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2025 Penticton Riding Camp
Where: Staging from the Tiki Shores Motel in Penticton, BC.
When: 11am (unless otherwise noted) – Daily ride departure time from Sunday, April 27 to Saturday, May 3 (April 26 and May 4 are expected travel days for most). Please arrive each day about 15 minutes before
What: Various routes and distances throughout the week. See the planned riding routes below.
How: Please download the ride route from Strava or GPX. With the route on-hand, you can always return on your own if you want to cut your ride short.
Itinerary
All rides start at 11am from Tiki Shores, unless otherwise noted.
Saturday
Travel day, arriving in Penticton
Sunday β’ Day 1: Shakeout Ride β Naramata Warm-Up Loop
π― Focus: Activation, easy spin, high cadence on declines, equipment check, group dynamic intro
π Start time 11am
π Distance:
- Base Route: ~35 km
- Extended Option A (Indian Rock): ~45 km
- Extended Option B (Chute Lake Rd): ~55β60 km (to pavement end)
π Duration:
- Base: ~1.5 hrs
- Extended: 2β2.5 hrs
π Elevation Gain:
- Base: ~350 m
- Indian Rock: ~550 m
- Chute Lake Rd: ~700β800 m
π Route Type: Out-and-back with optional looped extensions
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3345822698471955518
GPX File: Naramata Shakeout Ride
πSuggested Regroup Points:
- Naramata Village Park or CafΓ©
- North Naramata turnaround (near Indian Rock pullout)
- Top of paved section on Chute Lake Road
π‘Ride Tips:
- Wineries & CafΓ©s are great for photo ops or casual snacks (though maybe wait for Day 7 for wine π)
- Chute Lake Climb is quiet and scenic but has steep kickersβturn back if this feels like too much too soon
- Extended riders: save legs for the (optional) FTP test day tomorrow!
Monday β’ Day 2: FTP Test Day β Green Mountain Road
π― Focus: Functional Threshold Power (FTP) Testing (2x 8-minute version, on steady incline of Green Mountain Road), Climbing Technique
π Start time 11am
π Distance:
- Base Route: ~55 km (~85 km if looping all the way back through OK Falls)
- Extended Route: ~80β85 km (Out-and-back to Apex only)
π Duration:
- Base Route: 2.5β3 hours
- Extended Route: 3.5β4 hours
π Elevation Gain:
- Base Route: ~800 m
- Extended Route: ~1,500 m
π Route Type: Out-and-back with optional extended climb
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3345832523877903724
GPX File: FTP Test – Green Mountain Road
π No FTP OptionsΒ
- Up and over Green Mountain Road. Turn right and up by Twin Lakes Golf Course. Straight shot to the Observatory and down the
highway to OK Falls. Your choice if you want McLean Creek Rd, or stick to Eastside Rd. 116km, 2200m climbing (w/ Apex); 96km, 1400m climbing (w/o Apex)
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3351732396399889440
GPX File: Penticton Camp Day 2a - Same as above, until in view of the Observatory. When you see the Observatory turn right onto Willowbrook Rd. Then left onto Green Lake Road, down The Wall to OK Falls. Your choice if you want McLean Creek Rd, or stick to Eastside Rd. 123km, 2300m climbing (w/Apex); 103km, 1500m climbing (w/o Apex)
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3351736341514144800
GPX File: Penticton Camp Day 2b
πSuggested Regroup Points:
- Base Group: Turnaround point on Green Mountain Road after FTP test and recovery.β
- Extended Group: Apex Mountain Resort parking area.β
π§ Coaching Points:
FTP Test Protocol:
- Warm-Up: 20β30 minutes, including 2x 1-minute high-cadence efforts.β
- Test Efforts: 2x 8-minute maximal steady-state efforts with a 10-minute recovery in between.β
- Cool Down: 15β20 minutes of easy spinning.β
- Pacing: Even pacing during test efforts; avoid starting too hard.β
- Data Recording: Ensure you record power and heart rate data for post-ride analysis.β
- Extended Group: Focus on sustained climbing techniques and energy management during the Apex Mountain ascent.
π‘Ride Tips:
- Hydration: Carry sufficient water; limited refill points along the route.β
- Nutrition: Consume a carbohydrate-rich snack post-FTP test to aid recovery.β
- Gear Selection: Recommended compact gearing for the Apex climb.
- Safety: Watch out for wildlife and variable weather conditions at higher elevations.
Tuesday β’ Day 3: Paceline Practice + OK Falls Loop
π― Focus: Group riding skills, smooth tempo riding, drafting efficiency
π Start time 11am
π Distance:
- Base Route: ~50 km
- Extended Route (includes Secrest Hill): ~80 km
π Duration:
- Base Route: ~2 hours
- Extended Route (Secrest Hill): ~3.5 hours
π Elevation Gain:
- Base: ~650 m
- Extended: ~950β1,000 m
π Route Type: Large loop with a natural short/long split option. On the Extended Route return, extra distance and climbing can be included by leaving OK Falls via McLean Creek Rd, instead of riding more directly using Eastside Road immediately upon leaving OK Falls.
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3345839155112932716
GPX File: Paceline Practice + Secrest
πSuggested Regroup Points:
- Base and Extended Group: Kenyon Park in OK Falls – Facilities available; good spot for a brief rest and refuel.β
- Extended Group: Canco Gas +One Stop Convenience – Natural pause before tackling Secrest Hill Road.β
- Extended Group: Intersection of Secrest Road and Willowbrook Road – Natural pause after tackling Secrest.
- Extended Group: Intersection of Green Lake Road and Okanagan Highway – Final regroup after descending The Wall and reaching OK Falls, before the return leg to Penticton.β
π§ Coaching Points:
Paceline Skills:
- Practice single paceline formations on Eastside Road.β
- Remember, smooth transitions off the front, consistent effort, and clear communication.β
Tempo Pacing:
- Ride steady tempo efforts when pulling on the front on flat sections. Maintaining Zone 3 power/heart rate, RPE 5-6.
Climbing Technique:
- On McLean Creek Road and SecrestΒ Road, try seated vs. standing climbing. Choose efficient gears – “Use your gears, not your legs.”
π‘Ride Tips:
- Hydration & Nutrition: Carry sufficient fluids and snacks; limited resupply points on extended route.β
- Safety: Be cautious at intersections, especially when transitioning from rural roads to busier highways.β
- Equipment: Ensure your bike is in good working order, particularly brakes and gears, due to varied terrain.β
Wednesday β’ Day 4: Recovery Ride β Skaha Bluff Spin
π― Focus: Recovery, mobility, and social riding
π Start time 11am
π Distance: ~30β35 km
π Duration: 1.5 hours
π Elevation Gain: ~200β250 m
π Route Type: Out-and-back
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3349183700062661206
GPX File: Skaha Bluff Spin
π§ Coaching Points:
- Today is a recovery ride, so use high cadence, easy spin: 90β100 RPM
- Focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing, through your nose as much as possible, flushing legs
- Keep to RPE 2β3 β nothing above endurance zone
π‘Ride Tips:
- Meet up post-ride at The Bench, 368 Vancouver Ave.
- Debrief group dynamics so far
- If you’ve been ignoring it, try some light stretching and/or a mobility session post-ride
- Group chat session: βWhatβs Working in My Riding Right Now?β
TBD: Group dinner 6:30pm at Pizzeria Tratto.
Thursday β’ Day 5: Remote Start β Camp Boyle + Garnet Valley Explorer
π― Focus: Sustained climbing + terrain variety
π Start time 10am leaving Penticton/Tiki Shores to drive to Sun-Oka
π Start Location: Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park, Summerland
π Distance:
- Base Route: ~60 km
- Extended (includes Garnet Valley): ~80 km
- Ambitious Add-On: ~85 km w/ Giantβs Head, amazing views, sharp gradients (10β12%), tight switchbacks
π Duration:
- Base: 2.5β3 hrs
- Extended: 3.5 hrs
- Ambitious: 4+ hrs
π Elevation Gain:
- Base: ~800 m
- Extended: ~1,150 m
- Ambitious: ~1,300+ m
Full Loop Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3349191811288430166
GPX File: Sun-Oka Provincial Park
πSuggested Regroup Points:
- Camp Boyle Sign Pullout
- End of pavement on Garnet Valley Rd
- Giantβs Head Summit Viewpoint (optional group photo op)
π§ Coaching Points:
- Watch your out-and-back pacing: donβt overextend on first climbs
- Look for Zone 2 whenever you aren’t climbing
- Garnet Valley is great for tempo Zone 3 pacing: sustained low gradients
- Lots of technical descents today. Keep a low descending posture and brake before entering corners
π‘Ride Tips:
- Bring at least 2 bottles and backup nutrition
- Review next-day Queen Stage plans and ask questions today! Keep a bit in the tank (maybe take a pass on Giant’s Head) if you plan to go long tomorrow
Friday β’ Day 6: Queen Stage β Penticton Ironman Bike Course Loop
π― Focus: Endurance, fuelling, mental pacing
π Start Time 9am
π Distance: ~170 km
π Duration: 7 hrs – Plan to leave no later than 9am
π Elevation Gain: ~1,800 m
π Route Type: Large loop
π½οΈ Post-Ride Group Dinner
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3084215969313818308
GPX File: Almost the Ironman
πSuggested Ironman Regroup Points:
- Osoyoos Visitor Centre β water & snacks before heading to Keremeos
- Top of Richter Pass β photo stop, short regroup
- Subway/Canco Gas Station, Hwy 3 and Hwy 3a in Keremeos β refuel stop
- Yellow Lake summit or Twin Lakes gas station (if bypassing the Green Mountain return)
- Intersection of Apex Mountain Road and Green Mountain Road – after all the climbing for the day has been finished!
Anarchist Option – Depart with the Ironman group and part ways in Osoyoos, where you’ll head east and climb Anarchist, up to the Sasquatch statue. 170km, 6:30hrs. Plan to leave no later than 9am.
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3349470429971770458
GPX File: Penticton to Anarchist Sasquatch
πSuggested Anarchist Regroup Points:
- Osoyoos Visitor Centre β water & snacks before heading up Anarchist
- Sasquatch Statue – peak of Anarchist, group photo-op, rehydrate, refuel and layer up for the descent back into Osoyoos
- Tim Hortons on Crowsnest Hwy in Osoyoos – Refuel before riding back to Penticton
π§ Coaching Points:
- Nutrition game plan is critical: aim for 60β90g carbs/hr
- Today is all about mental pacing: βRide the second half strongβ
- Great opportunity to focus on aero positioning and efficiencyΒ on any downhills and into any headwinds (there will be many!)
- Through and off rolling group rotations on flatter sections to keep everyone fresh and strong the whole day.
π‘Ride Tips:
- Bring ID, debit/credit card, spare tubes (even tubeless riders!), mini-pump, CO2
- Soft regroupingβno long waits unless absolutely necessary
- Plan group celebration dinner at Saltyβs Beach House, Hooded Merganser, or Hillside Winery Bistro
Saturday β’ Day 7: Naramata Bench Spin or KVR Adventure Loop
π― Focus: Enjoyment, celebration, active recovery
π Start time 11am
π Distance:
- Option 1 (Bench Spin): 40β50 km
- Option 2 (KVR Gravel Loop): ~65 km
π Duration:
- Option 1: ~2 hrs
- Option 2: ~3β3.5 hrs
π Elevation Gain:
- Option 1: ~500 m
- Option 2: ~750 m
π Route Type:
- Option 1: Out-and-back
- Option 2: Mixed-surface loop
β Route Descriptions:
Option 1: Naramata Bench Spin
- Similar route as Day 1 (Naramata Rd to village + return) but omit Indian Rock and Chute Lake to keep it easy
- Add small detours to Poplar Grove Rd or Munson Mountain viewpoints
- Casual coffee stop or bakery visit in Naramata before spinning back to Penticton
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3349422590243254708
GPX File: Naramata Bench Spin
Option 2: KVR Adventure Loop
- Start from Tiki Shores and climb up to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail access point via Vancouver Ave
- Enter the KVR Trail, a well-packed gravel path
- Ride to the Little Tunnel (~11β12 km up) for incredible views
- Continue north to ParkingβKettle Valley Trail Access near Chute Lake Rd
- Descend via Chute Lake Rd (paved) β Orchard Lane β Naramata Wharf
- Return to Penticton with a side stop at Munson Mountain Lookout
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3349455595926657180
GPX File: KVR Adventure Loop
πSuggested Regroup Points:
- Naramata Village (Option 1 and 2)
- Little Tunnel Viewpoint (Option 2)
- Chute Lake Rd turn (Option 2)
π§ Coaching Points:
- Reflective rideβshare your favourite moments from the week
- Practice relaxed posture, brake-free cornering on gravel
- Remember to hydrate and fuel even if the pace is chill
- Take some photos at Little Tunnel and the Naramata Wharf
π‘Ride Tips:
- Tire Pressure: Use slightly lower PSI when doing the KVR loop (especially if youβre on 28c+ tires)
- KVR Surface: Usually well-graded but expect light gravel and dustβroad bikes are fine if ridden carefully
- Post-Ride Plan: Drop in at The Bench Coffee Shop for a bite to eat!
Optional Routes
Of course you can also choose your own adventure. Besides all of the above routes, here are a few others you might like:
Oliver to Golf Course Road (similar to the last half of the Penticton Gran Fondo), 100km, ~4:15hrs
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2954444695410528228
GPX File: Oliver-Golf Course-Kaleden
Head to OK Falls, climb The Wall and head back via Green Mountain Road, 110km, ~4:15hrs.
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3084217823933229588
GPX File: OK Falls – The Wall – Green MTN
Mostly Flat(!) to Oliver and turning back on Saskatoon Ave from Black Sage Road, 100km, 800m elevation, 4hrs
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3087428544548606790
GPX File: Oliver-Saskatoon-Bike-Path
Sunday
Travel day to return home.
Please email Coach Kevin to let him know your plans to attend: [email protected]
Accommodations: Many of us will be staying at the Tiki Shores Motel, 914 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC. Phone to book your own room: (250)-492-8769
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Always carry your ID.
If any mishap happens to you or another rider in your group:
- Ensure you are safely off the road.
- Call 911
- Station a rider to direct traffic away from the scene.
- While waiting for 911 help to arrive, administer any first aid you know that will help.
- Send a cyclist for help if necessary, or to direct emergency services to the site.
- Nearest Hospital is: Penticton Regional Hospital, 550 Carmi Ave, Penticton, BC V2A 3G6