Cyclists took in the Okanagan scenery along the Kettle Valley Trail as they rode in Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 first Dirty Phil Gravel Fondo.
The pavement/gravel road cycling event started Saturday morning and featured cyclists from across B.C. and Alberta.
But just who is Dirty Phil?
According to event coordinator Nic Tickner, 害羞草研究所渘o one quite knows who he is, but he害羞草研究所檚 always riding his bike around town, 16 hours a day and you害羞草研究所檒l catch him whizzing by. That害羞草研究所檚 the most anyone knows, but today he害羞草研究所檚 going to be riding his bike out there somewhere. He害羞草研究所檚 a bit of a myth.害羞草研究所�
Around 80 cyclists took part in the event which had two separate tracks of combined road and gravel. Big Phil was just under 130 kilometres of track and Little Phil was just under 90 km. The routes were open for all ages.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 all about having fun, enjoying the adventure, checking out some scenery and laughing with your friends,害羞草研究所� said Tickner. 害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 quite big in the States.害羞草研究所�
Vancouver residents Alex Laursoo and Mark Longpre both rode on the Big Phil.
害羞草研究所淭his is a unique challenge for me, I害羞草研究所檝e never done anything like this before,害羞草研究所� said Longpre. 害羞草研究所淚 had the option of doing another event this weekend in Victoria but I thought this year I害羞草研究所檇 try something new out. A 130 km (track) of gravel will be a test to my fitness.害羞草研究所�
Bikers used a variety of different options to suit up their bikes for the event.
害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檝e been obsessing over tire choice for the last few months. Everyone here has a different set up. Some have mountain bikes, we have cross-bikes. I don害羞草研究所檛 know if there害羞草研究所檚 one single best.害羞草研究所�
The aim for the duo is to do well.
害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 going to try and be in the first group and to try and keep Mark in my vision,害羞草研究所� said Laursoo.
Both cyclists looked forward to enjoying the scenery, having not been on the trail beforehand.
The all-day event started at Mission Recreation Park. Participants made their way to the Kettle Valley Trail, turning around at Chute Lake. Finishers then enjoyed beer and food as the day progressed.
