Just like our mountain bike races, this gravel course is worthy of the True Grit title. You will encounter steep climbs, majestic scenery, and otherworldly vegetation. Pure Gravel Bliss! .
The course is 80% off-road, 84 miles, and 9000 ft of climbing.
The race starts at the Santa Clara Town Hall with a 7 mile escorted neutral start through St George to Navajo Dr and the start of the dirt and timing.
You will encounter grades as steep as 18% as you head up Blakes Dug Way toward the first feedzone on Hard Rootbeer Hill.The course drops drown off the hill to connect with Joshua Tree Road/BullDog Pass road and fast long descent to the Joshua Tree Basin through the Beaver Dam National Conservation Area. The scenery through the remote area of the high desert is breathtaking. But keep your eyes on the road and your hands firmly on the handlebars.
When the course reaches SR Old Hwy 91 at mile 32 you will get a break and spin up the tarmac to Lytle Ranch Road and the 2nd Feed. You will be greeted by cheering as friends provide mid-course support.
Heading into the wilds is Indian Trail Road the Rollers of Doom. They can feel endless before you to drop into the Joshua Tree forest and cross into Red Rock country. The 10 miles descent down Motaqua Road. Head down, down, down, past a mars like land scape of sand and sandstone pillars.
At mile 73.5 you will enter the cool shade of the Santa Clara River Corridor for your final Feed stop before the push on the pavement to the finish.
Cut-Offs
There are 3 Cut-Off times
- Feed Zone 1 – Hard Rootbeer Hill 12:15 PM
- Feed Zone 2 – Joshua Tree Forest @ Hwy 91 & Lytle Ranch Road 2:15 PM
- Finish.
- all riders must finish by -6:00 PM ( 6:32 sunrise, 6:55 sunset)
If you can not make these time cut-offs consider turning around or arranging for a ride at Feed Zone 2.
How Tough is this race?
Our tag line is not a joke, this is a tough race. The first 20 miles of the gravel bike race are over steep terrain. The climb requires peak fitness to stay on the bike (no walking challenge here) . The desert roads are unpredictable, sometime dry , sometimes rocky, but rarely smooth as a babies bottom. Once you hit the Rollers of Doom, you will know what you’re made of… So be prepared.
Feed Zones and Aid
There are 5 feed zones along the course. We have some great volunteers planned to man these and each one will have a little different offering.
Expect everything you need to motivate for the final push to the finish.
Hard Rootbeer Hill : Mile 20 SPONSOR : TEAM HAMMERSAW LAS VEGAS
You will be ready for a brief break once you finish this climb. There will be rootbeer or hard rootbeer to give you a good sugar kick. This will be a good spot to rest and regroup. There will likely be plenty of antics going on to keep you motivated.
Joshua Tree Forest: Mile 34
This is the spot where you can have a support vehicle meet you. There will be lots of treats, coke, and fuel for the next big push. There will also be mechanic support at this location.
Commit to the Pickle: Mile 46
Pickles and salty stuff will be here to celebrate passing the 1/2 way point
Motaqua Road: Mile 57
Fully Stocked with warm food and sweet treats.
Santa Clara River: Mile 71 SPONSOR: TEAM HAMMERSAW LAS VEGAS
Bad Weather Plan
Because this route travels over 4500 ft through areas that can potential receive snow or heavy rain, we reserve the right to change or modify the course for riders safety. Riders should also be prepared for changing weather conditions as the temperatures and conditions can change drastically between areas on the course.
Spectators Access
While this race does take place on open roads, we do not allow rider SUPPORT on the course. Only numbered racers and course marshals are allowed on the course with bikes.
Rider support vehicles and spectators may access the course at Feed Zone 2 and Feed Zone 5 only
.
Finish Route Details
Drop Bags
Drop Bags will only go to Feed Zone #2 Joshua Tree Forest. Rider Support Crews may also drop bags for participants or pick them up after the participant leaves.
This is a great opportunity to pack extra clothing ( or shed some) for your second half of the ride.
Bags will be returned to the Venue around 4 PM
Lost and Found
During Race : Items returned from the course will be stored at the finisher award tent race day.
Post Race: Any items not claimed by the end of the race will be available at the venue beginning at 8:30 am Sunday till 5 pm Sunday after the race. The items will be outside in the area of packet pick-up. Please keep them neatly inside the bins.
Very Post Race: All items will be brought back to GRO headquarters. The water bottles are emptied and placed in the washer for support at the next event. Unopened packaged nutritional and tube items also go to support future events. Clothing and very personal items will be kept for an additional week and can be shipped at your cost. After 2 weeks these items will be donated.
Timing and Results
Timing is provided via Race Results. https://my.raceresult.com/ . Each person will have a RFID chip attached to their number plate. Do not bend the plate or get it wet prior to the event or the tag could be deactivated. Live tracking and results links will be made available in the Racer Guide and on QR Code signs around the venue race day.
Timing is provided via Race Results. https://my.raceresult.com/ . Each person will have a RFID chip attached to their number plate. Do not bend the plate or get it wet prior to the event or the tag could be deactivated. Live tracking and results links will be made available in the Racer Guide and on QR Code signs around the venue race day.
Other Common FAQ’s
- What bike should I use: The Lauf Siegla is our favorite for this year. Born out of Icelandic Lava, this bike is equipment with wider tires and a little squish to help you get through the desert terrain.
- What nutrition is supplied: The nutrition provided at our aid stations is based on our sponsors for that year. We try to have a variety of supplements and real food, but we may not have what you are used to. We usually have some homemade goodies like banana bread, PBJ, or Cookies.
- Tell me about the post-race meal: We will post details on the vendor under the vendor page once they have been selected and the menu set for the year. The finish line meal always has both meat and vegetarian options. Meals will start at 12 pm and be available until the end of the race.
- What is the weather like: This is a spring race, and like any place in the spring the weather can vary greatly. The average high is 68 degrees, low 38 degrees and precipitation .93 “. But we have seen temps as high as 85 and as low as 32 and snowing, so come prepared for anything.
RULES
1 Race Age
The minimum age to enter the Gravel event is 16. Anyone under 18, must fill out a junior application, demonstrate proof of endurance, and have a parent or guardian on site during the race.
2. Starting Procedures
84 -Tough Stuff Riders will start promptly in an escorted neutral start wave. Please respect road rules. 64 -Sweet Stuff Riders will have a neutral, non escorted roll out in the opposite direction.
3 Rider Responsibility
This is a remote backcountry course with minimal access by vehicles. The EVENT SPONSORS, ORGANIZERS, PROMOTERS,
STAFF and anyone having anything to do with this event ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY OR WELL BEING. We cannot stress this strongly enough… YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!
Each participant is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for participants becoming lost, stranded, injured… or worse.
4. Equipment Swaps and E-Bikes
True Grit Gravel is a self-supported, bicycle marathon event along the gravel and dirt roads of rural Washington County UT. For the purpose of this event, “bicycle” is defined as “a vehicle consisting of a frame mounted on two wheels one behind the other, and having a seat, handlebars for steering, two hand-operated brakes, and propelled solely by the operator via two pedals connected to the rear wheel by chain or belt.
“E-Bikes” will NOT be allowed to race the 84 Tough Stuff. While they are allowed to ride in the 64 Sweet Stuff, they are discouraged. Any rider using an ebike must disclose it before riding, and have a spare battery.
5 Rules of the Road
Participants must obey all city, county, and state laws, and “Rules of the Road”. Specifically, DO NOT ride two abreast and carry a taillight so you are visible to drivers.
6. General Rules and Etiquette
- All backcountry bicycle event participants are required to wear eye protection and a helmet that complies with U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets.
- Each rider is expected to complete the entire course. If they do not the participant is considered a Did Not Finish (DNF). If a rider is a DNF they should not cross the finish line. They should report to an Official they are no longer on the course and did not complete the ride.
- You must display your number plate at all times. Non-registered riders are prohibited from entering the course during the race.
- Be responsible for your belongings and don’t throw trash on the trail.
- Be nice to your fellow racers, always announce when you are passing and make sure they have a safe place to pull over, especially in the technical parts.
- If you need to stop and take a break make sure you are well off course in a hardened area.
7. Restricted Course
Support Crews are NOT allowed on the course, except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. If a support crew vehicle is spotted on course, their rider will be disqualified. Providing support to a rider while on course goes against the self-sufficiency spirit of this event, puts all riders at risk, and creates excess dust on the roads.
8. Equipment Checklist
Each participant must carry with them every item on
this list:
1. Cycling computer or GPS device. (To track
your mileage.)
2. Red tail light.
3. Front light. (optional)
4. Minimum of two liters of water or sports
drink.
5. Two spare inner tubes.
6. Air pump or inflation system.
7. A cell phone to contact the “outside
world” should you need help.
ADDITIONAL Supplies You Should SERIOUSLY Consider
1. Front Feed Bag
2. Hydration pack
3. Waterproof/windproof jacket
4. Extra thermal top or warm layer
5. An emergency/survival blanket
6. Food – energy bars, gels, chocolate, etc.
7. Tire levers
8. Puncture repair kit
9. Chain tool
10. Allen wrench set
11. Sunscreen
12. First aid kit
13. Chamois cream
14. Chain lube
15. Cash, debit card, or credit card. (To
purchase food, water, and supplies.)
9 . Be Prepared
- Participants will be responsible for printing their own set of course maps and/or cue sheets prior to the event. These documents will be the rider’s primary means of navigation. In addition, the course may have a limited number of course markings to reassure participants they are on route. DO NOT RELY ON COURSE MARKINGS FOR NAVIGATION. USE THE GPS Course !!! Participants may load the route into their GPS prior to the event, to assist in navigation
2. There are only 5 support areas on the course where you can get food, and water. There are only 2 spots where you can meet support crews. We HIGHLY suggest you carry a feed bag, saddle bag, and a minimum of 40 ounces of water If the forecast calls for temps over 70% we suggest 3 water bottles.
3. There is a gas station at mile 79. It is acceptable to stop here for last-minute supplies for the push to the finish.
Finish
- The race end’s at 6 PM. All racers must be off course by 6 pm or receive a DNF on official results.
- We reserve the right to cancel or shorten the race as needed due to weather or other trail conditions for the safety of all racers and longevity of the event.
- All results will be available online and live during the race. It is the racer’s responsibility to check that their finish time was recorded.
- Only the top 3 podium winners will be posted. There will be a 20 Minute protest period before the awards ceremony for each category.
- Only podium disputes will be accepted during the event. All other disputes or timing errors must be submitted in writing, with proof, to Info@groraces.com. Disputes will be accepted up to 5 days from the end of the event; at which time all results will become final.