Gravel biking has gained tremendous popularity in the cycling world for its mixed terrain versatility, adventure-ready capabilities, and go-fast potential. Often designed with drop bars which are commonly seen on road bikes, gravel bikes accommodate wider tires and thereby support a plethora of unpaved riding surfaces.
Compared to conventional road cycling on paved roads, a major draw to gravel biking is the ability to access low-traffic roads, often immersed in more scenic outdoor environments. The beautiful scenery and sense of adventure that comes with gravel bike riding has catapulted this style of riding.
In turn, many adventure-seeking bike riders want to know where they can go for the best and most beautiful gravel bike races. Not only do these events provide a memorable experience, but they make meaningful connections and lifelong friendships.
Top North American Gravel Bike Races Worth Considering
You don’t need an all-road titanium gravel bike to be competitive in gravel cycling. In fact, many beginner athletes will simply use a road bike with more durable tires, or even a mountain bike, with clipless pedals or even flats. Whatever bike you decide to ride, these gravel bike races are sure to be a hit.
1. Moran 166
A new gravel bike race hosted by BBCo. Gravel Bikes based in Moran, Michigan – just north of the Mackinac Bridge in the beautiful Upper Peninsula – the Moran 166 is a long-course event that’s fast, flat, and scenic.
Nestled in the Hiawatha National Forest, any development is few and far between, as the course takes athletes into the depths of nature-rich with wildlife and breathtaking sights.
The Moran 166 is comprised of the finest U.P. gravel roads that are lined with evergreens, hardwoods, and wetlands. Expect very few intersections as athletes experience pristine gravel roads, deep forest two-tracks, and fast-paced racing. Learn more about this Fall gravel bike race at Moran166.com.
2. The Badlands Gravel Battle
A grueling gravel bike race based in western North Dakota, the Badlands Gravel Battle is a fast-rolling and tough-climbing gravel bike race that offers 60, 80, and 120-mile distances.
As part of the Badlands Race Series, the Badlands Gravel Battle is one of the first races in the series typically taking place in May. The 120-mile course has over 10K feet of climbing, making for a tough ratio of distance to elevation gain. Learn more at ExperienceLand.org.
3. Paris 2 Ancaster
The Paris 2 Ancaster has been a longstanding, decades-old gravel bike race based in Ontario, Canada. Taking place in late April, the route consists of the toughest terrain as cyclists experience smooth gravel, cobblestone, farmlands, two-tracks, and trail.
Intensified by the unpredictable weather patterns of eastern Canada in Springtime, the Paris 2 Ancaster is notoriously muddy in certain sections, making for an exciting race. Distances vary and much shorter than other gravel bike races, with the traditional length around 46-miles (75km) for competitive athletes. Learn more at ParisAncaster.com.
4. Crusher in the Tushar
If tons of climbing in rocky mountain territory tickles your fancy, then the Crusher in the Tushar is a must-try all-road/gravel race tucked in Beaver, Utah. Comprised of 60% gravel, 40% tarmac, the Crusher in the Tushar provides the opportunity to see the stunning backcountry of Utah’s little-known the Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest.
The 70-mile course is a tough one that accumulates over 10,000 feet of total elevation gain, with some of the fastest finisher times coming in between 4 and 5 hours. Athletes start at 6,000 feet in elevation, pedal up a couple of massive mountain climbs that exceed 4,000 feet, and finish above 10,000 in elevation.
An epic gravel bike race that takes place in mid-July, the Crusher in the Tushar attracts competitive athletes from all over the US and North America, including professional cyclists. To learn more, visit TusharCrusher.com.
5. The Belgian Waffle Ride California
As one of the most groundbreaking gravel bike events in the US, the Belgian Waffle Ride (succinctly known as the BWR) has grown to become a series of races that take part across the country. Of the most iconic in the BWR line-up is the 131-mile event that takes place in San Marcos, just outside of San Diego.
What makes the BWR California race so special is the community and course. The race has grown immensely over the years, becoming a huge draw among competitive cyclists from all over the world. As of the course, athletes are challenged by 10 categorized climbs that together make for over 11,000 feet of elevation gain for the day.
Considered to be the only European-style Spring Classic bike race on American soil, the BWR brings Belgian flavor in many ways. Hosted by the Lost Abbey Brewery, the BWR is a proper cyclist party that delivers unique entertainment features and a range of food and beverage options. Get more information about this mid-Summer race at BelgianWaffleRide.bike.
6. Unbound Gravel
Formerly known as Dirty Kanza, Unbound Gravel is one of the most widely-known gravel bike races in the US offering a range of short-course options along with the coveted 200-mile course and XL version extending 350-miles.
Bringing both amateur and professional cyclists from across the world, Unbound Gravel transforms the small town of Emporia, Kansas in early June. The long courses meander the rugged and remote roads of east-central Kansas’ Flint Hills region, which hosts the only remaining expanse of natural tallgrass prairie in North America.
Unbound Gravel attracts several thousand gravel cyclists every year, yet not all participants finish. The race is extremely challenging with considerable climbing, self-supported race dynamics, and hot conditions. Learn more about this world premiere gravel bike race at UnboundGravel.com.
7. Hell of Hunterdon
The Hell of Hunterdon is a scenic, mixed-terrain bike race that takes athletes through the beautiful farmlands and country towns of New Jersey’s Sourland Region. The event is considered the Mid-Atlantic’s Premier Spring Classic & Mixed Surface Ride and a fantastic early season event for those on the east coast.
The long course is the traditional race of the Hell of Hunterdon boasting 82 miles and 5,200 feet of elevation gain. Alternative distances include a 56-mile course with 3,900 feet of climbing and a 30-mile course with just under 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
Most of the ride is on paved roads, however, there are several gravel segments across all distances. While any entry-level road bike will be adequate, slightly wider and more durable tires are encouraged. To learn more, visit HellofHunteron.com.
Why Get Into Gravel Biking?
Compared to conventional road cycling, a huge draw toward gravel biking is the ability to ride low-traffic, unpaved roads. Not only does this support safer riding, but all-road gravel bike riding helps to keep the journey fun and adventurous. If you’re not riding to buy a gravel bike, we suggest renting one.
Gravel biking is known for adding a combination of thrill and adventure to the cycling experience. It takes cycling to the next level and provides athletes with a unique sense of exploration and exhilarating discoveries. The incredible scenery and race-day accomplishments felt along the way make gravel biking one of the most appealing riding types for all types of bike riders.