The TBFS Ditchbank Adventure Metric!

We're doing it again! We had so much fun the first time that we decided to do it again this Spring, so be sure to mark your calendars for this one. 65 miles with more than half the route being the Friant-Kern Canal. Come enjoy beautiful up-close views of the Sierra foothills to the East as we make our way from Belmont/Trimmer Springs up to Friant along one of the best hidden gravel routes in the Valley. This will be a B-C paced gravel ride, so approximately 14-17 mph on the road portions, and approximately 11-15 mph along the gravel portion... pacing, not racing. This is a no-drop ride so anyone is welcome to ride, but please consider your endurance level so we don't hold up the rest of the group.

What to expect... There are a few gates. Eight pairs for a total of sixteen, to be exact. Most of these gates are easily navigable, but a few will require crawling through barbed wire. The gates are about three feet tall, and ride leaders will be available to help lift the bikes over. If bringing an e-bike, please make sure it's no heavier than 50 lbs.. Several of the gates can simply be walked around without too much hassle. There are a few short climbs, but the majority of the route is flat. There is one climb North of Auberry Rd. that is a little challenging, but we will regroup at the top to make sure everyone gets up the hill.

The Route... We meet up in front of the shop at 8:45 AM, and we will roll out at 9:00 AM. We start by cutting through the neighborhood at Armstrong to Belmont, and then Belmont all the way to the entrance of the Friant-Kern Canal at Trimmer Springs (approximately 15 miles). From there, we head up the Friant-Kern Canal to Millerton Rd. at the town of Friant (approximately 30 miles of gravel). We make the quick descent into the town of Friant and will stop for lunch at The Pizza Factory. From there, we head down Friant Rd. to Willow, and then will take Willow to Shephard, Shephard to Temperance, and then Temperance and Armstrong back to the shop (approximetely 20 miles).

Rest Stops... We have three rest stops and a lunch break scheduled. Every stop is spaced approximately fifteen miles apart, and SAG is available for those who need to tap out early. The first Rest Stop is at the entrance of the Friant-Kern Canal on Belmont/Trimmer Springs. The second Rest Stop is at Auberry Rd. at the entance of the Fresno Pistol and Rifle Club. The next stop is lunch at The Pizza Factory in the town of Friant (please bring a few bucks if you'd like to eat). The final Rest Stop is at the Dry Creek Trailhead at Shephard and Fowler.

Every Rest Stop will be stocked with ice cold waters and Gatorades, snack crackers, fresh fruit, and other assorted snacks. Please note that no toilet facilities will be available until the town of Friant.

What to Bring... Not sure what to expect with the weather, so we do recommend layers. Full finger gloves and wool socks, thermal arm and leg warmers and a lightweight windbreaker is ideal. Helmets are mandatory.

We recommend bringing along at last 2 bottles of water. The Rest Stops will have water available, but more than half the route is in no-man's land. Camelbaks or water reservoir packs are recommended.

PLEASE have fresh sealant and spare tubes! There are some thorns along the Friant-Kern Canal, so please take measures to prevent getting a flat. Make sure to bring along a spare tube and tools to change a flat. There will be several bike mechanics along on the ride so someone will be available to assist you should you get a flat.

Bring lunch money (if you plan to eat). We will be stopping for lunch at The Pizza Factory in the town of Friant, so please bring along a few bucks if you plan to order and eat. We will have free snacks and beverages available on the SAG vehicle.

We highly recommend bringing fully charged lights. We will be riding in traffic for about half of the route, and there is the possibility that some riders may be riding in past sundown. Pro tip: Turn your lights off for the gravel portion to conserve battery life.

Okay guys, we are really excited to be doing this ride again and fully expect a big turnout! This ride will be weather-permitting, and we will be updating everyone via social media as we get closer to the event date, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a beautiful and sunny day. If you have any questions about this event, please call the shop at (559) 255-RIDE, or email us at [email protected]

See you guys on February 17th!

Host or Publisher Trek Bicycle Fresno Sunnyside