The Top 10 Mass Start Gravel Rides in the World
Gravel riding has surged in popularity because it combines road cycling's fast pace with the adventure found on mountain biking's rugged trails. It captivates enthusiasts with its diverse range of routes and terrain types, ensuring every journey offers a distinctive and engaging challenge.
Plus, the gravel riding community is known for being welcoming and down-to-earth, making these events a favorite for cyclists who enjoy both competition and a friendly atmosphere.
When we set out to compile this list, we looked at the following criteria to help compile a list of only the best events out there.
Challenging Terrain: A top gravel ride needs to have a variety of surfaces and obstacles that test riders' skills and endurance.
Scenic Routes: The scenery matters, and we looked at routes that offer stunning landscapes and memorable vistas that enhance the riding experience.
Organizational Excellence: Well-organized events with clear communication, support stations, and safety measures in place were a vital consideration.
Community and Culture: The gravel world is known for community and camaraderie. The very best rides have this in spades.
Innovative Format: We considered rides that have unique aspects of the ride, such as Grinduro’s timed segment format, which adds a fun twist.
Global Recognition: We wanted to select events that attract riders from all over the world, even professionals, and receive international media attention.
Historical Significance: Rides that have a historical aspect or are inspired by classic events add a sense of legacy.
Rider Feedback: We focused on rides with positive word-of-mouth from past participants we heard personally of via social media.
As you think about planning your cycling season for 2024, here are 10 of what we at Achieve believe are the best mass start gravel rides in the world.
10. The Mid South - Oklahoma, USA
The Mid South, previously known as Land Run 100, is a premiere gravel road race that sends riders across red clay roads, where the mud is infamous for its bike-clogging potential. This event in Stillwater, Oklahoma, offers a true test of rider resilience and bike durability over a 100-mile course.
9. Grinduro - California, USA
Grinduro combines the best elements of a mountain bike enduro with a gravel grinder-style road race. Held in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range, it offers a unique format with timed segments over a course that's as beautiful as it is challenging.
8. The Belgian Waffle Ride - California, USA
With a nod to the epic European one-day spring classics, this Southern California event is a beast of mixed terrain. Riders navigate pavement, dirt trails, gravel, and steep climbs, all while enjoying the event's festive atmosphere.
7. The Dirty Reiver - Northumberland, UK
Taking place in the borderlands of England and Scotland, the Dirty Reiver invites participants to tackle 200 kilometers of the region's finest gravel forest access roads. The event promises a stern challenge set amidst the hauntingly beautiful Kielder Forest.
6. Paris to Ancaster - Ontario, Canada
Inspired by France's Paris-Roubaix, the Paris to Ancaster bike race offers Canadian riders a taste of European-style spring classics with a mix of gravel roads, farm lanes, and trails. The event has a friendly, inclusive atmosphere suitable for a range of cyclists.
5. SBT GRVL - Colorado, USA
Cyclists are invited to take on the high-altitude challenge of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with route options ranging from 37 to 144 miles that feature steep climbs, fast descents, and panoramic views, catering to riders of different skill levels.
4. The Rift - Iceland
The race spans 200 kilometers through Iceland's dramatic landscapes, taking riders across volcanic lava fields, past areas of geothermal activity, and through challenging Nordic terrain, providing a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Rebecca's Private Idaho - Idaho, USA
Founded by cycling legend Rebecca Rusch, this event offers a range of routes from 20 to 100 miles, combining challenging mountain gravel riding with charitable fundraising, all set against the backdrop of Idaho's picturesque Wood River Valley.
2. Gravel Worlds - Nebraska, USA
Set against the vast prairies of Lincoln, Nebraska, this gravel race challenges participants with options from a 75-mile adventure to a 300-mile endurance test characterized by rolling hills, sparse traffic, and a strong sense of community among racers.
1. Unbound Gravel - Kansas, USA
This event challenges riders with a variety of distances, the longest being 200 miles, as they traverse the remote and diverse terrain of the Kansas Flint Hills, where rolling prairies and persistent winds test endurance.
