Vineyards and Rail Trails in the South Okanagan

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Overview

Parts of the Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada have been likened to the grape vine covered rolling hills of southern France and Northern Italy. In addition to the scenic beauty of the South Okanagan Valley, with its lakes, quiet country roads and trails, the tour includes opportunities to learn about the cultural history of the First Nations, the history of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) system, experience wine tasting at one or more of the many boutique wineries along the routes and visit any of the craft beer breweries.

This semi-roaming tour will start and end in Kelowna. After a few days in Kelowna, we cycle to stay in Penticton for a few days, then to Osoyoos for another 3 day stay before cycling back to Penticton to stay a night, before taking a shuttle back to Kelowna. There are 3 mandatory ride days when moving between communities, covering distances between 70 - 85 km (43-53 mi).

There will be an organized cycle tour of historic Myra Canyon in Kelowna, which follows a 24 km section of the historical Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) over 18 trestles and through 2 tunnels. This is a well maintained, relatively level trail offering spectacular views of the Canyon and the distant Okanagan Lake. Bicycles with a minimum width of 1.5 inches (38 mm) are recommended.

The mandatory ride from Kelowna to Penticton, includes 62 km (38.5 miles) of gravel, suitable for a minimum tire width of 2-3 inches (51 to 76 mm). The use of a road bike is NOT RECOMMENDED for this ride. For the best experience on this day, rental bikes are available at an additional cost of approximately $50.

Optional rides on the other days vary in distance and terrain, mostly on the road, with a range of 20-117 km (14-73 mi) / 100 -1217 m (328 - 4000 ft). One of the optional rides from Osoyoos will cross the border so you will need your passport.

E-bikes may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Tandems will not be accepted due to the equipment used to carry the bikes for the various shuttles.

This is the third time we are offering this ride. We have incorporated some great suggestions from the first group of riders in 2022.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations for Covid are recommended, but not required.

Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating

This tour is rated as 2B and has 3 required riding days with an average distance of 71 km (44 mi) and average elevation of 764 m (2570 ft).

The ride from Kelowna to Penticton will be on 75 km (47 mi) of mixed gravel surfaces following the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). The average 2% grade downhill includes some rocky and sandy sections.

The use of a road bike is NOT RECOMMENDED for this ride. For the best experience on this day, rental bikes are available at an additional cost to participants of approximately $50 per person.

The shuttle company, based in Penticton, will pick the group up at the Kelowna Hotel, transport them to the starting point of the KVR, then return to the hotel to pickup participants’ bikes , which they will deliver to the Penticton hotel.

The average riding is 56-80 km (35 - 50 miles) with no sustained climbs. On some optional rides you can expect short climbs of grades of 8 to 10% and up to 1217 m. (4000 ft) elevation and 117 km (73 mi) distance in a day. One optional ride crosses the border into the US and has long distances between water, food and shelter.

One of the optional rides involves riding on a narrow shoulder beside a busy highway for approximately 7 km (4 mi) so we’ll coordinate a group shuttle if needed.

Cue Sheets, Maps and GPS files

GPS files for all routes including those for optional days will be created using Ride with GPS (RWGPS).  Riders need to download all digital routes from RWGPS prior to arriving for the tour. A link will be provided well before the tour to all the GPS files in an "Event" and you will be able to download all the files to your computer, bicycle computer or smartphone. You will also be able to print maps and cue sheets if wanted

Note: It is up to the rider to know how to use his or her GPS device and/or RWGPS on your smartphone before the trip begins. 

Weather

September temperatures in the Okanagan range from average lows 43F (6C) to average highs of 74F (23C). Be prepared for unexpected rain each day.

Lodging and Meals

Accommodation will be in 2.5 to 4 star hotels for 12 nights. All hotels are close to services. We will stay in Kelowna for 5 nights, Penticton for 4 nights, and in Osoyoos for 3 nights.

This tour includes accommodation, daily breakfasts, daily social hour with snacks and beverages, and 4 group dinners.

Logistics

The tour starts and ends in Kelowna. Riders can fly or drive there.  Major airlines that fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) are Westjet and Air Canada. Take a taxi or Uber to the hotel for US $20-25.

The ride starts with a social hour at 6 pm at the hotel in Kelowna on Monday Sept 8, 2025 and ends in Kelowna on Saturday Sept 20, 2025, after breakfast.

You may leave your empty bike boxes at the hotel during our bike tour.

Riders are asked to bring two small carry-on bags (able to carry on a plane) each weighing less than 25 pounds, rather than larger suitcases that are hard to lift and pack on to the van. Larger luggage can be stored at the hotel in Kelowna during the tour.

Free parking is provided at the hotel for those travelling by car.

Bike rentals are the responsibility of participants. Ask your tour leader for suggestions.

Cost and Administration

The estimated cost of this bike tour is $2800 plus the $85 BAC registration fee.    This cost includes 12 nights lodging, 4 group dinners, daily breakfasts, daily social hours with snacks and beverages (when it takes place in a bar, one drink per participant is included), luggage transport on required ride days, any required shuttles, and RideWithGPS tracks which provides downloads to gpx tracks, and to smart phones. 

The trip cost may be adjusted if there is a significant change in the USD/CAD exchange rate. The budget used $1 Cdn = $.80 US. If there is an adjustment in the cost, this will be reflected in the final payment.

The initial deposit is $1500 and is due within 2 weeks of registering for the ride. The final payment of $1300 is due no later than June 1, 2025.

Singles and Solo Policy

It is recommended that singles find their own roommate, but we will assist with finding a roommate if that is not possible, until which time they will remain on the waitlist.

If singles are unable to find a roommate by 14 January 2025, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the solo supplement ($1300) and stay on the ride.

If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by 15 January 2025 by check or Zelle. Make checks payable to “BAC” and mail to Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. Send Zelle payments to treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org. Indicate the ride name when using either method.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY 

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.

All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.

Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE

Before participating in any BAC tour, members should review their medical coverage and assess whether what you have is sufficient. If it isn’t, you should purchase additional travel medical coverage.

While in the US:  BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents. This coverage applies when touring inside the US, regardless of your nationality. It’s assumed that members’ personal insurance will cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, so these have not been included in the BAC policy. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. You may want to consider personal coverage for emergency evacuation, as this is not included. The costs of treatment or quarantine for Covid and other unexpected illnesses are not covered. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

While in Canada:  BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US, regardless of your nationality, with the exception of Canadians cycling within Canada who are not covered. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

SIGN UP

To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card.

As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description