2019 Battle River Ride
Introduction
The 2018 edition was a single day event intended to expose people to the glorious gravel roads of the Battle River/Wizard Lake area. This inaugural event was well attended with 40 people coming out to enjoy 3 different ride lengths.
For 2019 the event will be expanded to two days with events for two types of riders, endurance bikepackers and gravel enthusiats. Bike-packers will have the opportunity to do two days of riding plus an overnight campout. This is the perfect opportunity for long, fully loaded, rides to confirm your kit and test your legs for future events such as the BC Epic, Alberta Rockies 700, or even the Divide.
Gravel enthusiasts will come out on Sunday to ride (or race) their choice of two routes (150km and 80km) that will offer plenty of challenge for unloaded skinny tire grinding of the gravel.
What kind of rider are you?
Bikepacker
- Tires smaller than 29 x 2.1" are skinny tires
- A 100km ride is a pretty good warmup
- You head out for a ride with a tube of Pringles and six Snickers in your jersey pocket
- You know the location and hours of business of all gas stations on the route
- Sleeping in a ditch is luxury
- You love riding bikes
Grinder of the Gravels
- All tires bigger than 700 x 40mm are fat tires
- You head out for a ride with 2 bottles of Skratch labs electrolyte drink
- You know the location of all the craft breweries on the route
- Credit card touring is roughing it
- You love riding bikes
Intinerary 1 - Bikepackers
Saturday May 18
1pm: meet at Yeoford hall
2pm: start of 120km full loaded ride, expect average pace of 17km/h
9-10pm: arrive back at Yeoford hall and setup camp, gather around the fire
Ludicrous mode: Depart South Edmonton at 8am for 100km gravel ride to the start at Yeoford hall
Sunday May 19
6am: start of 150 km ride, there will be options to ride a shorter route. You can do the ride fully loaded or leave your things locked inside Yeoford hall for the day. Expect average pace of about 17km/h.
Intinerary 2 - Grinders of the Gravel
Sunday May 19
830am: arrive at Yeoford hall
9am: start gravel ride with options for a 150km or 75km distances. There are kitchen facilities at Yeoford hall so feel free to bring after ride food and refreshments (to share). Bring all your own water and if you have a large 20L camping jug please bring water to share with others.
Optional : Saturday May 18
1pm: 120km loop starting and finishing at Yeoford hall.
9-10pm: arrive back at Yeoford hall and setup camp, gather around the fire