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!
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
A Gravel Grind adventure that links multiple mixed surface terrain in a format that showcases the stunning beauty of the Fraser Valley.
In the spectacular Chilliwack River Valley.
The ride begins and ends in Vedder Park in Chilliwack, BC. Take the #3 Rd or Sardis exit from Hwy 1.
Funds raised through the Ride for Water will go to build clean water systems and a school in the rural Southern communities of Ethiopia.
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.
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.
A good sense of adventure, with a medium to moderate comfort level for riding on mixed surface terrain.
Please follow the registration button above to sign up!
Reach out to us at ride@runforwater.ca or info@runforwater.ca
HUGE thanks to our generous donors for making this possible!
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.