Road and Gravel Biking in the Okanagan: A Rider's Take

By the Fresh Air team, based on a conversation with Charlie, one of Fresh Air Kelowna's Bike Experts | August 2026

Biking in the Okanagan is all about logging kilometres on pavement past the lakeshore, on gravel roads out toward the KVR, or both in the same ride. Fresh Air Kelowna's Charlie has done all three for six years, so we caught up with him to get some answers on the new Norco lineup, what's driving more Okanagan riders onto road and gravel, and the exact list he packs before a ride. 

Never before has there been so many new riders on the road, learning a new sport, achieving milestones in their fitness journey, making more friends, a growing the community around it.
— Charlie, Fresh Air Staff

What's Charlie's History With Road and Gravel Biking in the Okanagan?

“I have been riding in the Okanagan for about 6 years now, with a large focus on road bikes and now expanding to gravel riding as well.

My road riding experience has involved many solo adventures between borders Vernon and West Kelowna, with some group riding along side Volant in the past couple seasons. My typical loops involve many passes out/back lakeshore and the rolling hills of East Kelowna, as well as longer pedals out Glenmore through McKinley and lake country.

Recently the gravel riding has included utilizing the rail trail out to Vernon, and some loops up and around the KVR via local service roads, although there is so much more to be explored over the hills.”

What’s the New Norco Bike Line at Fresh Air?

“Norco is a local Canadian brand that makes bikes great for so many riders. Some of the options that we think are great for riders around, include the Norco Torrent, and its amazing ride ability at the local parks, as well as the new Fluid coming in at such an awesome price that it gets almost anyone onto the local trail systems, like Knox, Smith Creek, or the lower Crawford trails.

Aside from the two models mentioned, there are many more offered that fit into more specific mountain bike categories. For those wanting anything from a cross country rig to a bike ready to climb and descend the steepest tech out there, something is available.

Why these bikes are so great comes to another point mentioned, a brand designed and tested in the trails of British Columbia, means you know its going to perform well wherever you take as we're home to some of the greatest freeride mountain biking to exist.

Last but not least, Norco is producing full suspension bikes for young and up n' coming riders, getting kids onto trails they never could before. This is great for parents who want to keep riding the trails they love, but want to make sure the whole family can enjoy some of the fun.”

Norco at Fresh Air All-Stars

• Norco Torrent (pictured above): full-suspension bike built for local bike parks

• Norco Fluid: the new value-priced pick Charlie points beginners toward for trails like Knox and Crawford

• Full Norco lineup: cross-country through steep-tech enduro builds, plus full-suspension bikes sized for kids

Why Are Road and Gravel Biking Growing in the Okanagan?

“I think road and gravel biking have seen such a growth in popularity within recent years, especially in younger adults, due to the community it brings. Never before has there been so many new riders on the road, learning a new sport, achieving milestones in their fitness journey, making more friends, a growing the community around it. With the help of social media, people can now see where riding can take them, that no other sport accomplishes.

Although road and gravel vary slightly in the aspects of the sport, I think both are growing as they can be interchanged a bit more than you may think. Gravel bikes are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a wide variety utility on different terrains, and still carry speed down the road with a fast rolling tire. Road bikes on the other hand, and growing in popularity as they get people into group rides where speed is easier to carry, and are tool for another sport growing rapidly in popularity, triathlons.

I hope to see this growth continue as I've never been able to enjoy the sport with more people than now, and as someone with a background in Health Sciences, trust me, the mental, physical, and physiological benefits are huge for maintaining overall health.

This does create an ask however for those with experience to help show others the ways of the road, from skills, group ride etiquette, and safety when travelling among motor vehicles.

If you are new to the sport, have any questions, or are considering road and gravel as a sport, reach out to those around you who ride, or come on into the shop and have those questions answered! Speaking for myself and other experienced riders out there, please reach out for any questions as we will be happy to help, and would love to see you riding too.”

What Does Charlie Pack for a Road or Gravel Ride?

“When it comes to packing my ride essentials, I do keep a fairly short list for most rides, however I do recommend carrying some special items when going further.

Day to day rides, I always cary a spare tube, tire levers, a CO2 cartridge, and a multi tool. This will allow me to help myself, or a rider nearby, with a flat repair, quick geometry adjustment, or minor repairs to at least get back home or to the shop.

On the longer rides, a second tube and second CO2 can be useful, as well as a spare chain quick link (if your multi tool has the capability needed), bandages, small hand pump, and an extra pouch of chamois cream.

With my recent increase in gravel riding and wanting to adventure further into the mountains, key items I will be carrying in addition to this list (on longer more remote rides) some sort of GPS device with satellite maps, a knife, bear spray, mini water filter, and a tick removal tool. In the woods out past city limits you never know what may present, and it is good to be prepared for anything.

In addition to gear items, I almost always have a small snack in my bag or pocket, and a bottle of water. When it comes to riding in the heat, make sure you bring enough water for the duration of the ride, or a mini water filter if going places where fresh water may not be accessible.”

Charlie’s Ride Essentials

• Everyday rides: spare tube, tire levers, CO2 cartridge, multi-tool

• Long rides, add: second tube, second CO2 cartridge, chain quick link, bandages, hand pump, chamois cream

• Remote gravel rides, add: GPS device with satellite maps, knife, bear spray, mini water filter, tick removal tool

• Every ride: a snack and a bottle of water, more of both in the heat

Browse Fresh Air’s bike parts and bike accessories online or come into the store to chat with Charlie about his recommendations.

Ready to Gear Up for the Okanagan?

Six years and two disciplines in, Charlie's answer to “road or gravel” is, well, both! The Okanagan has the terrain for it: paved lakeshore loops, the rail trail to Vernon, service roads around the KVR, and now a Norco lineup built for whichever one you pick. If you're weighing your first road or gravel bike, or thinking about a Norco Torrent or Fluid for the trails at Knox or Crawford, stop by Fresh Air Kelowna or browse the current bike lineup online

Fresh Air Kelowna has outfitted Okanagan riders with bikes, gear, and expert service since 1981. Explore the current lineup, or book a bike fitting at one of our Kelowna locations today.

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