May 25, 2018 (West Carlton, ON) – When former national team rider, Brendan Gorman, fell for gravel racing, he fell hard. So much so that the Kinburn-area resident is establishing what he calls the first gravel training race series in Canada — the Kinburn Kermesse for the next 15 weeks – from May 23-Sept 26.
“The local training events, crit, TT, RR, were in Quebec or the east end of Ottawa. Nothing in the west. I wanted something closer especially with my three-year-old and six-month-old sons. I also fell in love with gravel riding,” says Gorman. “The Kinburn Kermesse circuit had been on my mind for a long time. It’s unique, there is scenic nature and it’s easy to have an event on.”
The 14-race series requires a UCI or Citizen Permit licence and is open to riders of any and all skill level. The price is set at $90 for the series, or $20 per race.
Although some will be there to race – with credentials to back it up – Gorman is hoping the series will be a welcoming place for all skill levels and experience.
“We are gearing the race towards anyone who is interested in or think they may be interested in gravel riding or racing. Any ability, any speed or fitness level. The most important thing is inclusiveness,” says Gorman. “I don’t want to exclude anyone as long as they have the required licenses. The more serious people will race and everyone else will have fun. Young, old, whatever. Although a cyclocross or gravel bike is recommended it is possible to safely do the course on a road bike with 25mm tires.”
The 15-km route is a mixture of gravel and asphalt and takes place on country roads in West Carlton, north of Kanata, with only two stop signs, where race marshals will be posted to ensure safety. During the week, there will be three laps, and four on weekend training days.
“West Carleton has some of the greatest gravel roads in the area and I know them all,” Gorman explains.
Adding to what will surely be a fun social atmosphere, the training races will actually begin at Gorman’s house, located one kilometre from the loop. People will register in his garage before pedalling out. Although he’s uncertain about turnout, more than 100 people have expressed interest on the series Facebook page, and he is hoping 30-40 cyclists will attend.
“So far we have former pro mountain biker Evan McNeely who was our very first signup online, Connor O’Brien from H&R Block Pro Cycling is ‘Going,’ and others are ‘Interested’ such as Natasha Elliott, Matteo Dal-Cin, Derrick St-John and local gravel guru Matt Surch,” says Gorman. “My brother Charlie, a former pro will be there to ride and is the team manager of the host club Nine2fivepro cycling.”
Gorman is a former national team member and Junior road race champion (1996), and currently races Masters 1. The event is co-organized by Alain Villeneuve, a fellow lover of gravel racing. They hope to incite the same kind of appreciation in others by creating a series that is competitive but also high on good times.
“I envision a social aspect that will be just as important if not more so than the race,” says Gorman. “This is the essence of gravel racing as I’ve discovered and embraced. Inclusiveness, and a fun social atmosphere.”
For more information, check out the Kinburn Kermesse Facebook page here.
Look for our report on the May 23 launch shortly.