Participants will grind it out as they race over hills and around ponds and follow mostly gravel roads through the Northwoods of Maine in the 10th Annual Maine Gravel Grind. Distances from 35 miles to 68 miles.
Register at https://www.bikereg.com/61476
Online Registration Deadline: Friday, Sep 1, 2023, at 5:00 PM ET at https://www.bikereg.com/61476
This is a donation-based ride. For comparison most similar gravel events are between $75 and $250 . Dig a little deeper knowing your donation is going to our local trail center to help us create more riding opportunities.
Enjoy the beauty of Western Maine from the seat of your bicycle, as you grind the gravel for 35 - or more - miles. As the first and longest running Gravel Grind event in Maine, event coordinators are thrilled to invite you to take in the fresh air, foliage, wildlife and excitement as you embark on this ride through private, gated roads/trails, taking in breathtaking views and experiencing real Maine beauty.
The races will begin at 8 am. More details to come on this.
There are 3 routes to choose from this year. The ORIGINAL route totals 35 miles. About 12 miles of this route is on Route 4 broken up by the 5-mile Dodge Pond (mostly) Gravel Loop and finishing with about 18 miles on private gravel roads accessed with permission from Seven Islands Land Management. The 70-mile route will include much of the original route and will make a large circle to the north around much of the Kennebago River. The 50-mile route is a hybrid of both. All courses are unique and a single loop.
FOR 2023: THERE WILL BE TIME CUT-OFFS ALONG THE COURSE. THE FINAL TIME CUT IS AT THE TURN TO FLAT IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD. ALL RIDERS MUST MAKE IT TO THE TURN BY 1:30 PM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE. THIS IS A VERY REASONABLE CUT OFF AND REQUIRES AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 11 MPH ON THE LONG COURSE TO MAKE IT IN TIME.
It would not be Western Maine without being hilly terrain so be prepared to test yourself. Rest stops will be set up throughout the route with opportunities for cyclists to stop for water, a quick energy bar or simply a chance to give your legs a rest. Hop back on your bike, cross the finish line, and join us at Saddleback for food, prizes and telling race stories.
