It’s refreshing to see the gravel event calendar going so late into September and even October here in Colorado. For various reasons, this was something the road scene always screwed up. Racing would start in March, with half the races being canceled due to crappy weather, and we’d be done by early August when it’s finally getting really nice out. It looks like gravel event promoters have taken note and are keeping the stoke level high well into the Fall.

Below you’ll find three unique gravel events all taking place in September and within 2 hours of Fort Collins.

Antelope Stampede

The Antelope Stampede on September 17, 2022 is a mixed surface event on some of the fastest rolling gravel roads you will find as you cross 3 state lines.  This adventure will take you from Kimball Nebraska, south into Colorado, west into Wyoming and back into Nebraska as you return to Kimball for a rewarding BBQ in the park with music and the celebration of our top finishers!   The course will take you past farm fields, livestock pastures, petroleum oil fields as well as hundreds of green energy wind towers.  You will encounter antelope, jackrabbits, cows, horses, farm fields and open prairie.  You might even see some buffalo or a dreaded rattlesnake along the way!  There are 3 distinct course lengths to choose from: 25-, 50- and 100-mile versions (only the longest verson will take you into three different states).

Pawnee Pioneer Trail

Northeast Colorado’s Pawnee Pioneer Trails scenic and historic byway leads you through a fascinating prairie expanse. With the expansion of America into the West, explorers and settlers could hardly believe their eyes when looking upon the Great Plains. Gain some perspective on the history of the plains as you navigate what was once a thoroughfare for ambitious settlers, entrepreneurs and migrating bison.

With the goal of growing the Pawnee Pioneer Gravel Weekend to add a full race in the future, for the inaugural year, we will provide prizes for the top riders overall and in each age group for the Pawnee Roubaix – Men, Women, Non Binary. To be ranked please make sure you sign up for the Ride with GPS Pawnee Pioneer Gravel Weekend Event.

High Plains Drifter

Welcome to the 2nd year of the High Plains Drifter. This is a 330 mile 12,000ft elevation gain unsupported bikepacking adventure. There are no fees, prizes or sign-up. Tracking will be available thru trackleaders. The route is approximately 70% gravel, 10% B roads, 10% single-track and 10% hard surface. If you like wide open spaces and night skies this adventure is for you. Follow the Facebook link for details and updates.

Gravel Graceland

Gravel Graceland, a Bike Sports brand, offers you biking expeditions and adventure travel experiences covering all skill levels to Northern Colorado and beyond. Whitney and Zack share over two decades of pro-level road and gravel racing between them and Bike Sports is an inclusive avenue for them to bring you along for the ride and see the world as they see it.

That apple on the tree that’s just out of reach — you know, that event you’ve been eyeing for years — let us springboard you out of your comfort zone and straight to it. Get sideways into a turn. Break the wheels loose on a gravel descent. Live like a king or queen slurping the oysters of the world’s most picturesque riding locations. We will bring you on an experience by bicycle. If you’re wondering if cycling is your thing, it will be after we hang out.

More gravel events from Heidi Rides Bikes

September 2022

October 2022

  • October 1, 2022 – Gravel Locos – Pueblo, CO (169/97/58/30)
  • October 8, 2022 – Rexy – Fruita, CO (208)
  • October 8, 2022 – Rad Dirt Fest – Trinidad, CO (165/90/38)

More here: Heidi Rides Bikes

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