This section is new for 2020
Events FAQ’s & Updates
Course Maps
We do not release the course maps to the greater public so please do not ask. Why? Because we spend hours and hours setting up our event courses and getting all the necessary permits and permissions and do all this for the event. We will give out some course descriptions. The course maps will be released to all the entrants a few weeks out from the event date.
What Type of Bike is Best for a Gravel Fondo
We are preferential to gravel bikes as that was what is specifically made for riding gravel and will make you the most comfortable and efficient for gravel rides and gravel fondos. That being said most any bike will do with fatter tires in order to run lower air-pressures. This could be Gravel Bikes, Cyclocross bike, Mountain Bike, Hybrid Bike, Touring bike or even a Road Bike. (and yes even e-bikes). You do not necessarily need Suspension like on a Mtn bike but road bike tires with high pressure and hard gearing (although you can do it on that kind of bike) it is not that comfortable and the gearing is usually too hard. We will be providing specific information for each type of bikes with tire sizes and gearing for the event.
Teams
How do the Teams work?
We have teams of 2 and teams of 4 Categories. You must all sign up and enter in the same distance event and under the same team name. Your Team results are based on the combined time of all 2 or all 4 Team members and the lowest combined times wins.
Kettle Mettle Buses and Shuttles
Since there are a lot of logistics we thought we would add this on the website for you and hopefully answer some questions.
You must pre book all shuttles for the event before Wednesday of event week
100k and 150
Pre Event
For all pre event shuttles (Saturday AM for all events)
- 50K medio
- 100K Full Fondo
- 135+K Full Fondo Plus
You must check in your bike at package pickup (Friday in Kelowna)so we can transport it (it gets transported Friday Night) Why? Because it would take far too long to load and unload all the bikes on Saturday morning. We will not accept any bikes for transport on Saturday Morning except the 50K Medio from Penticton start location
Post Event
We have shuttles back to Penticton Starting around midday.
Do you have a formal Bike Check-over Pre-Event
No we do not have bike check (as in someone checking over your bike) Your maintenance and upkeep is up to you be we do suggest you get a good tuneup at your local Bike shop and especially a few weeks out from the event and make sure to them to go over all major components to make sure it is all in “good working order” as we want you to finish and have a great time and not finishing or having lots of mechanical issues really sucks.
What sort of equipment should we bring
You should all have a multi-tool / Allen key tool and if you are really into tools and handy then a chain breaker toll as well. Type of Tires and Tubes you are running:
- Running tubes in your tires:
As a minimum you should have at least 2 tubes, tire irons (they’re mostly plastic now!) and a pump and several canisters of CO2 or both C02 and pump as a back-up.
- Running Tubeless tires:
As a minimum you should have at least 1 spare tube, tire irons (they’re mostly plastic now!) and a pump and several canisters of Co2 or both. We also strongly suggest a small can or container of sealant for your tires.
Bike Maintenance
The maintenance and upkeep of your bicycle is entirely up to you but we do suggest you do a good tune-up at your local shop a few times a year and at least a few weeks out from the event date and go over all major components to MAKE sure it is all in good working order. (And repair, fix or replace all that is needed and then properly try it out before the event) as we really want you to finish and have a great time and not finishing due to a mechanical failure or issues totally sucks!
Course Support
There is limited course support in terms of Roving medical and course support however due tho the distance and nature of the event you are expected to bring your own Hydration (water and nutrition) and also all tubes, tires, tools and the like so you are not sitting around waiting for support or another competitor to help you. This might mean you should take a basic flat repair course from your local bike shop and doubly make sure your tires, tubes, entire drivetrain and brakes are all in good working order for the event.
Aid Stations
Aid Stations are located in the following places Aid Station #1 Past Naramata near the big bend (no Bathrooms Present) Aid Station #2 Adjacent to Chute Lake (Porta Johnnies present) Aid Station #3 East End of Myra Canyon Provincial Park Parking Lot (Porta johnnies in parking lot) Please note there are quite a few Bathrooms present at various locations on the course.
Do you have customer service?
Of course! Our friendly and knowledgeable customer services reps are available to answer your questions 24/7/365ish. We will do our best to get back to you within 48 hours
