If you’re already familiar with the Croken Classic you can go straight to the tech guide (and registration) Here
This year’s event will take place on September 26, 2026

If you’re new to the Croken Classic, read on!

The Croken Classic started as a single ride back in 2016. The city of Edmonton pulled permits for cyclocross racing and with athletes revved up with no events to attend, I created a gravel ride on the day of one of the events.

What started out as a single-day ride has morphed over the years into an event that many people look forward to. Always in October to ensure that we don’t have perfect conditions, the Croken Classic is known for being a challenging ride; here we gather to test their mettle on gravel. Cold weather? Great! Windy? Even better. Snow or rain? The best. 

Why join in on the Croken Classic calamity? The gravel is great, the company is even better. You’ll be surrounded by a bunch of soon-to-be friends who are out to push their limits. Winter is coming and this might just be your last big hurrah for the season. Riding your bike is more fun than another awkward family dinner. You’ll want to earn that turkey anyway. 

“Great vibes, stoked group of people! Beautiful area to tour! Happy to be able to keep up with the lead group for the first half.”

“A sufferfest! Enjoyed the sense of community!”

“I like the fact that it's got a quirky and maverick feel to it.”

“Extremely challenging fall gravel ride made worse depending on the conditions but an experience with nature and great friends worth every watt. A great way to cap off the year.”

“The route was great and the group I rode with worked together and supported each other. My favourite part was getting back to the heat garage - it was freezing!”

2023 brought the biggest crowd to date with well over 150 cyclists showing up to test their mettle. For 2024, we will be capping registration to 220 riders due to venue limits.

With two options, the Classic Croken at 103km and the Cordial Croken, at 63km, will take you through some of Central Alberta’s finest gravel. While we may be on the prairies, there will be no shortage of climbing to test your legs and your mental fortitude. Should the weather be like last years, with pouring rain, an alternate, paved route will be provided. The Croken Classic runs rain, snow, sleet or shine.

There will be timing chips for all registrants, but the main goal of the Croken Classic is to push riders to their limits, whether it’s riding faster on gravel than ever before or stepping up to the Classic version of the route for your first metric century on gravel. Comradery has been a staple of the ride since day one, second only to suffering on the bike.

There are limited signs on course, however we recommend putting the course map on your bike computer. A gpx file will be provided that you can upload to your bike computer.  There will be a medic stationed midway, which should the worst happen, will ensure that you can be taken care of swiftly. 

Being self-sufficient is not only best practice but essential for this ride, as there will not be a roving mechanic. There are no opportunities for refueling on the Cordial version of the route. The Classic version passes through Winfield which has a corner store, which might be open.

Post ride, there will be a bbq ( with vegan options), snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks provided. There will also be a beer garden where you can socialize with your fellow riders!

Thanks again to our sponsors

Blindman Brewing is a Lacombe based brewery who has been a long time supporter of all things ERTC. Not only are they helping us out with the beer for the beer garden but they are also providing non-alcoholic hop water for those who steer clear of the beer. https://www.blindmanbrewing.com/

Flexion Bike Fit is an Edmonton-based bike fit studio. Cody understands the mechanics of how our bodies work with our bikes beyond just comfort. If you’re looking to maximize your performance through bike fit, Cody is your guy. If you’re lucky, you’ll be the winner of the bike fit that he is donating to the draw prizes. www.flexionbikefit.com

Arbys. Another company that needs no introduction. Rob Louie, owner of the Millwoods and Sherwood Park Arbys, will generously be supplying us with the post-race food.

Hardcore Bikes is one of the staples of the Edmonton riding scene. Their shop offers everything you need to have a great time on your bike. Whether you need a new bike of any discipline or some service to breathe new life into your current bike, they are a must-visit. Not only are they supplying door prizes, they’ll also be the sag wagon, collecting any riders at the end of the day that may have found their limit on the course.www.hardcorebikes.ca

United Sport is one of Edmonton’s longest-running family-owned bike shops. Two of their bike experts will not only be there with door prizes but they’ll also be racing themselves. Look out for Jesse and Mia, both who are doing the Classic distance. www.unitedsport.ca

Trek needs no introduction. While they may be one of the largest bike brands in the world, they still love supporting local events like ours. Clint, the regional rep, is not only supplying door prizes and racing the event, but he’ll also be on site afterwards to answer any questions you may have about any of the latest bikes they’ve released recently. https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/

Cup and Handle, an artisan coffee shop run by Mike, out of the frunk of his cyber truck will on be onsite bright and early. He’ll be serving up delicious brews of craft coffee, by donation. Pay what you can the morning of the event.

Get Lost Outfitters is the latest bike shop to open in Edmonton. Like the others, they’ll be adding to our large repertoire of door prizes! https://getlostoutfitters.ca/

To see a sample of the terrain, check out the video below!