic route is geared towards an advanced riders who are comfortable with being self-sufficient in a competitive event. 80% of our Epic route has 0% cell reception. Being self-sufficient is key. Aid stations are placed at a 1.5hr to 2.5hrs interval of riding from each other.

Podium prizing!

Yes! Easton Cycling is presenting $3400 in equal podium cash for Top 3 Male & Female riders. This applies to the Epic route only. 1st - $1000, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $200

Where does my entry fee go?

100% of your entry goes to complete a clean water project in Bekyye. For more info, see below.

How long will this adventure be?

Expect 2hrs - 3hrs for the 28km Intro to Gravel route, 5hrs - 7hrs for the 85km Medio route and 6.5hrs - 9hrs for the 130km Epic route.

How much training is required?

A good amount of base miles training will be key for any of the route distances. 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. The first half of our Intro to Gravel route will be comprised of 12kms gravel forestry roads and some double track jeep trails and 12kms of newly paved road with a wide cycling shoulder for your return trip back.

How do I register?

Please click here to be directed to the online registration platform.

I still have questions.

Reach out to us at ride@runforwater.ca

Clean water is key to securing health, education and economic wellbeing, especially for girls and women who carry the burden of collecting water daily for their families.

Bekyye has no access to clean water currently. Girls and women of Bekyye walk for hours every day to fetch water from a river and ponds for cooking, cleaning, drinking and animal care.

Bekyye is located in the Harana Buluk area of Oromia and 2200 people call it home.

Young leaders in Bekyye have been mobilizing their community to fundraise 10% of the project cost. Your entire registration fee will be going to cover the rest!

This means, at the end of 2019, girls and women in Bekyye will no longer have to go on very long and laborious daily journeys in search of contaminated water. With access to safe, clean, drinking water, kids can go to school, mothers can start businesses, fathers can water their crops, and children no longer die of waterborne diseases.

Go an extra mile? Partner with Bekyye by donating or fundraising with them! 100% of donations go directly to the project on the ground.

DONATE

FUNDRAISE

Diverse Properties

Thanks to the generosity of the title sponsor for the Ride for Water event, 100% of the money raised by the gravel grind event will go toward providing clean water to thousands of people in Bekyee.

Ride for Water 2019

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Ride for water

130K Epic Route, 85K Medio Route & 27K Intro to Gravel route to raise funds for clean water

MAY 4TH, 2019

A Gravel Grind Adventure

For detailed race day/package pick-up information, please go HERE.

Courses

27K Intro to gravel

85K medio

130k epic