Before gravel bikes were a thing, we were all on our cross bikes.
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.
The long verision, The Classic Croken
The short version, The Cordial Croken
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
Good Goods Co is a Edmonton based start up that brings a highly curated line up of the finest Canadian goods under one roof. Unique wares ranging from art, to food to an entire line up of refillable products are what you’ll find if you pop by their storefront or website, www.goodgoodsco.ca This year, they’ll be providing unique gift bags to a few lucky riders.
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 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. If you’re looking to optimize your comfort and performance on anything with two wheels, give Cody a call. He’ll be donating one full bike fit session this year. www.flexionbikefit.com
Rob Louie, the owner of the Millwoods and Sherwood Park Arbys will be on site providing post race ride Arby melts for all participants.
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 disclipline 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 have a mechanic on site for any last minute tweaks you might need after the race as well as an array of the latest gravel bikes that you won’t want to miss. www.hardcorebikes.ca
Trek Bikes, one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world doesn’t forget about the local events like the Croken Classic. Not only will they be providing door prizes, Clint, the rep for Trek in Alberta will be on site with the latest gravel offerings such as the Checkmate, should you have any questions. https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/
Little Brick is a community oriented cafe, general store, and event space in the heart of Edmonton. https://littlebrick.ca/
To see a sample of the terrain, check out the video below!