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.
Unfortunately, we can’t host you this year due to COVID-19. But if you are in the province, we encourage you to get out there and experience it for yourself! For our out-of-province riders, please ride safely in your local area.
We are offering three distances – a 27km Intro to Gravel route, an 71km Medio route and the 130km Epic route.
100% of your registration goes to provide accessible clean water to thousands of people in Buluk, Adiabuna and Fresiweat in rural Ethiopia this year.
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.
71K 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.
71kms, 1200m of climbing, ride time between 4.5hrs to 6.5hrs.
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.
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%.
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.
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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.
2020
RIDE FOR WATER
KITS
We selected Jakroo’s top tier Solar bib and Nova jersey as our kit’s platform. We are offering our kit at a pricing tier that isn’t going to break the bank for riders who are making an individual purchase.
Women sizing is available despite not having graphics for them.
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 BULUK.
Clean Water. It's a Movement. Run with it.
Responding to the water crisis in Africa