5 Things to Know for Novices & Pros at Grassroots Gravel
Riders climb the legendary Twelvemile road above Beulah, Colorado. Photo: Charles Gage
Whether you’re a professional looking for the right late-season event or a rider looking for a new personal goal, there are a few things we want to highlight for you. Bear with us…we get a bit excited.
Photo provided by SRAM
1 : The routes are celebrated for their quality & variety
The 15 & 40 mile routes feature rolling terrain that feels straight out of a classic western.
The 75 mile route starts with rolling, textured gravel, and gets progressively faster as you move through the course. You’ll finish with an epic straightaway between two reservoirs with the rocky mountains as the backdrop.
The 110 mile route features “twelvemile”, a grueling and picturesque gravel climb out of the Beulah Valley that varies in grade the entire way. If this climb were in the Tour de France, it’d likely meet the qualifications to rank among some of the hardest climbs of the tour. Fortunately, you can ride whatever pace suits you. Once you summit, you’ll have a tight, forested gravel descent to the next aid station.
2: Chill. The timing begins and ends outside of town
We want to make sure you can focus on your ride and race. That’s why we’re starting timing outside of town where the gravel begins and finishing timing prior to the courses entering town again. Focus on your ride, your friends, and your competitors. Then, take your time and ride safely and attentively to the finish, expo, and afterparty!
Also: we’re working with industry-leading timing professionals. Accurate timing keeps you on top of your goals and keeps competition fair. We’re investing in professional timing from the same folks who watch the clock for some of the biggest gravel races in the US.
Photo provided by SRAM
3: All routes feature aid stations and support vehicles
We’ve got your back. We’ll have volunteers at aid stations along the routes with hydration from Flow Formulas and a whole buffet of the fuel you crave. Plus, there are likely gonna be some surprises from more than a few overzealous aid station teams!
Got a particular hankering for gas station treats? There are two separate potential gas station stops right along our 75 (one option) and 110 (two options) routes!
4: The event is for everyone and benefits volunteer firefighters
We believe cycling is for everyone, and that we can help make that a reality in our region. We’re working to make sure experienced racers and brand new riders have a place at Grassroots Gravel. We’re also working to support the folks in our community that help keep us when we need it most on those rural gravel roads. So what does that look like? We’re building relationships locally and statewide to learn how we fit into the work already going on to improve representation in cycling. And a portion of our proceeds is going to volunteer fire departments right along our routes. Come ride with us!
5: We throw a great after-party
We want to celebrate everyone after their ride and race. Every rider will have put in their work on race day. We’re going to be celebrating at the all-new historically restored Fuel & Iron Food Hall with signature drinks (with NA options) food promos, gear giveaways for participants, and more. Plus, this will be your sneak peek at some of the images from multiple industry pro photographers shooting the event!
The second half of the 75 and 110 routes are fast…riders bearing down on 3R road. Photo by Charles Gage