North American Gravel Fondo Hall of Fame
These events have established themselves as Premier Gravel rides and races in North America, recognized around the world.
Luckily, North America has over a 1.4 million miles of gravel and dirt roads that host some of the most unique challenges in the form of the Gravel Grinder, some these events are very challenging.
A lot of these races can be tackled on a range of bikes, but Gravel Fondo specific bikes are fast becoming the norm, with clearance for wider tires and disc brakes that can handle 650 and 700 wheel sets. Gravel bikes have blurred the lines between traditional road (Gran Fondo) and off-road (Gravel Fondo) riding, and so have many events that now feature large sections of both tarmac, gravel and even worse terrain, where shouldering your bike on some parts, is all part of the early season "fun".
North America invented the Gravel Grinding genre, which is catching on fast around the world. As Europe and North America, Gran Fondo and Gravel collide - a new buzzword emerged in 2016, the Gravel Fondo. Think big fun, lots of gravel, endurance, good bike handling skills, self reliance and lots of beer afterwards!
For those riders looking to start training or hone their form before the Road and Gravel season gets into full swing, these events can kick-start your season.
Perhaps the greatest appeal is the adventure inherent in riding dozens of miles in remote locations. "Peanut Butter Mud" has become a household staple for the experienced unroad rider's pantry.
The established North American gravel rides are weekend long festivals attracting thousands of riders with inclusivity encouraged for all ages, juniors and the whole LGBTQ+ community. Equality reigns, all genders in the North America ride the same distance.
Gran Fondo Guide has reached its 14th year of operation, the Worlds Leading Amateur Cycling Platform has reached a global audience of nearly 5.2 million unique users.
Colesburg Back 40
Started in 1993 the 33rd editon of the race takes place in 2026, its the oldest ongoing gravel race in the Midwest… running for 33 years!
Since gravel racing as a formal category didn’t really exist before the 2000s, the Colesburg Back 40 predates all the modern gravel classics — making it the oldest known gravel race still running in the U.S.
The gravel boom didn’t start until the mid-2000s, so events like Unbound and Trans Iowa get all the attention.
It’s a pure, old-school, Midwestern gravel race — exactly the kind of event that shaped the culture you love.
The race takes place in Iowa's driftless region and has views that'll take your breath away.
5 different routes are available this year. 25-45-60-Iowa’s Hardest 100-Iowa’s Hardest 200. Yes all routes include level B & C roads. Remember, the Level C roads are private property and are NOT allowed to be ridden , except for race day.
Count on roughly 1,000 ft of climb per 10 miles but you won't notice that, you'll be so busy enjoying the landscaping.
Because of the history of this race and close ties to the Chequomegan 40, we have our own Pirate Hill
What you get: Aid stations, marked routes, awards ceremony, 3 podium spots for each category, hand crafted awards, Iowa’s largest prize table, food from our local 4H group, music, and to hang out with your favorite race director!
What we get: to do all the work, enjoy your presence and smiles, and to donate all the proceeds back to the community.
And lastly: Bring your legs!!
For more information, please visit: https://www.colesburgback40.com
Trans Iowa
The Original Ultra-Endurance Gravel Epic!
Trans Iowa was one of the hardest and most influential gravel races ever created. It helped define the modern ultra-gravel scene.
It was it as “one of the toughest gravel endurance races in the country,” with a 300+ mile vision quest across Iowa gravel.
It was founded in 2004 by Mark Stevenson (Guitar Ted) and Jeff Kerkove, the first edition ran in 2005.
Back then, there was no such thing as a gravel bike. People hauled out their old Schwinn's, mountain bikes and single speeds.
Trans Iowa ostered a strong community of gravel cyclists and has been influential in promoting gravel riding culture.
Riders navigated by cue sheets with no outside support, no resupply except what you could find on your own, strict time cutoffs and often brutal weather.
The ride started at 4 a.m. in Grinnell, Iowa, was typically 320–340 miles long with a time limit of 34 hours and a field limit of 120 riders.
Finishing was considered a major life achievement. Racers have been known to mentally break down and cry along side of the road.
Some editions had zero official finishers — for example, Trans Iowa v11.
The event became legendary bcause of the brutal weather (rain, mud, wind, cold), Cue-sheet navigation in the dark, no GPS allowed in early years, no support just pure self-reliance and massive attrition.
It's culture of toughness and humility gained massive attention and it became a rite of passage for early gravel racers.
Trans Iowa officially ended after the 14th editon in 2018 when its founder, Mark Stevenson (“Guitar Ted”), retired the event.
The spirit of Trans Iowa lives on at
Iowa Wind and Rock that takes place in April every year, a more modern ultra-gravel event thats 340+ miles which is self-supported, cue-sheet navigation.
The same ethos as Trans Iowa and is considered the “new Trans Iowa” by many riders.
Mark Stevenson promoted Trans Iowa from 2005 to 2018 and was instrumental in amplifying gravel riding through his blogging and reportage. More than any other individual, he is responsible for gravel cycling as we know it today, and he was duly inducted into the
Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame in 2022.
Unbound Gravel (Dirty Kanza)
The original grinder in the Flint Hills that kick-started a whole new genre of cycling.
There are a handful of Gravel Fondos that have shaped this new genre of cycling, invented in the U.S. Midwest over 16 years ago, along with the likes of events like Trans Iowa and the Almanzo 100.
The Ultimate Bucket-List Gravel Fondo recognized as "The World's Premier Gravel Race" worldwide.
The 2026 edition of Unbound Gravel marks its 20th Anniversary since the event began in 2006 with just 34 riders.
It has since grown into the "World’s Premier Gravel Race" with nearly 5,000 riders and a full week of events.
With participants ranging in age from 1 to 92, Life Time welcomed over 5,000 riders from all 50 U.S. states, 2 territories, and 47 countries to Emporia – the largest event start line to date.
In addition to record-setting participation, new course record times were set in the XL (350-mile), 200 and 100 mile races.
The 350-mile XL event, in its fifth edition, had records set in both the men’s and women’s races, setting a new bar for endurance and performance in one of the longest gravel races in the world. Rob Britton crossed the line in an incredible time of 17:49:51 which was 2:15:45 faster than the previous best. Heather Jackson beat the previous women’s record by 1:27:18, finishing in a total time of 20:57:57. Not only did the XL race break speed records, but the endurance epic saw its youngest rider to ever complete the 350 miles. At just 21 years old, Izabella Slosberg of San Luis Obispo, California, crossed the finish line in 27:39:11.
The marquee 200-mile race also saw new north course records for both the men’s and women’s events. Karolina Migon set a new women’s record with an unprecedented pace of 20.12mph.
Cameron Jones also set a new men’s record with an average pace of 23.49mph.
Just like the 200-mile event, the 100-mile race saw new north course records for both male and female categories. Tiffany Cromwell set the new women’s record with a swift average speed of 21.76mph. Clocking an average speed of 23.23mph, Hayden Christian crossed the line first in the men’s race.
This year’s event marked a major milestone in gender representation, with a 44% increase in total female participants year over year. With 25% of the 2025 field being female, UNBOUND Gravel continues to foster inclusivity in the gravel cycling community.
“Life Time UNBOUND Gravel is a beacon for the gravel community and this year we were able to bring it directly into fan’s homes with nearly seven hours of live coverage of the elite 200-mile race,” said Michelle Duffy, Vice President of Marketing for Life Time Events. “Across the board, 2025 set a new standard and we can’t wait to welcome the world back to Emporia for the 20th edition next year.”
In addition to the XL, 200 and 100-mile races, cyclists of all ages and experience levels lined up on Saturday morning for 50 and 25-mile events, united by a shared spirit of adventure and endurance.
2025 Men’s Elite 200-mile Unbound Top 10
1 Cameron Jones (AUS) 8:37:09
2 Simon Pellaud (SUI) | Li Ning Star +0:42
3 Torbjørn Røed (NOR) +5:22
4 Mads Würtz Schmidt (DEN) PAS Racing +5:24
5 Brendan Johnston (AUS) +10:34
6 Ramon Sinkeldam (NED) +11:06
7 Keegan Swenson (USA) +11:59
8 Ian Boswell (USA) +12:00
9 Jasper Ockeloen (NED) +12:00
10 Tobias Kongstad (DEN) Amager Cykle Ring +12:45
2025 Women’s Elite 200-mile Unbound Top 10
1 Karolina Migon (POL) | PAS Racing 10:03:54
2 Lauren Stephens (USA) +5:12
3 Cecily Decker (USA) +7:45
4 Ruth Winder (USA) +10:01
5 Sarah Sturm (USA) +12:20
6 Sofia Gomez Villafañe (ARG/USA) +13:05
7 Emily Newsom (USA) +14:42
8 Flavia Oliveira Parks (BRA) +15:30
9 Rose Grant (USA) +16:12
2026 UNBOUND Gravel
2026 marks the 20th Anniversary of the World’s Premier Gravel Event, the spirit of an event that began with 34 participants in 2006.
Being so popular Unbound uses a lottery system for entries, a random selection lottery process determines who will participate. Roughly 4,000 riders are accepted each year, chosen from tens of thousands of applicants.
The 2026 Unbound Gravel lottery results were announced in November 2025. Thousands of riders were selected to participate across the 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and XL (350-mile) categories. The lottery is the main entry pathway for the event, which will take place May 29–30, 2026 in Emporia, Kansas.
The 2026 routes will be released with detailed maps, GPS files, and checkpoint info closer to race day. Expect rolling hills, chunky gravel, creek crossings, and wide-open prairie. Each distance has strict time cutoffs at checkpoints to ensure rider safety. ROUVY offers official Unbound Gravel 2026 routes for indoor training.
Kansas spring can bring extreme heat, thunderstorms, or high winds. Riders must be self-sufficient; GPS files are provided but mechanicals and flats are common. Long stretches without aid stations require careful fueling and hydration planning.
To learn more, visit https://www.unboundgravel.com
Almanzo 100
The Original Midwestern Gravel Classic. The Almanzo 100 is one of the foundational events of American gravel riding.
It helped define the culture long before gravel became mainstream.
Minnesota's infamous gravel-road bike race pits riders against the unlikely challenge of farm-country back roads that wind for 100 miles in the hilly southeastern part of the state.
Held each spring in southeastern Minnesota, traditionally starting in Spring Valley, the 100-mile, fully unsupported gravel race had no aid stations, no outside support and riders had to be completely self-sufficient
This “you are on your own” ethos is central to the event’s identity, and is explicitly highlighted in race culture and reporting.
100 miles of twisting, climbing backcountry gravel roads, with mud, rain, wind, and cold made conditions brutal.
Riders often described the gravel as slow, wet, slimy, and energy-sapping.
Founded by Chris Skogen in 2007 with just 12 riders; only 4 finished that first year. It grew rapidly into a major grassroots gravel event with 1,000 riders in some years.
Known as the “granddaddy of gravel races”, shaping the early gravel movement and inspiring countless other events
What made it so unique was pure self-reliance no support, no frills and a community-driven ethos.
It was classic Midwestern gravel: rolling farmland, exposed wind, unpredictable weather, a rite of passage for early gravel racers
The Almanzo was deceptively hard, long stretches of exposed gravel, punchy climbs, weather that could turn the course into a mud slog.
The attrition was intense, in one edition, only 504 riders finished out of over 1,000 starters.
Chris ran Alamzo 100 successfully for eight years, the race grew from 12 riders to hundreds, then thousands, becoming a cultural anchor of early gravel riding.
Skogen became disillusioned with the direction of gravel racing and he disappeared from the scene after becoming disillusioned with the monetization of the sport.
Skogen believed gravel was becoming commercial, events were being bought, branded, and monetized and the original free, community-driven ethos was fading, so Skogen stepped away entirely.
Without Skogen, the Almanzo name and event structure changed, the event eventually stopped using the Almanzo name and was rebranded as “The Heywood Ride” and this marked the end of the Almanzo 100 as it was originally known.
Skogen later resurfaced in 2022 and re-entered the gravel world after being nominated to the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, but the original Almanzo 100 did not return.
The Heywood Ride is considered its spiritual successor. The original ethos — free, unsupported, community-driven — lives on in smaller grassroots events.
The Mid South
One of founding fathers of American Gravel, the event has grown to a 3-4 day festival in Stillwater, Oklahoma attracting nearly 4,000 riders
Land Run 100 now known as The Mid South is one of the founding fathers of gravel.
It started way back 2012 when the guys from District Bicycles in Stillwater, OK put together a 100 mile route and invited their friends to come ride.
The Gravel Fondo links 107 miles of red, rutted roads and features more than 6,000 feet of climbing with Carney, Oklahoma as its halfway point. 121 riders from 9 states braved the course that first year. The event has grown into a 3-4 day festival with the addition of live music, the 50k run, 50 mile ride, and the Double (100 mile ride and 50k run) alongside the original 100 mile race.
Nearly 4,000 people come to experience these wild roads on foot and by bike together from 47 states and around the world, from countries like Canada, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, England, and Australia.
The weather has been a defining characteristic of the challenge. When the rain falls on Oklahoma the red dirt roads become an unforgiving "peanut butter mud" that will leave mile-long sections of un-rideable hike-a-bike experience.
It will force you to find the strength, grit, and resolve that you never knew you possessed. The spirit of The Mid South is found in the will to redefine what is possible.
The Stillwater community comes to put on the Biggest and Baddest Bike Party every year!
2026 registration is not open yet. Please follow the event to get automatic updates via Bucket List AI.
For more information please visit: https://www.midsouthgravel.com
Barry Roubaix
It's the largest Gravel bike race in the world, and put Hastings, Michigan on the map with incredible support from the local community, volunteers and businesses.
One of the world’s most popular gravel races and an event welcoming of all cyclists. Over 4,000 cyclists kick-start their season every 3rd Saturday in April.
The 18th edition takes place in April 18, 2026.
This race comes at that time of year when you are going stir crazy 'cuz the trails aren't ready for traffic yet.
Barry-Roubaix, named after its classic namesake allows cyclists and racers of all levels start their season with a real challenge, and experience rolling gravel roads, pavement, one mile of rough two track, rocks, sand, mud, and possibly snow and ice as you traverse the scenic roads of Barry County. This is an exceptionally organized and well-executed event.
There are four race lengths to challenge riders of all abilities; the 18-mile Lauf “Chiller” has approx. 1,200 feet of ascent, the 36-mile “Thriller” climbs approx. 2,200 feet of ascent, the 62-mile SRAM “Killer” climbs approx. 3,800 feet of ascent.
For those who feel some early-season form on tap, the 100-mile Panaracer “Psycho Killer” has over 7,000 feet of climbing, beware!
Gravel, Cyclocross, Mountain, Road, Single-Speed, Fixed gear, Fatbikes & Tandem bicycles are welcome in any category.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Meendering Photography
The Race starts in waves to give riders ample room to enjoy the ride and scenery, with Neutral aid stations and a huge after-party and awards ceremony!
The route is well marked, extremely well. The local community and People of Hastings are wonderfully supportive. Some say it’s arguably the best atmosphere at the start of any bike race they ever ridden.
Hearing the cow bells and cheering at the top of some of the climbs helped so many riders stay positive and finish.
The weather can be brutal, mud sloppy roads, lung busting climbs, frozen fingers and toes, miles and miles of pure misery with locals cheering you on – what’s not to like?
The town of Hastings, Michigan does a phenomenal job of embracing the scene. Hands down the best gravel road race.
There is $40,000 USD of prizes on offer across all raced distances for the top men, women, and non-binary, juniors and bike types! There is also a youth team competition to encourage the next generation to race and see what we love about cycling and gravel.
The AFTER PARTY makes it! Founders Beer, a live band, Hastings hospitality with ginormous fire-pits, fun food and friends reuniting!
If you have not done it or have not done it in a while, put it on your calendars. This is Bucket List event for sure!
For more information please visit: https://barry-roubaix.com
Rasputitsa
Vermont’s Mud-Season Gravel Classic, Rasputitsa is not just a race — it’s a culture.
Rasputitsa is Russian for “mud season”—which gives you a pretty accurate preview of this 45-mile race for bragging rights in northern Vermont.
In keeping with the Russian theme, the highlight of the course is “Cyberia,” a Class IV road that a former race participant described as “a scary backwoods where at any time a Yeti or Bengal tiger may jump out of the woods, bludgeon you with a blunt object, and either leave you for dead or drag you back into the woods for a nice little Saturday brunch.
Rasputitsa is a homegrown, self-supported gravel event in Vermont that emphasizes, community, freedom, unity, inclusivity and embracing the unknown.
The event was founded in 2014 by Anthony Moccia and Heidi Myers and its it one of the best gravel events in New England.
Rasputitsa is famous for, mud, snow, ice, steep grades, deep ruts, dold, wet and unpredictable weather.
The most iconic feature is Cyberia — a brutal, muddy, steep section that returns for the 2026 which is penciled in the diary as March 28, 2026.
2026 marks the 12th anniversary of the event hosted at Jay Peak Resort and reintroduces original course elements like cyberia - early-spring brutality guaranteed.
The classic 45-mile course that loops out and around Burke Mountain includes 4,000 feet of climbing over rutted, cratered, and often very sloppy dirt roads, which is often still under slow and slush and forces riders to shoulder their bikes and walk.
Racers can choose distances of 25, 45 or 62 miles. Award categories include open men and women and age groups.
Each year, the Rasputitsa pays homage to a rock n’ roll classic like Prince or AC/DC. They hold live concerts Friday and Saturday night. They often offer fun amenities like free manicures.
Belgian Waffle Ride California
2026 marks the 15th Anniversary of BWR California, a special ride that goes into unroad history.
Defending champions Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Matt Beers (Specialized) raced the new course at the 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride California in the elite divisions for back-to-back victories last year.
The Belgian Waffle Ride rolled through San Diego again this year but a change out of Del Mar which brought a great host location. The course was 106 miles with Elite riders starting 15 minutes ahead of the rest of the field.
There was 7,500 feet of climbing with a mix of 50% road and 50% unroad which threw obstacles including deep sand, singletrack, rocks, creek crossings.
The elite group set off together with Floyd Landis having a brief foray at the front. But just 20 miles into the race, Villafañe attacked and was never seen again by the chasing women's group.
In the front group were Whitney Allison, Siena Hermon, Courtney Sherwell, Flavia Oliveira Parks and Amy Cymerman.
Courtney Sherwell (Santa Cruz SRAM) and Whitney Allison (Bike Sports) pulled due to crashes near Hodges, with Allison having to get medical attention.
Flavia Oliveira Parks (Excel Sports p/b Specialized) who recently finished 12th at The Growler was second around half a hour behind and Amy Cymerman was another 11 minutes behind in third place.
"I liked the new course, I mean the time was still long. I had a worse time going out with the strong headwinds, on the way back I had friends," Villafañe said.
Villafañe has now won all seven BWR events in which she has raced winning the BWR Arizona title for a third time earlier this season. She has now overhauled Peter Stetina's six BWR wins.
2025 BWR Women's Top 10
1 Sofia Gomez Villafañe (Specialized Off-road) 05:43:22
2 Flavia Oliveira Parks (Excel Sports p/b Specialized) 00:33:10
3 Amy Cymerman 00:44:07
4 Siena Hermon (Mondraker Bikes) 00:55:48
5 Elizabeth Sheldon (CXD Trek Bikes) 01:34:39
6 Carolina Rabbat (CRCA/NYCC Racing) 03:42:44
DNF 4 Courtney Sherwell Santa Cruz SRAM
DNF 18 Whitney Allison Bike Sports
In the men's race, an early selection of 7 riders broke away with 8 riders chasing including Matt Beers, Alexi Vermeulen, Carter, Daxton Mock, Lance Haidet, Jonas Woodruff, Peter Stetina, Russel Finsterwald, Petr Vakoc and Truman Glasgow.
Daxton Mock and Russel Finsterwald were dropped and then the front group whittled down to just Beers, Stetina and Vermeulen.
Matt Beers then attacked on a descent and built up an initial lead of 40 seconds. Behind Stetina and Vermeulen chased, with Stetina getting second and Vermeulen third.
Behind 19-year-old Jonas Woodruff out-sprinted Petr Vakoc (Canyon CFR) and Truman Glasgow across the line to finish in fourth place.
The next event in the series is BWR Utah.
Registration is open for the highly anticipated 6th edition of the
Belgian Waffle Ride Utah, taking place in
Cedar City this May 23 - 24, 2025. The third round of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series!
Matt Beers and Peter Stetina's next race is the
Traka 360 near Girona in Spain next weekend.
2025 BWR Men's Elite Top 10
1 Matthew Beers (Specialized Off-road) 04:57:08
2 Peter Stetina (Canyon) 00:09:31
3 Alexey Vermeulen (ENVE) 00:12:26
4 Jonas Woodruff 00:14:35
5 Petr Vakoc (Canyon CFR) 00:14:36
6 Truman Glasgow (ENVE-DNA Cycling) Row 5 - Cell 2
7 Daxton Mock (Bear/Orange Seal) 00:15:43
8 Russell Finsterwald (Trek Driftless) 00:16:02
9 Julien Gagne (Devinci) 00:16:05
10 Lance Haidet (Specialized/SRAM/Velocio) 00:16:56
Register Now for the 15th Anniversary BWR California
The 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride California returns to the coast for a spectacular weekend at the Del Mar Polo Fields at Surf Sports Park, where rolling tarmac meets raw terrain in the Hell of the North (County).
Following the season opener in Arizona, BWR CA carries the heaviest weight of the four events that make up the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, before the series heads to Utah and Montana.
This year’s BWR CA will once again push limits, fuel community, and celebrate the beautiful suffering that defines the unroad spirit.
The BWR Festival 2026: The Unroad Cycling Bash in Southern California
From May 2–3 2026, the Belgian Waffle Ride Festival will transform the Del Mar Polo Fields into a sprawling playground for endurance enthusiasts, families, and fans. With live music, beer, food, and over 65 exhibitors, this is the hub of cycling culture on the West Coast.
It’s not just a race—it’s a weekend-long celebration of the endurance lifestyle, a gathering of adventurers, dreamers, and gravel-grinders who all share one thing: a happy disrespect for the usual.
Day 1: Saturday, May 2, 2026 – The Gran Roadie-Oh & Unroad Expo
Saturday sets the stage with The Gran Roadie-Oh, a Gran Fondo-style road ride for cyclists of all levels. Riders can choose from multiple distances to suit their appetite for speed, scenery, and suffering:
100-mile Century – A full-gas coastal classic for those chasing glory
100 km Metric Century – A challenging route blending beauty and bite
50 km Fun Ride – A spirited spin with plenty of camaraderie
Feeling ambitious? Take on the Dubbel Header Challenge—ride the Roadie-Oh on Saturday and the BWR on Sunday to earn true Belgian bragging rights.
Meanwhile, the Unroad Expo will be in full swing at Surf Sports Park, featuring brands, artisans, and partners offering the latest in bikes, gear, and lifestyle. Enjoy the food court, local brews, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere as you prepare for the main event.
Day 2: Sunday, May 3, 2026 – The 15th Annual Belgian Waffle Ride
Sunday brings the main event—the fifteenth running of the Belgian Waffle Ride California. The original unroad race that started it all returns with a brand-new coastal course mixing smooth tarmac, gnarly gravel, sandy sectors, and steep climbs.
Whether you take on the Waffle, Wafer, or Wanna, you’ll be part of one of the most storied and spirited cycling events in the world—where world-class pros and weekend warriors line up side by side to suffer gloriously under the Southern California sun.
At the finish, cold beer, hot waffles, and cheering fans await—all part of the grand BWR tradition of celebration and shared endurance.
New Course: This year we will remove the pinch places that caught some riders off guard and make sure the flow of the course doesn’t get impeded!
Last Year’s Course Highlights (this year will be different):
Waffle – 106.5-Miles/172-Kilometers
~7,500 Feet of Climbing
25 Unroad sectors with Flemish names
40% Unroad
7 feed zones
Wafer – 60-Miles/97-Kilometers
~3,750 Feet of Climbing
16 Unroad sectors
59% Unroad
Five feed zones
Wanna – 32.7-Miles/53-Kilometers
~2,500 Feet of Climbing
3 Unroad sectors
32% Unroad
2 feed zones
Rider Perks:
Every rider will receive a BWR musette bag from Neversecond that contains essential race-day items and special swag:
- BWR x Neversecond Swag bag with tons of products
- BWR Bucks for use with MUMU, Almsthre, QEJA Socks & Neversecond or
a BWR Branded memento
- Race Number and RFID Tag (for official finishing time)
- Pre- and Post-Race Waffles, Coffee & Beverages
- Beer
- Finisher’s Trophy Beer
- Bragging Rights
- Podium Recognition for the Top 3 in each age category for Waffle & Wafer, and Top 5 Overall
The category races with the race – Q/KOM, Q/KOD, Q/KOS are not open to the elite field. Amateurs will be vying to win these jerseys.
T-shirts and BWR branded gear are available at registration and at the Mumu booth at the expo.
For more information please visit: https://www.belgianwaffleride.bike or click the button below to register now.
Rebecca’s Private Idaho
Spent legs, new friends, an irresistible urge to return and a healthy dose of Idaho hospitality. Don’t forget to pack your party boots. Giddy Up!
Rebecca's Private Idaho, rated one of the gravel grinders in the world, and is your exclusive invitation to wild, rugged Idaho backcountry experienced by the lucky few.
The 14th edition takes place September 12, 2026.
Rebecca's Private Idaho is a true gravel grinder of a ride, it's meant to sap the strength of riders, not only through steep climbs, but in the navigation of miles and miles of unforgiving rock and grit.
You’ll ride with Rebecca on grueling gravel roads through canyons, over summits, and across high mountain basins. So you can expect spent legs, new friends, and an irresistible urge to return. Maybe some high-fives from Rebecca out on course!
As a seven time world champion, professional endurance athlete Rebecca Rusch has raced all over the globe in some of the most sublime, challenging, and striking places on earth. Even with the world as her office, there’s no place she’d rather be than her own backyard in Idaho.
Rebecca is delighted to show off the stunning scenery, down-home hospitality, and the challenge of the raw and varied terrain, “I started RPI because I wanted to share the beauty of Idaho with other riders.”
Idaho is famous for its potatoes, hence the ride has three aptly named distances which cater for cyclists of all abilities - an event for everyone. You can ride solo, tandem or a duo too. And yes, potatoes are one of the many options at each of the feed zones.
From the smashing climbs for experienced riders in the four-day Queen's Stage Race to the introduction to gravel riding in the Tater Tot 20 miler, RPI Sun Valley has something for every level that will be sure to reward your hard work with stunning views and hometown hospitality.
The 20 mile Tater Tot features the same professional experience as the Baked Potato and French Fry routes in a more bite-sized format. Tater Tot riders will enjoy a mix of 1/2 gravel and 1/2 pavement as the perfect intro to gravel riding with just 1,171 feet of climbing.
There’s nothing small about the 56 mile French Fry. It offers all of the jaw dropping views and remote landscape of the Big Potato, just in a smaller package with 3,543 feet of climbing.
Then there’s the Baked Potato, the biggest bite you can chew on with 5,295 feet of climbing. Enjoy the Big Lost River basin. To the right are the distinctive Pioneer Mountains, Idaho’s 2nd highest mountain range topping out over 12,000 ft. This high mountain valley is home to pronghorn, deer, elk and moose.
From the starting elevation, you’ll climb about 2,000 ft up to the top of biggest climb of the day, Trail Creek Summit and the first rest stop on the French Fry and Big Potato!
The gravel is chunky and where it looks deceivingly flat, it is not. Wildhorse Canyon, the gravel is often full of washboards that keep you on your toes.
Copper Basin, a stunningly beautiful valley filled with sagebrush and willow-rimmed creeks, all hemmed in by the great White Knob and Pioneer mountain ranges. This is the most beautiful and most challenging part of the course.
Grab your boots and join us to kick-off your Rebecca’s Private Idaho experience with music, drinks, pig roast and good ‘ol Western hospitality at the exclusive VIP party. You are invited to mingle with other Rebecca's Private Idaho guests to eat, drink, and be merry!
All Rebecca’s Private Idaho riders pedal with a purpose, supporting the Be Good™ Foundation, which operates with the mission of enriching communities by using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution.
For more information please visit: https://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com
Oregon Trail Gravel
In 2025, over 170 adventurers took to the start line along with 35 of the World's Elite at the undisputed “Grand Tour of Gravel” in North America.
Starting and ending in the outdoor mecca of Bend, Oregon, participants rode 350 miles of the most scenic and breath-taking gravel roads in North America, traversing the heart of the Cascade Mountains.
Sofia Gomez Villafane and Cameron Jones took victory at the 2025 Oregon Trail Gravel in the elite category.
This five-day event for racers and adventurers who wanted to test their limits and push beyond their own boundaries.
It’s an all-inclusive cycling vacation. Each night at camp everyone celebrated with the gravel family. With fully equipped campsites, campfires, and entertainment, resting and recharging for the next day’s adventure.
The race started in Bend on Wednesday, Stage 1 went south to Gilchrist, then Stage 2 west to Oakridge, Stage 3 was the Oakridge Downhill, then Stage 4 north to McKenzie before returning to Bend on Sunday on Stage 5.
Adventurers put in more than 350 miles with near perfect riding conditions over the five days. “It went really well. It was one of our best events we’ve ever done,” said organizer Chad Sperry,“The courses were outstanding and we hosted most talented racers from around the world. It was a really great year.”
24-year-old Cameron Jones from New Zealand was fastest overall in a time 17:21:59 seconds and 31-year-old Sofia Gomez Villafane from Midway, Utah was fastest in a time of 20:09.14.
Local riders Benjamin Farver (Argonaut Cycles) from Bend won the men's open category in a time of 20:04:51. Michael Claudio from Bend won the Men’s Masters (45-59) category in a time of 19:47.06 and Kylee Rood (Goldilocks Grvl) from Bend won the Open Non-Binary category in 26:23:17
All of this further elevates the spirit of gravel and the camaraderie it inspires, and solidifies the Oregon Trail Grinder as one of the best gravel events in the world.
Pro-Elite Women
1 Sofia Gomez Villafane (Specialized off-road) Midway, Utah 20:09:14
2 Cécile Lejeune (CCB p/b LLG) Tucson, AZ +2:35
3 Sarah Sturm (Specialized/SRAM/Rapha) Durango, CO +13.00
4 Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing x Orbea) Girona, ESP +43:08
5 Danni Shrosbree (CASTELLI SOG/ ARGON 18) Girona, ESP +1:15:41
6 Serena Gordon (Sunnyside Sports / SMCC) Bend, OR +1:56:57
7 Rebecca Fahringer Bend, OR +2:02:22
Pro-Elite Men
1 Cameron Jones (Scott Sports USA) Nelson, NZL 17:21:59
2 Skyler Taylor (Above Category / Sarto / Q36.5)San Anselmo, CA +2:18
3 Robert Britton (FACTOR - OVRLND pb Castelli SOG) Victoria, CAN +10:16
4 Payson McElveen (Allied Cycle Works) Durango, CO +19:13
5 Griffin Easter (OpiCure Gravel p/b Orbea and Castelli SOG) Park City, UT +25:56
6 Michael van den Ham (Giant / MVDH) Chilliwack, CAN +29:42
7 Cassius Anderson (Marin Service Course/Argonaut/Schwalbe/Castelli) Novato, CA +59:13
8 Nathan Surowie (Ink Properties Racing) Forest Hill, MD +1:00:48
9 Matthew Wiebe (PAS Racing / Argonaut) San Francisco, CA +1:25:57
10 Chris Mehlman (Pivot Cycles)Colorado Springs, CO +1:33:02
Open Women
1 Nichole Baker (Path of Logic) Durango, CO 24:00:33
2 Catie George Blacksburg, VA +48:53
3 Claire Reinert Park City, UT +1:10:18
Open Men
1 Benjamin Farver (Argonaut Cycles) Bend, OR 20:04:51
2 Michael Bingaman (SuperSmashBros) San Francisco, CA +40:56
3 Kieran Kuiper (Biscuits & Gravy) Bend, OR +49:38
Open Non-Binary
1 Kylee Rood (Goldilocks Grvl) Bend, OR 26:23:17
Junior Men
1 Alexander Profumo (The Profumos Father and Son Team) Santa Cruz, CA 22:00:44
Masters Women 45-59
1 Annick Chalier (Mountain View Cycles) Lyle, WA 25:55:32
2 Sarah Fishler Rice (Skidmarks Cycling Club) Salem, OR +2:16:18
3 Christina Hudson (Canoe Believe We Biked Here, Eh?) Vancouver, CAN +3:01:49
Masters Men 45-59
1 Michael Claudio (ThirstyBear Cycling) Bend, OR 19:47:05
2 Brad Day Sonoma, CA +14:38
3 Richard Cox (Team Broken Axle) San Francisco, CA +1:35:14
Masters Women 60+
1 Julie Heidt (K9Crack.Com) Sammamish, WA 29:56:39
Masters Men 60+
1 Philip Boarer (U.K. VeloMasters) Birdham, GBR 22:58:35
2 Pat Doyle (Deadgoat Racing) Calgary, CAN +14:20
3 Blake Reed Grover Beach, CA +40:42
Register Now for the 2026 Oregon Trail Gravel Stage Race
The undisputed “Grand Tour of Gravel”, the Oregon Trail Gravel Stage Race is an unforgettable experience that takes cyclists through stunning Oregon scenery in the heart of the Cascades, an all-inclusive Bike Vacation this July 8-12, 2026.
Over the course of five days, participants will ride through a variety of terrain, from dense forests to wide open valleys, enjoying nature at its finest. This event is not only a test of physical endurance, but also an opportunity to connect with the local community, experience their hospitality, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region.
Each night, the camp becomes a place of celebration and camaraderie, creating unforgettable memories. Starting and finishing in the outdoor mecca of Bend, Oregon participants will ride 250 to 350 miles of Oregon’s most scenic and breath-taking gravel roads, with fully-supported fireside campouts and entertainment to rest and refuel each night.
Riders have the option to pick the following categories:
- Pioneer is around 350 miles with around 30,000 feet of climbing
- Settler is around 250 miles with around 15,000 feet of climbing
- Iron Horse- e-bike category doing the Settler distance
- Tag Team- Tackle the Pioneer distance with one of your best friends and alternate days of riding
- Buddy Package- sign-up with a friend and get the best deal possible- each rider can pick their desired distance (Pioneer or Settler), you get a discount on entry, and a free VIP tent package.
The team at Breakaway Promotions will take care of all of the details and support you on your journey- from tents to gourmet food to professional massage and nightly entertainment - you'll come away sore, accomplished, and with unmatched tales and friendship from the trail.
There is a HUGE range of additional options to suit everyone’s needs including VIP tent service, Extra travel Bin, RV Parking, Post Ride Massages and Meal packages for all your friends and family!
This “Grand Tour of Gravel” is the adventure of a lifetime!
The 7th edition of the 2026 event is already 70% full, so register now to secure a place!
To learn more, visit https://www.oregontrailgravelgrinder.com
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