Real West Gravel Grinder - March 16, 2025 - Pendleton OR

Homegrown Gravel Adventure heads into fourth year, leaving “Border Wars” name behind

Each year, along the Alabama-Georgia border, a gritty and exhilarating day of early spring gravel racing is quickly becoming legend in the cycling community. On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the gravel adventure returns under a new (but familiar) banner.

Photo: 2024 100-Mile Winners – Lauren DeCrescenzo and Michael Garrison

Photo: 2024 100-Mile Winners – Lauren DeCrescenzo and Michael Garrison

Formerly “Border Wars,” Homegrown Gravel Adventure has rebranded for 2025. The shift is driven by the continued evolution of the event, which has steadily outgrown the original intent behind its old name. As world conflict continues around the globe, the time has come to look toward the future.

Throughout its first three years, Border Wars consistently described itself as a homegrown event, aiming to remind riders of Grandma’s warm apple pie—and never a typical prepackaged dessert. (While mass-produced treats can be delightful, that’s simply not what this event is.) Thus, the Homegrown name was a natural fit. The move allows organizers and participants to focus on the experience without distraction. And while the brand is choosing to mellow with age, the event itself remains an extremely challenging and competitive gravel race and ride, giving participants the freedom to push their personal limits and embrace the mental battle to finish.

For its fourth iteration, Homegrown 2025 will see several additions and expansions. Field limits have increased from 600 to 800 total registered riders. New prize categories have been added for 40-54 Masters, 55+ Masters, and Singlespeed. The 30-mile ride now has an optional ten-mile extension, creating a 40-mile route. There will be official event camping during the evenings before and after the race, and post-ride showers will be available to all riders.

Photo: Sunny skies, 67° temps, Rolling Pasture & Crystal Clear Creek Crossings entertained 605 registered riders in 2024

Photo: Sunny skies, 67° temps, Rolling Pasture & Crystal Clear Creek Crossings entertained 605 registered riders in 2024

The overall winners in the Women’s, Men’s, Non-Binary, Masters, Juniors and Singlespeed categories will be awarded one-of-a kind custom ceramic trophies, lovingly made by Grouchy Ass Pottery Studio. These trophies are large handmade works of art requiring hours of labor, fully customized for each event. The 2025 trophies will, of course, be the first to bear the Homegrown logo.

As competitors return to Downtown Franklin’s quaint square after a grueling ramble through serene Georgia farmland and shady Alabama hollers, they’ll be welcomed into a charming post-ride community festival. Featuring abundant and delicious food and drink, live music, a bike expo, art, massages and good company, the after-party is a highlight, a well-earned reward, and a peaceful end to a beautiful day in the Southeast’s backcountry.

The event is cohosted by Independent Gravel and the East Point Track Club and presented by local sponsors, with event profits benefiting MTB Atlanta and the Heard County Food Pantry.

Online registration for Homegrown Gravel Adventure opens August 1 at www.bikereg.com/homegrown, with a $15 early bird discount through September 30, 2024.

For more information, visit www.homegrowngravel.com