WYO-131 Gravel Race
📍 Wyoming, USA
gravelBeginner friendly
Date
12 September 2026
Distance
21km · 72km · 121km · 211km
Elevation
3,048 m
Difficulty
gravelmtb
HARDford 50 Gravel Grinder
Tennessee, USA · 2 August 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The HARDford 50 Gravel Grinder offers two challenging routes of approximately 80km or 120km through the Smoky Mountains, featuring significant climbing predominantly on gravel and dirt roads.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 50mi · 75mi
- Elevation
- 3,139 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is designed for experienced gravel and mountain bike riders seeking a formidable challenge with substantial elevation gain and demanding off-road terrain.
Who will struggle
Riders without extensive experience in long, sustained climbing on varied off-road terrain, or those with lower fitness levels, will find this race exceptionally difficult.
Training focus
Training should prioritize high-volume endurance rides, sustained climbing efforts, and technical bike handling on loose surfaces to prepare for the relentless terrain and elevation.
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 course distances and elevations?+
Riders can choose between two fully-supported courses: the HARDford 50, covering 50+ miles with 6,500 feet of climbing, or the HARDERford 75, which is 75 miles with 10,300 feet of climbing.
What type of terrain can riders expect?+
The courses consist of approximately 75% gravel, 10% dirt, with the remaining portion on pavement. It traverses Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests.
What bikes are recommended for this event?+
Both Cyclocross (CX) and Mountain Bikes (MTB) are deemed appropriate for the challenging mixed-surface conditions.
Will there be support on the course?+
Yes, there will be four fully stocked aid stops strategically placed along the course to support riders.
Is the course marked, or do riders need to navigate?+
The course will not be marked, and riders are responsible for downloading and using the provided GPX and FIT files for navigation.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?+
Packet pick-up is at Rapid Expeditions. Times are listed as Saturday, August 2nd, from 6-8 pm, and Sunday, August 3rd, from 6-7:30 am.