gravelbeginner friendly

Grassroots Gravel 2026

Colorado, USA · 10 October 2026

Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard

This gravel race in Pueblo, Colorado, offers four distances from 15 to 113 miles, featuring rolling terrain, open landscapes, and significant climbing on well-maintained gravel roads. It's a community-focused event designed for all experience levels, culminating in a two-day festival.

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Distances
15 miles · 19 miles · 39 miles · 75 miles · 113 miles
Elevation
2,469 m
Surface
gravel
Typical W/kg
2.8–4.2

Rider fit

Who it's for

This event is perfect for riders of all skill levels, from beginners seeking a friendly introduction to gravel to experienced racers aiming for an epic endurance challenge on a legendary course.

Who will struggle

Riders unprepared for sustained climbing, especially on the longer courses, or those who prefer perfectly flat, paved routes, may find this gravel event challenging.

Training focus

Training should prioritize long-duration endurance rides, developing consistent power output for rolling gravel terrain, and specific climbing practice for the significant elevation gains.

Are you ready for this race?

Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.

FAQs

What are the available race distances and their characteristics?+

There are four gravel course options: "The Mild" (15 or 19 miles, 550 ft elevation, non-competitive), "The Lil Chile" (39 miles, 1,800 ft elevation, timed), "The Half" (75 miles, 3,900 ft elevation, timed), and "The Whole" (113 miles, 8,100 ft elevation, timed). All routes are on well-maintained gravel roads.

Is Grassroots Gravel suitable for beginner riders?+

Yes, Grassroots Gravel is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all experience levels, offering multiple distance options and a supportive atmosphere for first-time gravel riders alongside seasoned racers.

Are there competitive categories for experienced or elite riders?+

Absolutely, the event caters to elite-level competition with timed races, legendary courses, and professional timing services, providing a challenging environment for top-tier racers.

What racing categories and age groups are offered?+

Categories include Women, Gender-Expansive, Men, Para/Adaptive, Singlespeed, and Tandem. An E-bike/Electric-Assist division is also available, which is timed but non-competitive. Age groups range from Junior (17 & under) to 70+.

What kind of terrain and road surfaces can I expect during the race?+

The race features well-maintained gravel roads in Pueblo, Colorado, characterized by rolling terrain, open landscapes, and significant elevation gains, including one of the state's best gravel climbs on the long course.

Is there a festival associated with the race?+

Yes, Grassroots Gravel includes a two-day cycling festival with an expo, live music, community events, and opportunities to connect with the cycling industry and local vendors.

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