gravelmtbbeginner friendly

Gravel Grovel

Indiana, USA · 21 November 2026

Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard

The Gravel Grovel offers challenging gravel and pavement courses across 30, 42, and 100km distances, featuring significant climbing and some trail sections, taking place in the scenic Hoosier National Forest.

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Distances
100km · 68km · 48km
Elevation
1,311 m
Surface
gravel, tarmac, dirt
Typical W/kg
2.5–4

Rider fit

Who it's for

This race is ideal for gravel enthusiasts seeking a challenging multi-distance event, with options for competitive racers and those looking for a scenic but tough ride, including an E-bike friendly 30-mile course.

Who will struggle

Road cyclists without appropriate tires or those unprepared for significant sustained climbing and mixed terrain will find the longer distances particularly demanding.

Training focus

Training should prioritize sustained power output for long climbs, endurance for varied terrain, and bike handling skills for gravel and trail sections.

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 distances are available?+

The event offers 100km, 42-mile (68km), and 30-mile (48km) courses, plus a 2-3 person relay option for the 100km distance.

What kind of terrain can I expect?+

Riders will encounter a mix of gravel roads, paved sections, and a few miles of trail, particularly on the 100km course.

How much climbing is involved?+

The 100km course features approximately 1311 meters (4300 feet) of climbing, with challenging ascents expected on all longer routes.

Are there awards for all categories?+

Awards are given to the top 3 per division for the 100km (Open, MTB, Single Speed by age/gender), top 3 teams for the 100km Relay, and top 3 male/female for 42-mile and 30-mile courses; the 30-mile E-bike category is for fun only with no awards.

What is the race cut-off time?+

The official race cut-off is 5:30 p.m. on race day, after which no support or finish times will be recorded.

What is the race day schedule?+

Rider check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a mandatory meeting at 9:15 a.m. The 100km starts at 9:30 a.m., the 42-mile at 10:00 a.m., the 30-mile at 10:30 a.m., and the 30-mile E-bike at 10:40 a.m. Awards are scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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