Welcome to December and the inaugural edition of The North American Gravel and MTB Racing Report, a one-stop shop for all you need to know about North American off-road bike racing.
You may be in the depths of the off-season, but the sprints before the races have begun: registrations. Many of the most popular events have lotteries or sell out in days, so don’t wait. It’s also the season of new events. Learn about one of these new (read: not free) holiday gifts from race promoters below.
But first…
🔍 Dig Deep
➡️ Races have many moving parts. We talked to the director of the 6-day Breck Epic stage race, Mike McCormack, to get his thoughts on the ins and outs of event promotion and some new additions Breck Epic riders can expect next year.
What are your primary aims in establishing Breck Epic’s atmosphere?
McCormack thinks the key to creating a good atmosphere is to emphasize the importance of every racer, not only the pointy end of the race, saying, “everyone who comes is a guest in my community.”
🎧 Listen closer:
What is your favorite part of producing Breck Epic
The race director says that “there’s great dopamine…great satisfaction in looking at a notebook that is nothing but highlighted [pre-race] tasks that are done.” He also says the ultimate reward is meeting excited riders when the event starts.
🎧 Listen closer:
What is the most challenging part?
A medical emergency “in a place that’s really hard to reach,” according to McCormack, is the toughest part of running a race.
🎧 Listen closer:
How has Breck Epic been impacted by the rise of large corporations in race promotion?
Several companies, including Ironman and Life Time Fitness, have presented seven offers to purchase Breck Epic in recent years. McCormack says he likes many of the ways these companies have developed events and will likely sell Breck Epic to one in the future, but he is hesitant to make the change now. He says that one reason is in a bid to keep the race small, saying it is “not good for the riders to be nose to tail for 50 miles each day” because it is supposed to be a backcountry race.
🎧 Listen closer:
What are some changes racers will see at Breck Epic next year?
While McCormack was unable to give details, he said that a new major partner will be joining the race, and there will be more women’s specific programming produced with the help of professional rider, speaker, and podcaster Sonya Looney.
🎧 Listen closer:
🔑 Hack: Want to race Breck Epic? Read on for the details on their holiday pricing deal. The race runs from Aug. 13-18, 2023. (Note: we are not associated with Breck Epic).
🏁 Race News
The new Singletrack Series, created by professional riders Stephen Davoust, Geoff Kabush, Evelyn Dong, and Ryan Standish, will kick off in 2023 with four existing events: The Moab Rocks stage race in Utah in March, GJ Rides and Vibes in Colo. in May, The Back Forty in British Columbia in June, and Downieville Classic in Calif. in July. Series registration details will be announced soon.
Rooted Vermont, run by Ted and Laura King, plans for a hiatus in 2023 because of, according to the organization, “changes taking place in gravel that present risks each race organization must consider and weigh.” This comes after the death of professional racer Sule Kangangi at the Vermont Overland race in August.
USA Cycling announced plans to increase its involvement in the gravel scene by supporting established events and developing junior and collegiate racing series to develop the next generation of gravel competitors. USAC will also launch an approximately 100-mile gravel national championship race with a date and location to be announced by the end of the year.
📆 Registration Dates
UNBOUND XL, Emporia, Kan. The lottery for this 350-mile gravel event is open now through Dec. 15.
Leadville 100, Leadville, Colo. You have until Dec. 15 to put your name in the lottery hat to race this 100-mile high-altitude race.
Gravel Locos, Hico, Texas. Registration is open to race distances from 30 to 150 miles. No lottery entry is required.
Breck Epic, Breckenridge, Colo. Save $100 on registration through the end of the year for this 6-day mountain bike race.
Belgian Waffle Ride. Registration for each of the six events in Ariz., Calif., British Columbia, N.C., Mich., and Kan. is now open and selling out fast.
Life Time Grand Prix. 35 top men and 35 top women will be selected to compete in at least five of seven events for a $250,000 prize purse. Application decisions will be announced on Dec. 15. Listen to the latest Groadio Podcast episode about the series and the changes it will make for 2023.
🔑 Hack: Looking for a race in your area? Check out the Gravel Calendar.
🚵 Professional Racing
Defending Life Time Grand Prix champions Haley Smith (Maxxis Factory Racing) and Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz htSQD) will attempt to retain their titles in 2023.
Dylan Johnson, a professional mountain bike and gravel racer also known for his YouTube presence, has signed with Inspire Athlete Management for 2023 as he looks to step up in the Life Time Grand Prix.
Emily Newsom will leave the UCI WorldTour road scene in 2023 to race off road after five successful years with EF Education-TIBCO-SVB in races, including the Tour de France Femmes. The former concert pianist says this decision is, in part, due to her wishes to be closer to her family.
💡 Today’s Training Tip
Dressing for below-freezing rides:
👕 Top
Start with a thermal base layer.
Add a long sleeve jersey.
Add a thermal jacket.
👖 Bottom
Use thermal bib tights.
Wear thick socks and shoe covers.
🧤Accessories
Add a neck gaiter pulled up over the ears and a hat to stay warm.
Use thick gloves, and, below 20 degrees, bar mitts to keep your hands warm.
Use fenders on your bike.
🔑 Hack:
Use warm water with drink mix in insulated bottles to slow freezing.
Ready to ride ✅.
📍 Check Out This Route
Phantom Canyon to Gold Camp Gravel
Location: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Surface: Gravel
Difficulty: Epic
Distance: 116.5 miles
Elevation gain: 9,100 feet
Phantom Canyon and Gold Camp roads, formerly railroad routes, are quiet options that will transport you back in mining history while rewarding you with spectacular views of the Front Range mountains and Colorado Springs. It’s long, so plan for ten-or-more hours on the bike with a refueling break about two-thirds through in Victor.
❤️ Race Recommendation
Ned Gravel in Nederland, Colo., combines inclusivity, a great course, and good competition to produce a fun day on the bike. The race provides opportunities for all abilities with 20-mile, 40-mile, 60-mile, and 107-mile courses. Registration is now open for the July 8 event.