Bicicletta's Staff Top Gravel Rides of 2022
As we get ready to dive into the 2023 riding season we wanted to look back on some of our favourite rides of 2022 to stoke the fire for the upcoming season. Here's a collection of our staff's favourite Gravel rides that they tackled last year.
Grasslands Loop - Jake Cullen Marketing
When did you do the ride?
End of September, we had such a great fall this year, it still felt like summer.
What were the best features of the ride?
Rolling hills on silking gravel. Also the grasslands provided very different scenery than the typical coastal mountain views that I'm used to.
What was the highpoint?
Rolling into camp at the end of day 1, right as the sun was setting.
What was your lowpoint?
The long and steep climb right in the middle of the day. It made it questionable if we'd reach the campground we intended to stay at before sunset.
What is your top tip for someone looking to do the same ride?
Carry more water than you think you need. There are some very long stretches with no taps, no streams, no source of water, clean or dirty. I used a Camelbak Chase Vest and two 800ml Bivo bottles and had enough water to make it between water sources.
Why was this your favourite ride of 2022?
I got to spend two great days on the bike with my partner and enjoy a part of BC I haven't spent much time riding in. I love weekend bikepacks like this where you just live off your bike and carry everything you need with you.
What bike did you ride?
2020 Salsa Warbid in HOT PINK with GRX Di2 for the shifting, and a set of Zipp 303s for the wheels. I ran 42mm Specialized Pathfinder tires and thought they were the perfect tires for the smooth, fast gravel in the interior.
Great Trail Loop - Malcolm G. Marketing and Rider Support
When did you do the ride?
Mid-summer, perfect for swimming
What were the best features of the ride?
Epic climbs and long, winding trails through lush forests.
What was the highpoint?
Going swimming in the Koksilah River.
What was your lowpoint?
When my watch fell off in the river.
What is your top tip for someone looking to do the same ride?
Stop at Thrifty foods in Mill Bay - you can get some good sandwiches and your ferry ticket at half price.
Why was this your favourite ride of 2022?
Got to enjoy some beauty trails and a nice ferry ride.
What bike did you ride?
Norco Search XR
Golden Ears Provincial Park BC - Dave B., Web Content/Marketing
When did you do the ride?
July Long Weekend.
What were the best features of the ride?
The TCT beside the Barnet Hwy and Oliver Rd. - a car-free road near Minnekhada Regional Park.
What was the highpoint?
Amazing sunset at Golden Ears Park.
What was your lowpoint?
The trail beside the Mary Hill Bypass (on the way back).
What is your top tip for someone looking to do the same ride?
Bring a swimsuit for Alouette Lake.
Why was this your favourite ride of 2022?
It was great to do a door-to-door ride with no driving or ferry to catch.
What bike did you ride?
Surly Disc Trucker
