Northwoods Gravel Grind

2024 NOTE: THERE IS A CHANCE OF A COURSE OVERHAUL FOR 2024.  WE ARE WAITING ON LANDOWNER APPROVALS.  IF THOSE DON'T COME THRU WE WILL USE THE SAME BASIC COURSE AS IN YEARS PAST. 

 

This is a donation based ride. Dig a little deeper knowing your donation is going to our local trail center to help us create more riding opportunities.

Enjoy the beauty of Western Maine from the seat of your bicycle, as you grind the gravel for 35 - or more - miles.  As the first and longest running Gravel Grind event in Maine, event coordinators are thrilled to invite you to take in the fresh air, foliage, wildlife and excitement as you embark on this ride through private, gated roads/trails, taking in breathtaking views and experiencing real Maine beauty.

The races will begin at 8:30 am.  More details to come on this.  

There are 3 routes to choose from this year.  The ORIGINAL route totals 35 miles.  About 12 miles of this route is on Route 4 broken up by the 5 mile Dodge Pond (mostly) Gravel Loop and finishing with about 18 miles on private gravel roads accessed with permission from Seven Islands Land Management.  The 70 mile route will include much of the original route and will make a large circle to the north around much of the Kennebago River.  The 50 mile route is a hybrid of both.  All course are unique and a single loop.

FOR 2024: THERE WILL BE TIME CUT-OFFS ALONG THE COURSE.  THE FINAL TIME CUT IS AT THE TURN TO FLAT IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD.  ALL RIDERS MUST MAKE IT TO THE TURN BY 1:30 PM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE.  THIS IS A VERY REASONABLE CUT OFF AND REQUIRES AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 11 MPH ON THE LONG COURSE TO MAKE IT IN TIME.

It would not be Western Maine without being hilly terrain so be prepared to test yourself.  Rest stops will be set up throughout the route with opportunities for cyclists to stop for water, a quick energy bar or simply a chance to give your legs a rest. Hop back on your bike, cross the finish line, and join us  at Saddleback for food, prizes and telling race stories.

PRIZES:

Men & Women Categories - Top 3 in each category.  Some combination of local swag and hand made goodness. 

Note: Event will take place rain or shine; all registration donations are non-refundable. Cyclists will ride at their own risk and must wear a helmet. Route is challenging with several hills and is not recommended for beginners.  Registration requires waiver.  Riders may change categories on day of the event.

One/Two stocked aid stations will be available on the course and limited support will be provided along the course. This area is remote so bring with you what you think you may need for before, during, and after the race.

 FOR 2024:  ALL RIDERS WILL RECEIVE A GPS FILE FOR THEIR BIKE COMPUTER THAT WILL GIVE YOU TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS. WE HAD SIGNAGE TAMPERING IN 2019, AND ARE FOLLOWING THE NORM FOR MANY OTHER NATIONAL GRAVEL EVENTS WITH MINIMAL SIGNAGE.  WE WILL HAVE COURSE SIGNAGE, BUT CONSIDER IT AS ½ OF YOUR NAVIGATION PLAN.  WE WILL BE USING RIDEWITHGPS.COM TO CREATE THE ROUTES.

TIMELINE FOR RACE DAY: 

8 AM - MASS ROLLING START

10:15 - FIRST 35 MILE RIDERS WILL APPROACH FINISH AREA

11:15 - FIRST 50 MILE RIDERS WILL APPROACH FINISH AREA

12:00 - FIRST 68 MILE RIDERS WILL APPROACH FINISH AREA

2:00 - ALL RIDERS OFF COURSE AND COURSE SWEPT.  ANY REMAINING RIDERS WILL BE GIVEN A RIDE BACK TO FINISH AREA.  AWARDS AND AFTER PARTY.  LOCATION - Saddleback Mountain, outside on the deck.

Rules and General Information:

Helmets MUST be worn and fastened at all times while on the bike.The course and all roads are open to traffic. ALL racers MUST obey all rules of the road along the course, at intersections and road crossings. Racers should yield to all traffic and should stop at all road crossings where traffic is present. There may be road crossings with heavy car and truck traffic. There may be an area of the course where the racers will share the road with car and truck traffic. Please keep to the right and ride single file except where passing. Following the rules of the road is for your own safety.Traffic may include hunters, fisherman, logging trucks, and other vehicles.  Though there will be an aid station(s) and limited support on the course, racers should carry with them what they need including tools, parts and nutrition.Cyclocross, Gravel Grind, Mountain and Road bikes will be allowed and can be used. The best choice would be a cyclocross or gravel grind bike. A minimum of 28c wide tires with tread is recommended. Gravel can be very hard on tires with the possibility of potholes throughout. Don’t ruin your race by cutting an expensive tubular.No tri-bars or aero bars.Support crews are not permitted to help racers on the course except for the aid station. No motor pacing, no pacing from a rider not in the race, no external support.  No use of the course prior to race start will be permitted.Please let the race officials or staff know if you leave the race. We want to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at the end of the day.Pets are not permitted on the course.Absolutely no littering on the course. Littering on course will result in disqualification. It is vital we leave the area as we found it.

 

LODGING OPTIONS: 

Camping:  https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/campgrounds

•All these campgrounds are in the region.  Rangeley Lake State Park and Cupsuptic Lake Campground are the closest options to the starting line. 

•If you want a no-frills place to park your van, car, camper with only a porta-jon for amenities we will be allowing camping at the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center.   This is essentially boon-docking.

Inns and Hotels: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/inns-motel-hotels

Rangeley has a great variety of lodging options from no-frills to all out fancy. 

Cottages and Condos: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/members/category/cottages-homes-condos

If you have a group of friends and want to rent something to house a bunch of people we suggest you call one of these listings.  There are tons of options locally for rental homes and condos. 

 

 

The Northwoods Gravel Grind is being held under a special use permit issued by _Seven Islands Land Management_ for use of private/gated roads not typically open for public use.