Triple Crown of Gravel answers to FAQ’s & Updates and more info

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

Gravel Bike pic on FAQ's & Updates page


Absolutely, having a bike with fatter tires, suitable for running lower air pressures, is indeed advantageous for gravel riding. Gravel bikes are specifically designed for this type of terrain, offering a balance between speed on smoother surfaces and stability on rougher gravel roads. However, as you rightly mentioned, several other types of bikes can also perform well in gravel events:

  1. Cyclocross Bike: Similar to gravel bikes but designed for cyclocross racing, these bikes are lightweight and agile, making them suitable for gravel events.
  2. Mountain Bike: With their wider tires and suspension systems, mountain bikes excel in handling rough terrain, including gravel roads.
  3. Hybrid Bike: Hybrid bikes typically have wider tires than road bikes, offering more stability on gravel surfaces while still maintaining a relatively efficient riding position.
  4. Touring Bike: Designed for long-distance travel, touring bikes often have wider tires and sturdy frames, making them suitable for gravel riding.
  5. Road Bike: While road bikes have narrower tires, some models can accommodate wider tires, allowing for a smoother ride on gravel roads. However, they may not offer as much stability and comfort as dedicated gravel bikes or other options.
  6. E-bikes: Electric bikes equipped with wider tires can provide assistance on gravel terrain, making long rides more manageable, especially if the course includes challenging climbs or rough surfaces.

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.

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. Not finishing the event due to a mechanical failure or issues totally sucks!

Course Support

  1. Hydration and Nutrition: You’re expected to bring your own hydration (water) and nutrition, so make sure you have ample supplies for the duration of the event. This includes water bottles, energy gels, bars, or whatever nutrition you prefer.
  2. Mechanical Preparedness: As you mentioned, it’s crucial to ensure your bike is in excellent working condition before the event. This includes checking your tires, tubes, drivetrain, and brakes. If you’re not confident in your bike maintenance skills, taking a basic flat repair course from your local bike shop is a great idea. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary tools for basic repairs and adjustments, such as tire levers, a pump, multi-tool, and spare tubes.
  3. Self-Sufficiency: Since there may not be immediate support available on the course, it’s essential to be self-sufficient. This means being able to handle basic mechanical issues like fixing a flat tire or adjusting your brakes or gears. Practice these skills beforehand if you’re not already proficient.
  4. Safety Gear: Don’t forget to bring necessary safety gear such as a helmet, gloves, and any reflective clothing if the event extends into low-light conditions.
  5. Know the Route: Familiarize yourself with the event’s route beforehand. This includes knowing where aid stations are located and any potential hazards along the way.

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

Event Cancellation Policy

Tri 1 Events Refund Policy

Our Entry Fees and all related event fees are Non-Refundable under any circumstances.

Deferral Policy

  • Participants are allowed to defer to the following year.
  • If there are price in the following year a fee may be charged.
  • Please Note: Once it is within 14 days of the event date there are no deferrals under any circumstances.

Transfer Policy

  • Participants are allowed to transfer their entry to another person.
  • They can only transfer that entry to that’s entries assigned distance.
  • If they wish to downgrade the distance there are no refunds,
  • If they wish to upgrade the distance there will be an additional charge relative to the price difference.
  • Please Note: Once it is within 14 days of the event date there are no transfers under any circumstances

Transfer or Deferral fee is $40 (plus applicable fees and taxes)

Race Cancellation
Tri 1 Events, in accordance with, City and/or District, Regional or Provincial officials, local stakeholders, venues and local law enforcement has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather, forest fire or threat of terrorism (or a Public Health Condition) as well as safety concerns. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for Race Day.  A re-registration fee may be required and is at the discretion of Tri 1 Events 

Photo Release

I grant permission to Tri 1 Events to use photographs taken at the events for use on any of Tri 1 Events websites or other forms of media, including electronic matter, and to use the photographs for use or distribution by Tri 1 Events, without notifying me. 

I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photographs.

Email Correspondence

The main form of pre and post event communication to all participants is through HTML emails so if a participant unsubscribes to the emails then they will not receive any important event information and we cannot send it to them. It is the registrant/participants responsibility to make sure they are subscribed/allowed to receive emails.