Bangers Bikepacking

Bangers Bikepacking – North Okanagan, Canada

• Date: September 11-13, 2026
• Location: North Okanagan, BC, Canada
• Distances: Custom DIY routes
• Event Type: Bikepacking rally & film contest

Bangers Bikepacking is a creative bikepacking event in BC set in the North Okanagan, inviting small teams of riders to chart their own course over a weekend of exploration. Structured as a rally rather than a race, the event is a celebration of community, self-reliance, and adventure. Teams of three to five riders design their own two-day route, starting in Lumby, camping overnight near Lake Country, and returning to the start. The focus is not on speed, but on the journey itself and the stories that unfold along the way.

The format encourages resourcefulness and teamwork. Each team is responsible for navigating their chosen path, managing their own food, and carrying their camping equipment. The challenge lies in creating the most interesting route and documenting the experience. The landscape of the North Okanagan provides a varied canvas for this bikepacking event in BC, with countless gravel roads, forest tracks, and quiet paved sections to discover. The region’s rolling terrain offers opportunities for significant elevation gain or more relaxed, scenic pedalling, depending on the team's chosen adventure.

On Saturday, teams depart from Lumby in the morning, with a set arrival window in the late afternoon at the designated camping area near Lake Country. Sunday follows a similar pattern, with a morning departure from camp and an afternoon finish back in Lumby. These time windows ensure a shared sense of purpose and a collective atmosphere at the start and finish, while allowing complete freedom out on the route. This rhythm provides a gentle structure to a weekend that is otherwise defined by the riders' own choices and discoveries.

Community is at the heart of the Bangers experience. While on the road, teams are self-sufficient units, but the evenings are for gathering at the designated campgrounds. It’s a chance to share stories from the day, connect with fellow riders, and enjoy the shared space. This informal gathering is for riders of all abilities and bike types, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. The event emphasizes being a good neighbour and team player, ensuring the spirit remains collaborative and fun throughout the weekend.

A unique element of this bikepacking event in BC is its film component. Each team is tasked with creating a short video, a maximum of three minutes long, capturing the essence of their adventure. These films are submitted after the ride and showcased at an online watch party, with a grand prize awarded. This adds a layer of creative expression to the physical act of riding, encouraging teams to look for unique moments and compelling stories. It’s a chance to document the challenges, the landscapes, and the simple joy of riding with friends.

This event is part of a growing movement of self-supported riding and a fine example of the diverse other gravel events in Canada. It’s an invitation to engage with the landscape on your own terms. It’s not a formal, paid event; participants are responsible for their own food and camping costs, which adds to the DIY spirit. For complete details and to register your team for this unique bikepacking event in BC, please visit the official event website.