Ghost of The Gravel
📍 Water Valley, AB, Canada
gravel
Date
27 June 2026
Distance
118km
Elevation
2,075 m
Difficulty
gravel
Burnt Bridge Gravel Fondo
British Columbia, Canada · 14 June 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
Ranging from 57km to 128km over rugged Vancouver Island forestry roads, this premier event serves as the Canadian National Gravel Championships. With challenging climbs and fast-rolling terrain, it features both competitive title waves and open non-championship fondo classes.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 57.43km · 79.9km · 128.02km
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.5–4.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is designed for competitive gravel cyclists aiming for a national title, alongside endurance-focused enthusiasts seeking a challenging backcountry ride.
Who will struggle
Riders with limited off-road handling experience or those who struggle with sustained, self-supported physical efforts on variable gravel terrain will find this course highly demanding.
Training focus
Prioritize long sweet-spot intervals to build endurance for climbs, coupled with technical descending practice on loose gravel surfaces.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
Where is the race venue and how do I get there?+
The race is hosted at Cowichan Camp, located at 5070 Riverbottom Rd W, Duncan, BC. It can be accessed from either Victoria or Nanaimo by taking Trans Canada Highway 1 to Duncan and following local roads like Gibbins Road or Hwy 18.
Can I stay overnight at the race venue?+
Yes, Cowichan Camp offers onsite accommodations for the night of Saturday, June 13. Options include basic cabins (ranging from $35 to $60 depending on the number of beds), deluxe cabins with plumbing, and designated RV/campervan campsites.
What course distances are available?+
There are three route options: the Impulso at 57.43 km, the Intermedio at 79.9 km, and the multi-lap Esperto route at 128.02 km.
Do I have to compete in the Canadian Championship categories?+
No, there are non-championship 'Open' categories available for all three distances (Esperto, Intermedio, and Impulso) starting later in the morning.
Is pre-riding allowed on the course before race day?+
Yes, because the venue sits directly adjacent to the forestry roads, participants are permitted to roll out and pre-ride the race-quality terrain starting one day before the event.