Racer & Rider FAQ
Can I register on race day?
We’ll be sold out by then. That’s not an exaggeration. If you aren’t registered yet, sign up now.
When should I get my packet?
This one is simple. Early. Get your packet early. Ideally on Friday. Our races will depart promptly at their designated time. Plan time well ahead of your depart to get your stuff. We want you to be able to focus on your race! See the 2024 schedule here.
How will timing work?
Riders will all depart in a neutral gun start from downtown, with racing beginning at the beginning of the gravel on Red Creek. Riders must remain BEHIND the law enforcement escort. If you receive a ride back to the start or to an aid station, you must let event staff know and you will receive DNF in results.
How do I follow the route?
See our route page here for specifics. We strongly recommend using RideWithGPS on your phone or downloading the route to a cycling computer.
Cue sheets will be available for download on the routes page soon so you can print them.
Courses will be marked with signage. Signs are fallible to weather and mischief, so we suggest having the route on an app, computer, or cue sheet.
What Bike?
What bike? Any reliable bike that you feel confident riding on gravel/dirt should do fine. Our courses stay on maintained roads, though you’ll still encounter erosion, washboard, and sand in places.
What Tires?
Our 2023 first place finisher said they’d be running 42mm slicks for 2024. We like something in the 42mm-50mm range with some cornering knobs, because we like the extra cushion and control. Ride your stuff prior to race day so you’re familiar with it.
A NOTE ON SEALANT: We definitely suggest having sealant in your tires or tubes. There are pokey things out there in the SoCO high desert, y’all.
What’s The Weather?
Southern Colorado weather in October can be pretty wildly diverse. You can expect cold temps earlier in the morning (30s-40s) with highs later in the 60s-70s. If the sun is out, it will very much warm you up. And the sun is often out.
All riders are expected to follow the weather leading into the event and plan accordingly. This includes making decisions on what clothing and equipment to bring, whether you want to continue riding, or when you want to pack it in and call a friend to get picked up.
Is there drop bag service?
No. We do not offer drop bag support. We suggest fanny pack support (keep your extra layers, food, etc on you)!
What should I wear?
A HELMET. You need to wear a helmet.
Sunglasses. Gloves. Sunscreen.
Layers. When the weather is changing a lot, it can be hard to decide. We suggest having something thin to cover your head/ears under your helmet, along with a neck gaiter, bandana, or scarf. Protect ya neck. It helps a ton. We also suggest bringing a lightweight wind layer. This could be a lot of things, whether it be a cycling-specific vest and arm covers or a running jacket or a trash bag (worst case scenario). Warm gloves help a lot for those of us that get cold fingers. Same with warm socks or shoe covers. As for your lower half…tights can be too much some days and a huge relief on others. Watch the weather and bring options so you can decide the night before.
What about aid stations & SAG?
Aid stations and SAG vehicles are on every course. Take a look at the routes page for more details on locations and mileage.
Aid stations all feature a broad selection of nutrition options, water, hydration from FLOW formulas, Bob’s Pickle Pops for all my cramp champs out there, lots more stuff, and awesome people.
Riding safely and rules of the road
OUR EVENT COURSES ARE OPEN TO TRAFFIC. Ride responsibly, be aware of your surroundings and ride in control and within your capabilities. Be cautious and careful at all intersections and traffic signals.
Stay to the right on roads.
Follow the rules of the road. You’re expected to adhere to traffic laws. Learn more here.
What if I want a ride back?
We expect all participants to have a contact if they need to be picked up on course. We have support vehicles to monitor and support the course, but are unable to provide support to all riders.
Got another question? Use the form below:
Routes: the backbone of any race.
We love these routes. Pueblo gravel is our backyard, and it’s our favorite way to explore this amazing sector of Colorado.
Policies
You should read these.
Registration: Your registration is not refundable or transferrable to a future event. A portion of all proceeds goes to local charitable causes and this event requires an exceptional amount of planning. Under no circumstances will registration fees or merchandise fees be refunded or deferred. Grassroots Gravel is rain or shine. That’s part of the spirit of the event! Be sure when you sign up.
Weather conditions: We’re on, rain or shine. Period.
Merchandise & Swag items: Rider swag items only guaranteed for registrations at least 30 days prior to event.
Protective equipment: Helmets are required to participate.
Bike equipment: You can ride any bike you want, with whatever bars etc you want. Your bike must be in good working order to participate.
What about E-bikes? Ride whatever bike you want. We have an E-bike category for each route and category. E-Bike participation is limited to pedal-assist E-Bikes only.
Rules of the road: All participants must follow all traffic laws and apply common sense. Stay on your side of the road. Pay attention to speed, road condition, and your fellow participants. Watch out for each other. Let’s all have fun and make it to the finish safely.