Forbidden Gravel Experience 2025

Cumberland’s Ultimate Gravel Ride

The Forbidden Gravel Experience 2025 takes place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Cumberland Village Park on Vancouver Island. As the final stop of the TREK BC Gravel Series, this event attracts gravel cyclists of all levels to tackle scenic yet challenging routes through the Comox Valley and surrounding forest roads.
Keep reading to discover key details on routes, registration, what to bring, and how to make the most of this gravel‑cycling event.

Event Overview

Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Location: Cumberland Village Park, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0
Series: Part of the 2025 TREK BC Gravel Series
Hosted By: Mosaic Forest Management, in partnership with Trek Bicycles & local municipalities

Schedule & Key Times

Date	Time	Activity
Saturday, Sept 6	10:00 AM – 5:30 PM	Package pick‑up at Trail Bicycles, Courtenay (1170 Cliffe Ave, V9N 2K1)
Sunday, Sept 7	07:30 AM – 09:00 AM	Race check‑in & bib collection at Cumberland Village Park
	09:15 AM	Rider briefing
	09:30 AM	Mass self‑seeded start (fastest riders in front)
	11:00 AM – 3:00 PM	Food trucks, drinks & spectator zone
	03:00 PM	Awards ceremony

Date

Time

Activity

Saturday, Sept 6

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Package pick‑up at Trail Bicycles, Courtenay (1170 Cliffe Ave, V9N 2K1)

Sunday, Sept 7

07:30 AM – 09:00 AM

Race check‑in & bib collection at Cumberland Village Park

09:15 AM

Rider briefing

09:30 AM

Mass self‑seeded start (fastest riders in front)

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Food trucks, drinks & spectator zone

03:00 PM

Awards ceremony

The Routes

Experience three sculpted courses—designed for gravel bikes—through private forest roads and sweeping Vancouver Island landscapes:

Impulso (~51 km) – Shorter, punchy terrain
Intermedio (~73 km) – Mid‑distance challenge
Esperto (~102 km) – The full-day epic

Routes may be fine‑tuned closer to race day—check final maps online
Categories include Open (ages 19–34), Youth (13–18), Masters (35+), plus special divisions for e‑Bikes and Vintage Bikes.

Why Attend?

Spectacular Terrain & Views

Ride private gravel roads through ancient forests, Comox Lake vistas, and climbs into the Beaufort Range. It’s rugged, remote, and stunningly beautiful—true West Coast riding.

Part of a Premier Island Series

Forbidden Gravel is the final stop in the 2025 Trek BC Gravel Series, joining events in Campbell River, Cowichan Valley, and Nanaimo—a showcase of the finest gravel terrain on Vancouver Island.

Community & Support

In partnership with Mosaic Forest Management and local councils—including Cumberland itself—this is as community-focused as it gets. Local dining & hospitality promos welcome participants and spectators alike.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Practical Visitor Information

Registration & Fees

Accommodation & Camping

Essentials to Bring

What to Do Before & After

✅ Explore Historic Cumberland: Quaint cafés, local galleries, and craft breweries make for a perfect post-ride cooldown.
✅ Extend Your Island Adventure: Consider visits to Comox, Courtenay, or nearby trails—this region is rich in nature and charm.
✅ Join the Community Spirit: Cheer on riders, mingle at food trucks, and celebrate in the awards area.

Forbidden Gravel Experience isn't just a ride—it’s an immersive outdoor test, a visual feast, and a tight-knit community gathering. Whether you're tackling the full Esperto or exploring Cumberland by spectating, this 2025 event offers challenge, scenery and local warmth.
Feeling the spark? Visit bcgravelseries.com to lock in your registration and snag the latest route info.
See you at the start line on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Cumberland Village Park—where Vancouver Island’s gravel meets your grit.
Ride hard, ride well, and most of all—enjoy the Forbidden Gravel Experience.

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