VERDICT British Columbia mountain gravel challenge.
A training plan for Kettle Mettle—shaped to your fitness and the hours you have.
Western Canada's oldest gravel fondo on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Founded 2014 by Tri 1 Events out of Princeton, BC — Western Canada's oldest gravel fondo, run on the historic Kettle Valley Railway corridor. Founded in 2014. By Tri 1 Events.
Reputation: Long-running BC classic — the region's oldest gravel fondo, and a leg of the BC Triple Crown of Gravel series.
Photo: YouTube / Justin Payeur
Photo: YouTube / Justin PayeurKettle Valley Railway rail-trail gravel out of Princeton — wildflower canyons, historic wooden trestles and decommissioned rail tunnels, with forest-service-road climbing stacked into the 100km flagship (~1,795m). Distances: 25/50/100km, plus a new 130km added for 2027.
Signature challenge: BC mountainous terrain.
The kettle metal medio starts with a deceptive calm wide gravel flats and quiet countryside but soon enough the climbs hit, gravel gets a little looser, the climbs get a little punchier, and you are exposed to long stretches that really test your legs and your mindset.
PIQUE PICTURES · 2.2K views
The ride took riders up on Forest Service roads up in behind Princeton and they turned out to be absolutely amazing. The gravel was pristine and the views of Princeton and the surrounding area was just spectacular.
PIQUE PICTURES · 2.2K views
I think everybody was surprised by this course. Certainly, Catherine and I were under the impression that a good portion of this ride was going to be on the KVR. As it turns out, only a small portion was on the KVR.
PIQUE PICTURES · 2.2K views
The unique thing with gravel racing is a lot of it is actually like a race against yourself. Mostly you're racing yourselves.
Jodi Cross · 216 views
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Mid-June in the BC interior typically means a warm, dry day that gets hotter as the finish approaches — riders describe "hot sun" during midday sections and the event's historic "sunshine and great times" reputation. Hydrate earlier than feels necessary. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[7]
Packet pickup runs 6:55-7:55AM at Princeton Rodeo Grounds with one hour to get sorted before the start. "well organized" but no parking, lodging, or travel details are provided for this remote BC location.[4]
The route runs the historic Kettle Valley Railway corridor out of Princeton — wildflower canyons, wooden trestles, and decommissioned rail tunnels riders describe as "dark and cool, a welcome reprieve from the hot sun." "you won't quite find a ride like this anywhere else."[6]
Markets itself as "Western Canada's Premier Gravel Fondo" and claims to be the oldest in the region, but draws mainly regional participants. Part of the Triple Crown of Gravel series, giving it some BC cycling circuit credibility.[3]
If you're in Canada—yes, it's solid. If you're international—there are better options.
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.