Sport Guides / Gravel Racing

Gravel Racing

Sports guide in progress

We haven't finished this guide yet. It's on our list — but here is some basic info to get you started in the meantime.

Getting Started with Gravel Racing

Gravel racing takes road cycling off the pavement and onto mixed terrain — dirt roads, packed gravel, farm tracks, and the occasional stretch of asphalt. Events range from 25-mile entry-level rides to 200+ mile epics.

Race day is usually a mass start on a rural course. Aid stations are spaced further apart than road events, so self-sufficiency matters: most riders carry their own water, nutrition, spare tubes, and basic repair tools. While elite fields can be highly competitive, many participants are there for the challenge and the finish. The gravel community is known for being welcoming to first-timers.

A gravel bike is the standard, but a mountain bike or sturdy cyclocross bike works depending on the course. Wider tires (38–45mm) with some tread are the most important piece of equipment.

Coming Up

More Gravel Races

Jun–Jul
26–19
Fri–Sun
Gravel
We Ride 4 Three Day Adventures
Denver, Canon City, CO
Avg 88° / 55°·6,036 ft city elevation
Jun
27
Sat
Gravel
Monarch Grind
502 N Main St, Clark Fork, ID
50–100 mi
Avg 74° / 48°·2,227 ft city elevation
Jun
27
Sat
Gravel
Flyover to Flyover
1824 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE
50–100 mi
Avg 85° / 56°·3,889 ft city elevation
Jul
10–12
Fri–Sun
Gravel
The Wolf Bikepacking Race
6866 Cramer Road, Finland, MN
100+ mi
Avg 76° / 54°·1,371 ft city elevation
View more gravel races →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is gravel racing?
Gravel racing is a form of cycling on mixed terrain — primarily unpaved roads, packed gravel, dirt, and occasional pavement — using a gravel bike, cyclocross bike, or mountain bike. Events range from short entry-level rides to ultra-distance epics.
What distances are common in gravel races?
Most events offer multiple distance options at the same venue — often a 25–40 mile beginner route, a 50–75 mile intermediate route, and a 100+ mile long course. Some flagship events extend to 200 miles or more.
What bike do I need for a gravel race?
A dedicated gravel bike with tires 38–45mm or wider is the standard. A cyclocross bike or a hardtail mountain bike with road-friendly tires can also work on rougher courses. The most important gear choice is tire width and tread suited to the course conditions.
Do gravel races have aid stations?
Yes, but they are spaced farther apart than in road races — sometimes 20–40 miles between stops. Most riders carry their own water, nutrition, and basic repair gear (such as a spare tube, pump, and multi-tool) to handle the gaps between aid stations.