Course Conditions

Routes cover a variety of surfaces including active and decommissioned forest service roads, rail trails, quad trails and single track. Expect creek crossings. 

Terrain is undulating, forested sub alpine between 590m and 1,800m in elevation (TBD). Maximum grades are around 15% (TBD). 

Air temperatures are usually significantly cooler than in the valley (Kelowna).

General Information

Event Guidelines & Registration Requirements

The Okanagan Graveller is a grassroots gravel cycling event, offering authentic endurance challenges across epic Okanagan Valley terrain. E-bikes are not permitted on The Boulder or The Rock, but are welcome on The Stone course to encourage family participation. All participants must complete registration for insurance and liability coverage purposes.

Maximum: 600

What Your Entry Includes

Package Pick up & Gravel Goodies

Every graveller will receive:

• Exclusive participant swag and finisher surprises ( to be revealed soon!)
• Custom bike plate with their name (if registered by May 15th)
• Food & beverage wrist band

Course Support & Refuel Stations

• Refuel stations fully stocked with hydration & nutrition
• Bike mechanical support along the course
• Ride guides to assist riders 
• F2C nutrition at the start/finish & at all refuel stations
• Post race food

Race Timing 

The Okanagan Graveller uses professional chip-timing by Sportstat Timing to track every rider’s performance and provide comprehensive results. Whether you’re racing for overall victory or simply challenging yourself , you can push your personal boundaries while fully experiencing the stunning Okanagan Valley landscapes and supportive gravel cycling community.

Categories, Awards and Prizes

At the Okanagan Graveller, we celebrate the diverse spirit of gravel cycling with meaningful recognition that honors achievement, determination, and community. Our awards reflect the values that make gravel cycling special – personal challenge, scenic adventure, and shared camaraderie.

Race Categories

The Okanagan Graveller categories:

• 35 and Under
• 36-54
• 55-69

• 70 Plus (New Category!) 

Draw Prizes

Thanks to our generous local sponsors including bike shops, outdoor gear companies, and Okanagan businesses, every registered participant is eligible for our post-event prize draw featuring cycling gear, local products, and adventure experiences.

Overall Champions: The Graveller Trophy

The fastest male and female finishers on all 3 routes will receive the prestigious Graveller Boulder, Rock or Stone Trophy.

Top three finishers in each age category for The Boulder, Rock, and Stone distances receive podium recognition.

Spirit Awards

The Trailblazer Award – Recognizing a rider who embodies the adventurous spirit of gravel cycling through encouragement, sportsmanship, and positive energy throughout the event.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Okanagan Graveller takes place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and we are honoured to gather as guests on their land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – Do we need insurance?
A – All participants need to have travel medical insurance that will cover ambulance service, air ambulance, and/or medical transport back to your home country. Your insurance also shouldn’t exclude athletic competition.

Q – Is there a minimum age to enter The Okanagan Graveller?
A – Riders 14-18 years old are required to have a parent or guardian cycle with them at all times.

Q – How is the start seeded?
A – It will be self seeding at the start, depending on your average speed. If you are a super speedy, super confident cyclist and want to race, head to the beginning of the group. If you are a mostly confident cyclist going for your best time, head to the middle of the group. If you are just here for the free banana and a good time, hang out near the back of the group. This approach reduces bottlenecks, improves safety, and allows for a smoother, less congested start for all. Please be honest about your ability and respectful of others.

Q – What sort of weather should we expect during the ride?
A – It’s June in the Okanagan mountains–which means sunshine, wind, rain, heat, or all four in one day. The course climbs into higher elevations where conditions can change quickly, so come prepared for anything.

Q – Will we be able to have our own food and water bottles at the Refuel Stations during each stage?
A – No, we will have water for you to fill your bottles and a variety of food to keep you fuelled.

Q – What is offered at the Refuel stations?
A – Our Refuel stations will keep you fueled with fruit, sweet and savoury snacks, water and electrolytes generously provided by F2C Nutrition. Gravel burns calories–we’ve got you covered and there might be a few surprises out there so check out our fuel stations!

Q – Will there be food at the finish?
A – We will provide racers with some post race goodies. There will also be a local food truck with food for purchase at our basecamp area.

Q – What if there are less than 5 people in my age category?
A – If there are less than 5 people in your category, you will be put in the category below or above your age group.

Q – Which bike should I ride?
A – A gravel bike is your best bet, with 35mm tires or larger recommended. A 29er XC mountain bike will also work great. Feeling brave? Some riders tackle it on cyclocross bikes with 32-35mm tires–but remember, gravel can be wild.

Q – How difficult will the course be?
A – This is gravel–expect a challenge. The routes include big climbs, rewarding descents, and plenty of beautiful Okanagan backcountry roads. Pace yourself, fuel often, and remember the finish line beer tastes better when you’ve earned it.

Q – What if I have a mechanical problem?
A – Gravel riding rewards the prepared. Riders should carry basic repair supplies like tubes, plugs, CO₂ or a pump, and a multi-tool. Our team will do their best to help when possible, but self-sufficiency is part of the gravel adventure.

Q – What if I need to quit?
A – First of all… please don’t quit… We love seeing everyone make it to the finish line. But if you need to stop, please make your way safely to the nearest designated Refuel station where our volunteers will help you out. If that is not possible, we will have roaming assistance on course so flag one of them down.

Q – Are there cut-off times on course?
A – Yes. Cut-off times help ensure everyone finishes safely before evening. Our cut-off time is 2pm at the last Refuel station on course.

Q – Where should I stay?
A – We have a camping option at the start/finish with limited spots here, or check out other places in West Kelowna here.

Q – What happens if there is a forest fire?
A – Forest fires are a reality every summer throughout North America. In the case of wildfires in the area we will consult with local authorities and will proceed if we feel that there is a high certainty of being able to proceed safely with normal or somewhat modified operations. If there is uncertainty that we will be able to operate safely, or that we will be permitted to operate such that cancellation is warranted, we will do our best to do that with at least 2 weeks notice to participants.

Q – What about smokey conditions?
A – Smoke from fires either nearby or distant may also impact the event and conditions can be variable from location to location. In the case that wildfire smoke is present, we will use the Canadian AQHI rating from the closest reliable source to measure air quality. If the AQHI is 7 or higher at the time of the start, the event will be cancelled. If the AQHI is less than 7 but higher than 4, the race director may modify the event by neutralizing or shortening it in the interest of rider safety.

Volunteer

Join the team for the Okanagan Graveller. OG volunteers play key roles in creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and tourists from all over the world.

Volunteer roles include registration, set-up, food station, clean-up, medical, course support and more. No matter if you’re young, old, love cycling or know nothing about the sport, your enthusiasm and talents will be welcomed!

Watch for exciting volunteer opportunities available in the spring.