Let’s start with the stats: 67 miles of rugged adventure, nearly all on gravel, with 5,600 feet of climbing starting at a breathtaking 8,700 feet in elevation. But gravel riding is about so much more than numbers, isn’t it?

After a police-led rollout from downtown Winter Park, riders make a sharp left onto gravel roads and dive into the heart of the Arapaho National Forest. The ascent winds through towering pines and alongside babbling creeks, with the air thinning and the views only getting better as you climb.

Both the long and short courses begin together at 8:00 a.m., setting the stage for an unforgettable day of high-mountain gravel.

The timing section starts at 4 miles and will end at 62.5 miles. That’s a whole lot of gravel! The first climb, tops out shy of 10,400 ft. There, you’ll have your first opportunity to refresh and regroup at the Church Park aid station (mile 13.5).

Then it’s time for miles of smiles as you cruise down the rough forest roads that give way to wide-open, smooth-running dirt roads that you’ll swear are smoother than pavement.

Willow Creek aid station (mile 39.5) will arrive just in time to power up before your longest most sustained climb of the day. This one is a doozy with 2,500 ft. of vertical over 13 miles.

Take in the views and recuperate at Church Park #2 (mile 53.5) before descending back down Crooked Creek to the timing mat. From there it’s a neutral cruise back into town / Hideaway Park via a bike path. Be sure to experience the fun of the Finish line arch (Start/Finish line) where you will get food, beer and we can be sure you have safely returned from your fun challenge.