New Courses for the 2024 Gorge Gravel Ride
Three superb distances for all abilities will let you enjoy Oregon’s Gorge and Cascade Mountain Peaks this spring.
80% FULL so Register Now!
Gorge Gravel is the perfect early spring event perfect for beginner riders and seasoned gravel gurus! Test your fitness coming out of the winter with beautiful views, pure gravel camaraderie, and a pre and post-ride celebration based in Oregon's gem of gravel, Dufur. Gorge offers challenging competition for racers and also a supportive, inclusive ride for fresh gravel converts, with the innovative gravel pace group program.
Dufur is one of the best spring time riding secrets in the Northwest. Moderate marine air flowing inland from the coast, coupled with being just on the other side of the Cascade Mountain Range rain shadow, it’s your best bet for sun and warm temps from March through May each year. Surrounding Dufur is hundreds of miles of gravel farm roads with little to no motor traffic on them.
The course offers great views of the Gorge and surrounding Cascade Mountain peaks as well as an assortment of old school buildings, barns, and houses from the late 1800’s. Rolling bright green wheat fields dominate the landscape in all directions.
Expect average temps to be in the mid 40’s by race start and up into the mid 60’s by the peak of the day on April 28th 2024. Gravel sections are well packed, smooth and fast. Spring rains provide good moisture keeping the dust down. No portion of the courses exceeds double digits for climbing or descending. Just a lot of fast rolling hills and is a real early season test of form!
Big Gravel got a bit harder!
100 Miles - 8300 Feet Elevation
60% Gravel - 40% Paved
2024 will be 100 miles in total length and 1000 feet more elevation. Three brand-new spicy sections will help to ensure this does not turn into a full-blown road race with one huge peloton!
There will also be an additional category for Pro-Elite Men and Women and Amateur Men and Women for the Big Gravel Course. The Pro-Elite Men and Women will be vying for a cash prize purse this year to keep motivation high.
The race starts with a gentle rollout through the beautiful Dufur Valley on paved roads before turning off onto Rail Hollow and the start of the gravel. The first 10 miles will be gentle climbing with grades ranging from 2-3% to help get the blood pumping and legs warmed up. This year we are adding three brand-new spicey sections to help make the race more selective based on bike handling in addition to fitness. Heberlein, Wrentham Cutoff, and Upper Eight Mile descent will provide short but decisive sections for the Big Gravel riders. The dreaded Endersby Climb will now be reversed with riders climbing the back side up to the timing finish to make sure and zap the last of your strength and energy. We are confident this course will leave you tired and satisfied.
Medium Gravel got a little easier
65 Miles - 5200 Feet Elevation
60% Gravel - 40% Paved
The majority of this course is new for Medium Gravel course riders and the roads that have been used the past 3 years will be run in reverse for a new look and feel. More trees and beautiful views of Mt. Hood greet riders and this is a more wind friendly course.
With the removal of the dreaded Endersby Climb right out of the gate next year’s race will start with a 10-mile warm up heading out the Dufur Valley and up Rail Hollow Road. A little shorter on mileage and elevation will help riders save some more energy for the new spicy sections we have included. Heberlein and Wrentham Cutoff will provide just enough challenge to tease riders who like technical gravel and scare those who don’t.
Nearly all new roads next year for the Medium Gravel course riders as we head further west than in year’s past will keep those who have done this course multiple year’s, new scenery to experience. This course is also more wind shaded. Don’t get us wrong there will still be wind just less of it.
Small Gravel got a little easier too
45 Miles - 3500 Feet Elevation
50% Gravel - 50% Paved
With the removal of the dreaded Endersby Climb right out of the gate next year’s race will start with a 10-mile warm up heading out the Dufur Valley and up Rail Hollow Road. A little shorter on mileage and elevation will help riders save some more energy for the new Heberlein Road spicy section. Nearly all new roads next year for the Small Course riders as we head further west through the town of Friend, Oregon. Also “Friendly is the fact that the course is more wind shaded. Don’t get us wrong there will still be wind just less of it. What has not changed is the super fun decent down Easton Canyon Road to the timing finish as well as sweeping views of no less than 5 major Cascade Mountain volcanos from the top of Tygh Ridge Road.
Less miles, less elevation, more spice is the theme for our Small Course riders. Down from 51 miles last year to 45 miles in 2024 as well as 800 feet less elevation. This will allow rider a little more in the legs to take on the spicy Heberlein section. The majority of this course is new for the Small Course riders and the roads that have been used the past 3 years will be run in reverse for a new look and feel. More trees and beautiful views of Mt. Hood greet riders on the 2024 course.
VIDEO: Gorge 2024 Course Preview
Pace Groups
Six pace groups will be available for all rider levels, with four groups for the Small Gravel and two for the Medium Gravel. Each group will be headed by an experienced Ride Leader, organizing and keeping the pace, while hand-picked Ambassadors will be within the pack cheering riders on and celebrating with every accomplishment.
Ride Leaders and Ambassadors will offer guidance, course knowledge, and be able to support the pace group throughout the course.
Accommodation
Cousins Country Inn has been a tremendous supporter of the Gorge Gravel for the past 10 years. They are the best bang for your lodging buck in the Gorge! ?Gorge Gravel participants will receive the special rate of $95 plus tax for any classic room or $119 plus tax for a Barn room. Riders need to call for reservations and let them know they are coming in for the race to get their discount. Just call Cousins Country Inn at 541-298-5161.
Tent camping is located at Dufur City Park. Park has acres of lawn to pitch your tent and heated bathrooms and showers onsite. The Gorge Gravel will start in the park in the middle of the camping area.
Barlow Field has spots for approximately 30 overflow Car/Truck/Van campers. These spots will be opened only after the spots around the park are filled. Barlow field is approximately 1/2 mile from the race start.
RV Hookup and Car/Truck/Van Camping already SOLD OUT!
Register Now to Secure a Place
Registration includes; Custom Pint Glass, Lunch, Custom T-Shirt, Beer, Well Stocked Aid Stations, Well Marked and Amazing Courses, Chip timing and Mechanical Support.
Race Categories include; Juniors, Open Men, Open Women, Masters Men (45+), Masters Women (45+) and the new Pro/Elite category will be competing for money for the podium spots.
Gorge sold out all 800 places last year in advance and the team at Breakaway Promotions want to make sure you can saddle up for this early-season gravel with something for every ride level Maximum limit of 1,000 riders.
There are well-stocked aid stations located every 20 miles along the course. Mt. View Cycles will be at the start and on course with tubes, tires, tire pump and assistance
80% FULL so Register Now to Secure a Place!
For more information, please visit: https://www.oregongravelgrinder.com/gorge-gravel-grinder
