The Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo 2026 takes place annually in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada, and is known for being the oldest gravel fondo in Western Canada and one of North America’s most scenic gravel fondos. Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo 2026 is a Gran Fondo World Tour – Gravel Series event, part of the Triple Crown Gravel Series, and rated by Stambecco as one of the best Gravel Grinders in the Pacific Northwest and in Canada.

The Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo celebrates gravel cycling and the history and scenery of the Okanagan Valley. It starts in Penticton, beside Lake Okanagan at Okanagan Lake Park, and finishes in East Kelowna. Along the way, participants experience the stunning vistas and landscapes of the valley while pushing themselves to the limit.

The event takes place on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a multi-use recreational trail once a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The trail, which features a maximum of 2.2% grade, passes through Myra Canyon Provincial Park and offers panoramic views of crystal clear lakes, wildflower-blanketed canyons, historic trestles, and shaded decommissioned railway tunnels.

Participants can choose from three distances: the Medio Fondo (approx. 50kms) for beginners or recreational cyclists, the Full Fondo (approx. 100kms) for intermediate to advanced level cyclists, and the Full Fondo Plus (approx. 138+ km) for the more experienced cyclist. In addition, a two-day stage race covers 112 km from Princeton to Penticton on day one and 100 km from Penticton to Kelowna on day two.

Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo attracts cyclists from all levels of fitness and experience. While the most common bikes at the event are gravel or cyclo-cross, some participants choose to ride mountain, road, touring, or hybrids. It’s worth noting that suspension mountain bikes are not necessary for the event, and wider tires with less air and disc brakes are recommended for added comfort and traction.

Upon finishing the event, riders will find that a celebratory gathering awaits, featuring a hearty post-event meal, refreshing beer, a commemorative T-shirt, a bottle of wine, and a plethora of raffle prizes. Individual and team contests are available for every event, with teams comprising either two or four members.

Tri 1 Events produces the popular Triple Crown of Gravel Series, which includes Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo, Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo, and the Cowichan Crusher Gravel Fondo.