Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… The Cowichan Crusher Gravel Fondo 2027 is the oldest gran fondo on Vancouver Island and is an excellent opportunity for cyclists to explore the natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley. With routes for all levels of riders and the opportunity to participate as an individual or part of a team, the event is produced by Tri 1 Events, a premier event production company in British Columbia. The event is part of the Triple Crown Gravel Series and rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Northwest and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Canada across all categories.

The Cowichan Valley is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, and the area is known for its diverse and stunning natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains. The Cowichan Crusher Gravel Fondo 2027 features several routes that take riders through the beautiful and rugged terrain of the region, passing by farms, vineyards, and other rural landscapes. Along the way, riders will encounter various wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and deer. The event will start and finish in the town of Lake Cowichan, located on the shore of Cowichan Lake, and will feature at least 75% minimum or more gravel roads or trails.

The route options vary in length and difficulty, with options for all levels of riders, with the shortest route around ~35 kilometers (22 miles) long and the longest being ~160 kilometers (100 miles) long. The routes are primarily on gravel roads and feature challenging climbs, descents, and some technical sections. The event has several participant categories, including individual and team, with teams consisting of two or four riders.

The Piccolo or Beginner Fondo, approximately 25 kilometers long, is designed for beginner to intermediate cyclists, providing a manageable yet scenic ride around the area. The Medio Fondo extends about 55 kilometers, also beginning and ending in Lake Cowichan, and is suitable for those who have some cycling experience but are not looking for an overly demanding course. For more seasoned riders, the Full Fondo covers roughly 95 kilometers and challenges intermediate to expert cyclists with its longer distance and more complex terrain, making it ideal for those seeking a rigorous ride. The Full Fondo Plus (NEW FOR 2025!) adds additional distance and difficulty. All routes start and conclude in the picturesque setting of Lake Cowichan. The Medio Fondo and Full Fondo each have one aid station available for participants.

For the Cowichan Crusher Gravel Fondo, the best type of bike to use is one with fatter tires to allow for lower pressures, enhancing comfort and performance on gravel. Suitable options include gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, touring bikes, and even road bikes or e-bikes, although road bikes might be less comfortable due to high tire pressures and hard gearing.