I did an unofficial pre ride on Sept. 12. and was reminded why this is one of my favourite 200s. I will ride it again on event day. Expect a chilly start. I registered 4.5C at the top of Hadow Rd. Some rough pavement on the Hadow Rd. and Trinity Valley descents. The gravel on Trinity Valley Rd. was in great shape. Hardpacked, virtually no loose gravel.  There was a bit of washboard and a few potholes, but nothing that could not be avoided. It can be ridden as fast as pavement. Obviously, since it is gravel, it could change in the next two weeks. Watch for gravel on the highway shoulder on Hwy 97B leaving Salmon Arm and Hwy 97 at the bottom of the descent just before Okeefe Ranch. 

A beautiful rural low traffic ride. About 30 km of well maintained gravel. There is a challenging climb at about 46 km. Do not panic if you fall behind time limits on this section- the rest of the ride is relatively easy. If you need to resupply, I much prefer Lumby (96km) or Lavington (106 km) to Vernon, especioally on this route as most Vernon services are bypassed. Water and washrooms at Okanagan Rail Trail parking lot at 123 km.  There is a good brew pub (Barley Station) about 1 km from the finish.