Self-seeding for gravel rides is not quite as straightforward as for road rides. The speed of the group will depend on the terrain (mud, roots, pavement, gravel paths), the hills, the weather and the group members themselves. The pace distinctions are relative, with A being the fastest gravel ride and C being the slowest. All gravel rides are no-drop.

For your first Tripleshot gravel ride, we recommend trying an introductory or ‘C’ ride if you have little or no gravel experience, and B if you have more. Watch for designations like “tech” or “flow” in the ride descriptions for clues to the type of terrain the rides will cover. And if in doubt, just ask questions, either in person or on the Spond app before the ride.

Our gravel A rides are attended by riders with strong fitness and bike-handling skills–many have a mountain biking or gravel racing background. 

Predictably, gravel B rides land somewhere between C and A. On some of the more popular days, the Bs are split into B1 (faster) and B2 (slower).

Gravel ‘C’ rides are for gravel newcomers and those who enjoy a relaxed, social pace. 

No experience required, just a bike with knobby tires and a sense of adventure.

Our weekday gravel rides start at 6 am and finish at approximately 7:30, with the route chosen by whoever volunteers to lead each ride. Weekend gravel rides generally feature more diverse terrain, with duration around 2.5 to 3 hours or more. 

Gravel rides have two meeting spots: Oak Bay High school and Switch Bridge on the Galloping Goose. The OBH rides are more "urban" and feature primarily pavement and fun urban connector paths. SB rides usually hit more "wild" favourites like Thetis Lake, Royal Roads and Elk/Beaver Lake.

One person in each gravel group volunteers to lead the ride and is responsible for planning the route, riding at the designated pace, and keeping the group together. Anyone can lead, with a bit of practice!

Leaders should be careful not to lead club rides on trails where bikes are prohibited. This map shows some of the popular Victoria walking trails that we should not ride on. Some of our members and most prolific ride leaders have compiled a list of fun gravel routes. Check them out for inspiration, or load one onto your GPS and take the lead on a group ride!

• Rolf’s routes

• Claire’s routes

• An off-road capable bike–this could be a cyclocross bike, mountain bike, gravel bike or anything else you’re comfortable riding on dirt and gravel trails

• A properly fitting helmet (it's the law)

• If it’s dark, you’ll need lights

  • solid white on the front, recommended minimum 1000 lumens, but lots of people like more

  • solid red on the back–no flashing lights while in a group, please

• Spare tube, tubeless-repair gear, tire levers, air and basic tools to take care of yourself in case of a mechanical

Fenders are not required on gravel rides, but a clip-on or seat-stay-mounted rear fender will keep your backside dry and comfortable on wet rides

Weekend mountain bike rides are the newest addition to Tripleshot’s roster and are offered most weekends. Check Spond for current offerings.